Patient Information
Whether you’re visiting for lymphoedema treatment, post-operative recovery, chronic swelling management or a consultation through The Lipoedema Clinic, our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable, informed and supported from your very first appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Initial Consultation
During your first visit we will:
- Discuss your medical history
- Review your current symptoms and concerns
- Assess your swelling, tissue health and movement
- Discuss any previous surgeries or medical treatments
- Review any imaging, referrals or reports (if applicable)
- Talk about your lifestyle, goals and expectations
- Explain your diagnosis or current condition
- Develop a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss homecare recommendations and next steps
What Should I Bring?
Please bring:
- Referral letter (if applicable)
- Recent medical reports or imaging
- A list of current medications
- Compression garments (if you already wear them)
- Comfortable loose-fitting clothing
- Shorts or clothing that allows easy access to the affected area
- Any questions you would like to discuss
Before Your Appointment
To help us provide the best possible care:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first appointment.
- Complete any patient forms before your visit where possible.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid applying heavy lotions or oils to the treatment area on the day of your appointment.
- Continue taking your regular medication unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Billing & Medical Aid
Our practice is a private practice. Payment is due at the time of your appointment, after which you will receive an invoice and statement that can be submitted to your medical aid for possible reimbursement.
While our practice is contracted with medical aids, reimbursement is dependent on your specific medical aid scheme and benefit option. As benefits vary between schemes and plans, we cannot guarantee that your consultation or treatment will be covered.
It is the patient’s responsibility to confirm their available benefits and level of cover with their medical aid before their appointment. Any costs not covered by your medical aid will remain the patient’s responsibility.
We treat people, not just symptoms. Our sessions focus on tissue health, lymphatic function, movement and lifestyle factors to support sustainable improvements over time.
FAQs
Do I need a referral?
Not always. Many patients book directly. However, some conditions may benefit from referral by your GP, specialist or surgeon.
Does manual lymphatic drainage hurt?
No. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very gentle treatment designed to encourage lymphatic flow. It should never be painful.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on your condition, goals and response to treatment. Some patients benefit from a short course of treatment, while others require ongoing management.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area is recommended. Shorts or loose-fitting clothing are often ideal.
Can I have treatment after surgery?
Yes – but only once you have been cleared by your surgeon and it is appropriate for your stage of healing. Your treatment plan will always respect your surgeon’s recommendations.
Do you provide compression garments?
Compression garments are not manufactured on-site, but recommendations, fitting guidance and referrals to trusted compression specialists form part of your treatment plan where appropriate.
Is treatment covered by Medical Aid?
Coverage depends on your individual medical aid scheme and option. We recommend checking your benefits before your appointment.
ready to get started?
Whether you’re living with lipoedema, managing lymphoedema, recovering from surgery, or seeking support for your patients, I’m here to help.