Back to ISAPS Fellowship Program
South Africa
Find out more about ISAPS Fellowships in Johannesburg, South Africa under the supervision of Prof. Chrysis Sofianos.
The fellowship is based at both a high-volume private aesthetic surgery practice in Johannesburg, as well as selected public academic facilities affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand. Fellows will be exposed to a diverse surgical environment, across the range of advanced aesthetic procedures. The fellowship is directed by Prof. Chrysis Sofianos, but fellows will rotate with several leading plastic surgeons in Johannesburg to gain comprehensive exposure across the full spectrum of aesthetic surgery - including facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, breast and body contouring, and non-surgical procedures.
This multidisciplinary structure ensures a rich and well-rounded experience, reflective of the diversity and depth of aesthetic practice in South Africa. Johannesburg offers a dynamic and culturally rich setting, with access to high-quality surgical care, academic mentorship, and exposure to the challenges and opportunities unique to the South African healthcare landscape.
Useful Information
Accommodation
Accommodation is not provided, but assistance will be offered to help fellows find suitable, safe, and conveniently located short-term rental options. Melrose, Rosebank, and Sandton are preferred areas with good transport links, proximity to the clinic, and a variety of furnished options.
Visa, work permit
Applicants must check visa requirements of the country they plan to visit before applying for the ISAPS Fellowship Program.
For visa and immigration information, please read the details on the South African Department of Home Affairs official website.
Licensure
Please note that regulations in South Africa require that in order to ‘scrub-in’ you are required to be registered with the health professional council.
Visiting fellows may scrub and assist under supervision but are not eligible to work independently, manage patients unsupervised, or be on call unless they hold full registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). We will provide guidance on the registration process where applicable; however, due to local regulation timelines, registration is not guaranteed and must be initiated well in advance.
Transportation
Depending on the location of your accommodation ‘Uber’ will be the most efficient and inexpensive transport option.
Fellowship Host
Prof. Chrysis Sofianos is a triple board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and a leading authority on aesthetic surgery in Johannesburg, South Africa. He has a special interest in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, particularly the deep plane facelift, and brings a modern, precision-focused approach to aesthetic surgery in both private and academic settings. Prof. Sofianos currently leads the largest Plastic Surgery department on the African continent, as Head of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Prof. Chrysis Sofianos
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Job Title Professor and Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Clinic/Hospital/Office University of the Witwatersrand
- Work Province Gauteng
- Work phone +27 10 500 5151
- Website http://www.cs.surgery
- Location 7 Leicester Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2008
Life Bedford Gardens Hospital
7 Leicester Rd, Bedford Gardens, Germiston, 2007, South Africa
Melrose Surgical Centre
During a fellowship, the fellow can anticipate observing the following subjects and techniques:
- Deep plane facelift and facial rejuvenation techniques
- Blepharoplasty, brow lift, and neck lift procedures
- Breast augmentation, mastopexy, and breast reduction
- Body contouring (including abdominoplasty and gluteal reshaping)
- Scar management and regenerative adjuncts (PRP, nanofat, injectable biostimulators)
- Aesthetic practice management, innovation and research