Medical Disclaimer

Professional Qualifications and Registration

Dr. Gideon Maresky is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and practices in accordance with the ethical guidelines and professional standards set by the HPCSA.

Website Information Disclaimer

General Information Only

The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered as:

• Specific medical advice for your individual condition
• A substitute for professional medical consultation
• A diagnosis or treatment recommendation
• A guarantee of treatment outcomes or results
• Medical advice for emergency situations

Information Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information:

• Medical knowledge and techniques are constantly evolving
• Information may become outdated or superseded
• Individual cases may vary significantly from general information
• We cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all content

Consultation Requirements

In-Person Consultation Mandatory

A comprehensive in-person consultation with Dr. Maresky is required before any treatment can be recommended or provided:

• Physical examination and medical assessment
• Review of complete medical history
• Discussion of treatment options and alternatives
• Explanation of risks, benefits, and potential complications
• Realistic expectation setting for outcomes
• Informed consent process

No Remote Diagnosis

• Diagnosis cannot be made based on photographs alone
• Email or phone consultations do not establish a doctor-patient relationship
• Treatment recommendations require physical examination
• Online information requests are for educational purposes only

Treatment Limitations and Considerations

Individual Suitability

Not all patients are suitable candidates for all procedures:

• Medical conditions may contraindicate certain procedures
• Age, health status, and lifestyle factors affect suitability
• Realistic expectations are essential for patient satisfaction
• Some desired outcomes may not be achievable
• Alternative treatments may be more appropriate

Treatment Refusal

Dr. Maresky reserves the right to decline treatment if:

• The procedure is not in the patient's best medical interest
• Unrealistic expectations cannot be addressed
• Medical conditions pose unacceptable risks
• Patient is not psychologically prepared for surgery
• Adequate post-operative care cannot be ensured

Surgical Risks and Complications

General Surgical Risks

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Bleeding and hematoma formation
• Infection and delayed wound healing
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring and changes in skin sensation
• Asymmetry and unsatisfactory aesthetic results
• Need for revision surgery
• Rare but serious complications including death

Procedure-Specific Risks

Each procedure has specific risks that will be discussed in detail during consultation:

• Facial surgery: Nerve damage, facial asymmetry
• Breast surgery: Capsular contracture, implant complications
• Body contouring: Contour irregularities, skin necrosis
• Hand surgery: Stiffness, loss of function

Results and Outcome Disclaimer

No Guarantee of Results

Medical and surgical outcomes cannot be guaranteed:

• Individual healing responses vary significantly
• Genetic factors influence surgical outcomes
• Patient compliance affects results
• Complications may alter expected outcomes
• Revision procedures may be necessary
• Some results may not meet patient expectations

Before and After Photographs

• Photographs represent individual cases and results
• Your results may differ significantly from those shown
• Lighting, angles, and timing affect photograph appearance
• Photographs are used with patient consent for educational purposes
• Not all patients achieve results similar to those photographed

Long-Term Outcomes

Surgical results may change over time due to:

• Natural aging processes
• Weight fluctuations
• Lifestyle factors
• Hormonal changes
• Sun exposure and environmental factors

Emergency Procedures and After-Hours Care

Medical Emergencies

Post-Operative Concerns

For non-emergency post-operative concerns:

• Contact our practice during business hours: +27 (0) 21 423 9422
• After-hours emergencies: Contact hospital directly
• Follow all post-operative instructions provided
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

When to Seek Immediate Care

• Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication
• Signs of infection (fever, increased redness, pus)
• Excessive bleeding or wound dehiscence
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Signs of blood clots (leg swelling, shortness of breath)
• Any concerns about your recovery

Professional Indemnity and Liability

Professional Insurance

Dr. Gideon Maresky maintains professional indemnity insurance as required by the HPCSA:

• Comprehensive professional indemnity coverage
• Coverage for medical malpractice claims
• Compliance with HPCSA insurance requirements
• Coverage details available upon request

Limitation of Liability

Professional liability is limited to cases of proven negligence or malpractice. Unsatisfactory aesthetic results, complications within normal risk parameters, or failure to achieve desired outcomes do not constitute malpractice.

Complaint Procedures

Patients have the right to lodge complaints through:

• Direct communication with our practice
• HPCSA Professional Conduct Committee
• Medical Protection Society (if applicable)
• Relevant medical aid scheme complaint procedures

Regulatory Compliance

This practice operates in full compliance with:

• Health Professions Act 56 of 1974
• HPCSA Ethical Guidelines for Good Practice
• National Health Act 61 of 2003
• Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)
• Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008
• Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965

Contact Information

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