Dr Dehan Struwig, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
My mission: Exceptional care, trust and best outcomes. I approach my patients with compassion and understanding.
As a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, I strive for excellence, attention to detail, and an uncompromising commitment to patient care. I am respected and acknowledged for my personal availability, my hands-on approach and support of my patients before and after surgery. I enjoy the diversity of plastic and reconstructive surgery. My commitment to treating patients with traumatic injuries hones and improves my cosmetic surgery skills. My trauma work consists of hand injuries of factory workers and burns injuries. Still, it often includes dog bites, lacerations, and other injuries sustained by children and adults alike. Cosmetic surgery allows me to assist and improve where nature has intervened. My passions are surgical and non-surgical cosmetic surgery of the face and cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. I also perform abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures. Skin cancer surgery forms an integral part of my practice. I have an integrated approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery. An outstanding team of nurses, healthcare professionals, and admin staff support me. As the skin is my canvas, a Skincare Diagnostic Technician assists me with skin care advice and treatments. My support team shares my ethos and commitment to patient care. I completed my studies at the University of Stellenbosch Medical School and Cape Town Medical School in Cape Town. After my studies, I completed a fellowship in Paris, France, under Dr. Francoise Firmin. Here I gained in-depth experience and training in cosmetic surgery techniques and learned the skill of reconstructing deformities of the outer ear. Before committing to private practice, I visited various medical institutions in England, Europe, and the United States of America to learn more about professional patient care and practice management.
13/11/2025
It's a fact, skin cancer can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type. In fact, skin cancer in darker skin often presents differently and may be harder to detect compared to lighter skin tones. It frequently appears in less sun exposed areas, such as the palms of hands, soles of feet and under the nails.
Early signs include dark spots, growths and lesions that change in size, shape or color.
Because skin cancer can be less visible in darker skin, it's crucial for individuals with skin of color to perform monthly self checks and pay attention to anything new, changing or unusual on their skin. Visit a dermatologist at least once a year for a full body skin exam.
13/11/2025
06/11/2025
There are many telltale signs of melanoma (ABCDE's or Ugly Duckling), but sometimes melanoma can be hiding in plain sight. In our article, more than moles, we dive into early detection and signs to watch out for when it comes to melanoma. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or just starting your journey, arming yourself with the facts will help you champion your skin health.
Do you know what you are looking for when you are being watchful for Melanoma?
There are many signs that a mole or lesion may be melanoma but the most crucial thing to be aware of change over time.
Any changes in sensation, size, colour or firmness should be investigated by a medical professional.
30/10/2025
🎃 You know what’s really scary?
👀 Not checking your skin every month-early detection saves lives.
☀️ Believing a “base tan” keeps you safe-there is no such thing as a safe tan!
💡 Using sunbeds-they use high intensity UV radiation that damage the DNA in skin cells which can lead to skin cancer (Cancer Research UK)
But the scariest thing of all?
Thinking melanoma won’t happen to you.
It can happen to anyone.
Check your skin. Protect it all year-round 💙
30/10/2025
Skin cancer is treatable. Do not delay!
25/10/2025
Men also get breast cancer, yes.
Breast cancer doesn’t just affect women.
Men, know your normal. Do your checks. Speak up. 💗
21/10/2025
17/10/2025
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the courage of women facing this diagnosis.
For Dr Dehan Struwig, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, it also carries deep personal meaning — a tribute to his late sister, Mari, and a reminder that reconstruction is not about vanity, but healing.
Every woman deserves the choice to rebuild — to see more than what cancer took — and to have a multidisciplinary team that supports her journey from diagnosis to recovery.
Misinformation about sun protection is spreading fast online, especially when influencers push myths like “tanning is healthy” or “a base tan will help prevent sunburn.” In fact, a 2024 survey found 59% of Gen Z believe tanning myths. 😱
Our latest article highlights how social media can amplify false claims, even when they endanger public health. When dangerous social narratives like this start trending, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.
The take away: fact check what you hear online. Many reputable organizations, like The Skin Cancer Foundation, work tirelessly to combat the spread of misinformation.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Dr Dehan Struwig, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon:
I am a qualified and registered Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, with consulting rooms and operating privileges at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Pinelands and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital in Sunningdale, Cape Town.
My specific fields of interest are cosmetic surgery of the breast and face, including Botox and Dermal Fillers, breast reconstruction after breast cancer, ear reconstruction (microtia) and reconstruction for skin cancer.
I underwent medical and surgical training at the University of Stellenbosch Medical School and the University of Cape Town Medical School in Cape Town.
After completing my specialist medical and surgical studies and training, I completed a fellowship in Paris, France to obtain in depth experience and training in specialised cosmetic surgery techniques and to learn the unique skill of reconstructing deformities of the outer ear by utilising rib cartilage, from Dr Francois Firmin, a world leader in this area. I visited various medical institutions in England, Europe and the United States of America in an effort to learn more about professional patient care and practice management before committing to private practice in July 2001.
In the interest of my patients and personal self-development, I regularly attend international conferences, clinical training sessions and academic meetings. I have presented papers at local and international congresses, and keep abreast of the newest proven techniques and skills, applying these in my practice to the benefit of my patients.
I am respected and acknowledged for my attention to detail and my absolute uncompromising commitment to patient care. I approach my patients with compassion and understanding. My reputation for excellence is based on my personal availability, my hands-on approach, my sensitivity and support of my patients both before and after surgery.
I am supported by an outstanding patient care team of nurses, therapists and admin staff, who are committed to offering excellent individualised attention to my patients.
I only use the services of registered specialist anaesthesiologists, who are experienced with regards to plastic and reconstructive surgery and who share my ethos and commitment to patient care.
Memberships:
Registered as Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Member of the Medical Protection Society (MPS)
Member of The Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa (APRASSA)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction (ISAR)
