The Top 5 Plastic Surgeons in South Africa — 2025 Edition

South Africa has become a hub for world-class plastic and reconstructive surgery, attracting both local and international patients who seek top-tier expertise combined with a warm, personal touch. The country is home to highly trained surgeons who blend medical precision with artistic vision, offering everything from transformative reconstructive procedures to subtle, natural-looking aesthetic enhancements.

Below, we spotlight the top 5 plastic surgeons in South Africa today with Dr. Kajal Lutchminarian at the forefront.

1. Dr. Kajal Lutchminarian (Klutch Plastic Surgery), Durban

Dr. Kajal “Klutch” Lutchminarian is celebrated as one of South Africa’s most influential plastic surgeons and a pioneer for women in the field. Based in Durban, she is the founder of Klutch Plastic Surgery, a practice that combines state-of-the-art technology with a philosophy that “science meets art.”

Her expertise spans a wide range of surgical procedures, including facelifts, breast augmentations, body contouring, and reconstructive surgery. Beyond traditional surgical offerings, Dr. Lutchminarian has made waves with her advanced non-surgical portfolio — vampire facials, 24k gold collagen-induction mesotherapy, thread lifts, and skin rejuvenation treatments that cater to patients seeking minimally invasive transformations.

Recognized with prestigious awards in South Africa, Dr. Lutchminarian has built a reputation not only for delivering results but also for empowering her patients, particularly women, to embrace confidence and authenticity. Her clinic has become a sanctuary for those seeking holistic transformation, blending cutting-edge techniques with a personal, compassionate approach.

2. Dr. Rick van der Poel — Johannesburg

Dr. Rick van der Poel is a seasoned surgeon based in Johannesburg’s Rosebank district. With international training in New York, Rio de Janeiro, and New Orleans, he brings global expertise back home to South Africa. He is particularly known for his integrity in patient consultations — ensuring that every individual has realistic expectations before undergoing surgery.

His specialties include body contouring, tummy tucks, breast lifts and reductions, rhinoplasty, facelifts, and advanced liposuction techniques. Patients describe him as approachable, thorough, and deeply committed to long-term results rather than quick fixes. His philosophy emphasizes natural enhancements that harmonize with a patient’s features, avoiding an overdone or artificial appearance.

Dr. van der Poel’s combination of extensive experience, surgical skill, and patient-centered ethos makes him one of Johannesburg’s most trusted and sought-after plastic surgeons.

3. Dr. Lionel Jedeikin — Cape Town

Operating out of Cape Town, Dr. Lionel Jedeikin has earned widespread respect for his artistry in aesthetic surgery. With decades of experience, his reputation rests on creating outcomes that are subtle, balanced, and deeply natural. Patients often say that after surgery with Dr. Jedeikin, they look like the best version of themselves — fresher and younger without the obvious signs of surgical intervention.

His practice covers the full spectrum of cosmetic surgery, from facelifts and breast surgeries to body sculpting and scar revision. In addition to surgical expertise, Dr. Jedeikin offers advanced non-invasive treatments that complement his surgical work, ensuring patients have a comprehensive set of options to achieve their goals.

Dr. Jedeikin is also praised for cultivating a calm and supportive environment for recovery. His approach is not just about the procedure itself but about the patient’s overall experience physical, emotional, and psychological. This commitment to holistic care is one of the many reasons he is ranked among the top surgeons in the country.

4. Dr. Paul J. Skoll — Cape Town

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Paul Skoll is a highly regarded Cape Town-based surgeon known for both his technical mastery and compassionate bedside manner. He practices at leading private hospitals such as the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, where he has access to some of the most advanced surgical facilities in the region.

Dr. Skoll’s special interests include preservation rhinoplasty — a modern, scarless approach to nose reshaping that preserves natural tissue while enhancing aesthetics. He also excels in breast surgery, mommy makeovers, facelifts, eyelid surgery, and labiaplasty. Patients frequently commend his attention to detail, ethical approach, and commitment to achieving natural, balanced results.

What sets Dr. Skoll apart is his reputation for honesty. He provides clear, direct advice about what can and cannot be achieved, ensuring his patients are informed every step of the way. His professionalism and consistent track record have made him a trusted name in South African cosmetic surgery.

5. Dr. Chris Snijman — Johannesburg

Rounding out the top five is Dr. Chris Snijman, one of Johannesburg’s leading plastic surgeons and a specialist in facial aesthetics. Known for embracing technology to enhance the patient experience, Dr. Snijman was one of the first in South Africa to incorporate Crisalix 3D simulation technology, allowing patients to preview surgical outcomes before committing to a procedure.

He has an outstanding reputation in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, and breast surgery. His patients consistently highlight his empathy, meticulous care, and ability to deliver results that align with their vision while maintaining natural harmony. Beyond his practice, Dr. Snijman holds leadership roles in the Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa (APRASSA) and regularly lectures at international medical conferences.

With his mix of innovation, leadership, and artistry, Dr. Snijman continues to raise the bar for South African plastic surgery.