The art of enhancement: Professor Sofianos unpacks South Africa’s cosmetic scene

In this exclusive interview, we speak to Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a globally recognised expert in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. With over two decades of experience and triple board certifications, Professor Sofianos has become a trusted authority in South Africa’s evolving cosmetic landscape. Known for pioneering techniques like the Deep Plane Facelift, he offers rare insight into the country’s beauty standards, trends, and the growing demand for subtle, transformative procedures.

GLAMOUR: How would you describe the current state of the cosmetic surgery industry in South Africa? 

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Professor Christos Sofianos: South Africa’s cosmetic surgery scene is thriving. There’s a powerful shift toward natural, elegant results. As patients become more educated due to the ‘openness’ around cosmetic surgery nowadays, there’s a fast-growing demand for tailored, high-end procedures. We’re also seeing a sharp rise in international patients, thanks in part to the favourable Rand exchange rate. It has made South Africa a global hotspot for medical tourism, where patients can access world-class surgical expertise and enjoy luxurious recovery holidays, all at a fraction of the cost compared to Europe, the UK, or the US. Travellers from abroad are discovering that they can receive excellent quality of care here, thanks to our highly qualified, globally trained surgeons. South Africa has positioned itself as a leading destination for premium cosmetic procedures, offering exceptional results at far more accessible rates.

GLAMOUR: What are the typical costs for popular procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty in South Africa? 

Professor Christos Sofianos: Costs always depend on the complexity of each case, but generally: liposuction ranges from R65,000 to R95,000; tummy tucks from R80,000 to R120,000; breast augmentations fall between R85,000 and R100,000; and rhinoplasty typically ranges from R95,000 to R110,000. These are generally all-inclusive, covering surgical, hospital, anaesthetic, and post-operative care. While cosmetic surgery is by no means a cheap exercise, it’s increasingly seen as a worthwhile investment in personal confidence and wellbeing. Recognising this shift, some medical aids and financial institutions in South Africa now offer structured payment plans or financing options to help patients manage the cost of elective procedures more easily.

Professor Chrysis Sofianos, Image: Supplied

GLAMOUR: What factors do you believe contribute to the popularity of these procedures? 

Professor Christos Sofianos: We’re living in an era of empowerment and self-actualisation. Lifestyle shifts from wellness culture to a growing focus on mental health have encouraged people to take control of how they look and feel. At the same time, there’s a far greater openness around self-improvement. Cosmetic surgery is no longer whispered about, it’s discussed openly, proudly, and without shame. Social media has played a big role in normalising this shift, helping to reposition cosmetic enhancement as a form of self-care, not vanity. More people are choosing to align their outer appearance with how they feel inside - unapologetically themselves. And today’s techniques make that more achievable than ever, delivering results that are refined, natural or even bold, and long-lasting.

GLAMOUR: Are there any unique challenges or advantages to practicing cosmetic surgery in South Africa? 

Professor Christos Sofianos: One of the most unique aspects of practicing in South Africa is the incredible diversity of our patients. We work with a wide range of skin tones, facial structures, body types, and cultural perceptions of beauty - and this requires a highly specialised, nuanced approach. Aligning surgical outcomes with different racial and cultural aesthetic ideals and goals is both an art and a science. At the same time, this diversity is a major advantage - it sharpens our skills and deepens our understanding of anatomy, ageing, and beauty. South African surgeons are known for being technically strong, highly adaptable, and incredibly resourceful, which makes them some of the most respected practitioners globally.

GLAMOUR: What are the most common complications or side effects patients experience post-surgery?

 Professor Christos Sofianos: Mild swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort are normal in the early days - and easily managed with the right care. More serious complications like infection or delayed healing are rare when protocols are followed. At our practice, we put education and aftercare front and centre. When patients are informed and supported, recovery tends to be smooth and predictable.

Professor Chrysis Sofianos, globally recognised leader in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Image: Supplied

GLAMOUR: Are there any common misconceptions about cosmetic surgery that you’d like to address? 

Professor Christos Sofianos: Absolutely. The biggest myth? That cosmetic surgery is just about vanity. In reality, it’s often about reclaiming yourself, building confidence, and correcting something that may have held you back - whether emotionally, physically, or socially. It’s about feeling more at home in your own skin. Another important misconception is that cosmetic surgery will “fix” body dysmorphia. That’s simply not true. Body dysmorphia is a complex mental health condition, and surgery alone cannot resolve the distorted self-image that comes with it. Some individuals may never see themselves for how they truly look, no matter the procedure. That’s why ethical, responsible surgery must always be paired with clear communication, thorough assessments, and, when necessary, psychological support. Done right, cosmetic surgery is incredibly empowering - it’s safe, ethical, and deeply personal when performed with skill, integrity, and purpose.

Original article appeared on GLAMOUR's June/July 2025 issue