Dr C.J. Barnard- Panorama plastic surgeon

Dr C.J Barnard- plastic surgeon- Panorama.

After 2 years of procrastinating about breast augmentation. I finally decided to book a consultation. It was a very exciting step for me. Appointment was made with Dr CJ Barnard at room 203 Panorama hospital. Arrived on time for my appointment and 12:30 I got called through. On route to the DR's office I was asked what the topic of discussion was and when I said breast augmentation I was asked to wait a little more as another patient was there for Botox which would only take a few minutes. Fair enough, 30min later it was my turn. I was asked a few questions. Age, whether I had any children. How old my child was, (I said 13). Then asked if I breastfed and whether the child had been off the breast for more than 6 months. Uh! YES! Child is 13!!! Clearly routine questions.

He then brought out a few silicone breasts and I noticed they were textured ones which I had previously read was linked to cancer. So I started asking questions. to which the Dr asked if I was a bit OCD. I responded saying that I was cautious and being a mother I wanted to ensure my safety when putting a foreign object inside my body. He then said that during the surgery the light above me could explode and I could also die!? Then suggested that I maybe return when I'm certain whether I wanted ****s or not. I told him I was certain but with the various options I wanted to make the right decision. I also asked how it would be noticed if a silicone breast would leak as I knew (from research reading) that saline implants would deflate but silicone wouldn't... a valid question right?! At this point the Dr was slouched leaning his arm head almost on the desk, sipping a coke looking very bored.... Run of the mill for him. We looked at some images and I was concerned whether I needed a lift as well or if augmentation alone would give me the desired effect. I was asked to lift out one breast from my bra which I did and after a glance was told that a lift would not be needed. Then realising that I had shown my better breast ( we all have one that's favored more) I had to pop out the other. ( both were not viewed at the same time) and again was told a lift was not needed. I felt like my questions were not being answered as I would have liked. My next question was then if breasts are currently not alike and you're inserting 2 silicone pads of the same size.... Wouldn't the after effect then be wonky with one different to the other what correction would be made? The dr then said he had another plan... That his daughter had just opened a psychiatrist firm in Cape town and was looking for patients.!! At this point I had endured enough. I grabbed my bag. Stood up and told him that i didn't appreciate his "joke" and I would find another surgeon to assist me. He then shouted as I walked out. "Don't worry, I'll give this one for free".

For such a vulnerable experience, certainly as a client we should be allowed all our questions answered and given the complete reassurance. These procedures to do not come cheap, for most, finance support is needed. If I'm investing in myself at such a price. I want complete surety.

For a doctor in this industry to know that any patient walking through his doors already has an insecurity of some sort ( or they wouldn't be there trying to improve their appearance.) To be treated like that was not appropriate. I would not recommend this dr to anybody. Make sure you are 100% comfortable with your surgeon.