Dr Edward Ngwenya

Dr Edward Ngwenya Dr Edward Ngwenya is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

His interests include breast surgery (cosmetic and reconstructive), body contouring surgery (body shaping procedures), onco-plastics surgery (cancer surgery) and aesthetic medicine.

One of the most common questions patients ask is, ‘Will my scar disappear completely?’Every surgical incision creates a ...
30/08/2026

One of the most common questions patients ask is, ‘Will my scar disappear completely?’

Every surgical incision creates a scar.

Plastic surgeons carefully plan where scars are placed and close the skin in a way that supports the best possible healing, but no surgeon can promise an invisible scar.

Scars may initially appear red, raised or firm. Over time, they usually soften, flatten and fade.

The final appearance depends on your genetics, skin type, the location of the incision, tension on the wound, sun exposure and how your body heals.

Scar care can help, but patience is equally important. A scar can continue changing for a year or longer.

The aim is not a scar-free operation. It is a carefully planned scar that heals as well as your body allows.

Before recommending an operation, I ask myself whether the potential benefit justifies the procedure, recovery and risks...
28/08/2026

Before recommending an operation, I ask myself whether the potential benefit justifies the procedure, recovery and risks for that particular patient.

Being able to perform an operation does not automatically mean it should be performed.

Sometimes the safest answer is to wait.

Sometimes a less invasive option is more appropriate.

Sometimes surgery will not provide the result the patient expects.

A responsible consultation includes honest conversations, even when the answer is not what someone hoped to hear.

My role is not simply to operate. It is to guide each patient towards a decision that is safe, realistic and appropriate for their body.

Many people are curious about plastic surgery but feel nervous or embarrassed to ask questions.Perhaps you want to know:...
27/08/2026

Many people are curious about plastic surgery but feel nervous or embarrassed to ask questions.

Perhaps you want to know:

How painful is recovery?

How do surgeons plan scar placement?

Can more than one procedure be performed at the same time?

When is someone too young or too old for surgery?

How do you know whether your expectations are realistic?

Leave your question in the comments.

Your question may be featured anonymously in our next ‘Ask Dr Ngwenya’ post.

Grateful to receive this Certificate of Recognition from the Society of Dermatology for my contribution as a speaker at ...
22/08/2026

Grateful to receive this Certificate of Recognition from the Society of Dermatology for my contribution as a speaker at the South African Combined Dermatology Congress 2026.

It was a privilege to present and share the platform with distinguished colleagues.

Beyond the presentation itself, the congress was an invaluable opportunity to engage, learn and exchange perspectives with colleagues across dermatology and related disciplines.

Thank you to the organisers and the Department of Dermatology for the invitation and recognition. It was a privilege to contribute.

Honoured to be an invited speaker at the 10th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa.I look forward to presenting...
21/08/2026

Honoured to be an invited speaker at the 10th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa.

I look forward to presenting on Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa — exploring the role of surgery in managing irreversible structural disease, the principles of adequate excision and reconstruction, and the importance of integrating surgical and medical care.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex, chronic disease, and optimal outcomes require us to move beyond isolated interventions towards earlier referral, multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care.

I look forward to engaging with colleagues, sharing perspectives and contributing to the conversation on how we can continue to improve outcomes for our patients.

📍 CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
📅 20–23 August 2026

Honoured to be an invited speaker at the 10th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa.I look forward to presenting...
20/08/2026

Honoured to be an invited speaker at the 10th Combined Dermatology Congress of South Africa.
I look forward to presenting on Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa — exploring the role of surgery in managing irreversible structural disease, the principles of adequate excision and reconstruction, and the importance of integrating surgical and medical care.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex, chronic disease, and optimal outcomes require us to move beyond isolated interventions towards earlier referral, multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care.
I look forward to engaging with colleagues, sharing perspectives and contributing to the conversation on how we can continue to improve outcomes for our patients.
📍 CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
📅 20–23 August 2026

Body contouring surgery is not a weight-loss procedure.Operations such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift or lower bo...
20/08/2026

Body contouring surgery is not a weight-loss procedure.

Operations such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift or lower body lift are designed to remove excess skin and improve shape after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

If your weight continues to fluctuate after surgery, the remaining skin and tissues may stretch again. This can affect the shape, scars and longevity of the result.

Reaching a healthy, maintainable weight before surgery also gives us a clearer understanding of how much loose skin remains and which procedures may be appropriate.

You do not need to achieve a perfect number on the scale. The focus is on stability, realistic expectations and a weight you can maintain comfortably.

Skin grafts and skin flaps are both used to close wounds, but they work in different ways.A skin graft is a thin piece o...
18/08/2026

Skin grafts and skin flaps are both used to close wounds, but they work in different ways.

A skin graft is a thin piece of skin removed from one area of the body and placed over a wound. The graft must develop a new blood supply from the tissue beneath it.

A skin flap includes skin and sometimes fat or muscle that is moved while maintaining its own blood supply.

The choice depends on the wound’s size, depth and location, as well as whether important structures such as bone, tendons, nerves or blood vessels are exposed.

Reconstructive surgery is about selecting the safest method that will provide protection, support healing and preserve as much function as possible.

This month, we honour the women who lead, care, build, create, support and continue to show up, even during the most dif...
16/08/2026

This month, we honour the women who lead, care, build, create, support and continue to show up, even during the most difficult seasons.

Strength does not always look fearless.

Sometimes it looks like asking for help.

Sometimes it looks like beginning again after illness, surgery or loss.

Sometimes it simply means choosing to take care of yourself after spending years caring for everyone else.

As South Africa celebrates its National Womans month we take our hats to the remarkable women who inspire us every day.

May you always remember that your health, comfort and wellbeing matter too.

Two patients may request the same operation but require very different surgical plans. One of the reasons is skin qualit...
15/08/2026

Two patients may request the same operation but require very different surgical plans. One of the reasons is skin quality.

Before surgery, a plastic surgeon assesses more than the amount of excess skin. We also consider elasticity, thickness, stretch marks, previous scars, sun damage and the skin’s ability to support the planned result.

Skin that has been stretched by pregnancy or significant weight changes may not respond in the same way as firmer skin.

This influences decisions about incision placement, tissue removal, lifting, implant choice and the amount of correction that can be achieved safely.

Surgery is never planned around a photograph or trend. It is planned around the patient’s individual anatomy.

Address

Life Fourways Hospital, Suite C39, Cedar Road & Cedar Avenue West
Sandton
2055

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27119221583

Website

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