Code of
patient care.
I firmly believe in guiding my patients through their reconstructive journey with the utmost dedication, delivering care and surgical standards that meet international benchmarks. It is a great privilege to be part of this unique journey for each individual. I strive to truly know every patient and to see them as a whole — mind, spirit, and body.
All patients should be presented with surgical options that are best suited to their individual needs, enabling them to make informed decisions. I therefore take the time to explain the different options and answer any questions, helping patients feel more at ease and well-informed. I believe in using the latest surgical and care techniques and remain connected with international breast oncology organisations to stay up to date with the latest research and developments.
Working within a multidisciplinary team leads to the most successful treatment outcomes. I therefore collaborate closely with General Practitioners, General Surgeons, Dermatologists, Oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, and Wound Care Sisters.
The Team.
Dr. Johan van Heerden
About.
As a young medical student, I had the opportunity to assist a plastic surgeon during a flap reconstruction procedure for a baby with spina bifida. I was deeply inspired by this delicate yet life-saving operation, and from that moment, the dream of becoming a plastic surgeon was born. This aspiration suited my personality well, which is characterised by balanced perfectionism and a strong focus on detail and patient care. After qualifying as a Plastic Surgeon in 2010, I established my practice at Pretoria-East Hospital, where I provided a wide range of plastic surgical services. These included Orthopaedic Oncology, Neurosurgical Oncology, Head and Neck Cancer, Breast Cancer, Gynaecological Cancer, and Skin Cancer surgery. I regularly performed post-traumatic reconstructive procedures, with a particular focus on microsurgical flap reconstruction techniques. During this time, my cosmetic patient profile also expanded steadily. In 2020, my practice relocated to Cintocare Hospital in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. My role as a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon developed rapidly, making breast reconstruction the primary focus of my practice. I also specialise in cosmetic breast surgery and the excision of skin cancers. I strongly advocate for the importance of multidisciplinary team management. I am an active member of the Breast MDT at Life Groenkloof Hospital, which functions collaboratively alongside Cintocare Hospital. In 2024, I successfully completed the Certificate of Competence in Breast Cancer through the European School of Oncology. I regularly present at congresses, journal clubs, and CPD events. I qualified as a Fellow of the College of Plastic Surgeons of South Africa and completed my MMed in 2010. I have published two articles during my registrar training in Plastic Surgery: the first was a comparative study on suturing materials, and the second focused on biofilm formation on silicone breast implant material. I am proud to be affiliated with APRASSA, ISAPS, ESSO, ESMO, ASCO, Cintocare Hospital, and Life Groenkloof Hospital.
Annelize Beneke
Financial administrator and Accounts manager
I am a dedicated administrative assistant with more that 20 years’ experience in the medical sector. I have been part of Dr. van Heerden’s team for 11 years and is responsible for all the financial administration and account management of the practice.
I am very passionate about my work and strive to treat every patient with friendliness, respect and empathy and hereby help them receive the best possible medical care at an affordable cost. I enjoy working with people, building good relationships and contributing in a positive way.
Dr Tony Perra
Anesthetist
I am an anesthetist, part of Dr. Johan van Heerden’ team since 2022, with nearly 30 years post-graduate experience.
I qualified in 1996 as an anesthetist with MMed(Anaes) University of Pretoria, and an FCA(Anaes) College of Medicine Sa, and have an MBA(UP) 1992.
Managing the various issues as part of the team is multifaceted from an anesthetic perspective. Preoperative workout entails managing issues created by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and pre-existing diseases. Many of the surgeries our team do are major and long surgeries, as well as the related post operative issues, including pain management. Of particular importance, is the management of the highly emotional component of the particular patient profile.
Having highlighted all the issues above, it is still particularly rewarding and a privilege to be part of the team, from a professional and personal perspective.
Dr Elmien de Kock
Surgical assistant
I am a dedicated Surgical assistant, who earned my Bachelor of Medicine and - Surgery (MBCHB) from the University of Pretoria (UP). I have been part of Dr. van Heerden’s team and assisting him in theatre since 2022.
I have a background in both general and aesthetic medical practice. I have a strong professional interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery, where I apply clinical expertise alongside a deep understanding of aesthetic principles. My experience as an artist and love of, as well as passion for, art complements my medical practice.My artistic talent enables me to contribute precision, creativity, and a refined visual awareness to the surgical environment.
I also have a deep compassion for patients supporting excellence in patient care and outcomes.
Sr Ena Burger
Practice manager and wound-care sister
I have been part of Dr Johan van Heerden’s team since 2018, and it’s been an incredible journey supporting patients through their surgical care. I qualified as a nurse in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Science in Nursing from the University of the Free State and later deepened my expertise with a postgraduate qualification in wound care in 2015.
In my dual role, I get to combine my love for hands-on patient care with the behind-the-scenes work and secretary duties that keep the practice running smoothly. Whether I am helping patients feel comfortable before surgery, coordinating the day-to-day operations or taking care of dressings and sutures, I am passionate about making every person who walks through the doors feel supported, informed and cared for.
Sr Tarina Human
Theatre Sister
I am a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BCur) from North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, and I hold a Diploma in the specialist field of Medical and Nursing Science.
I am very diligent in the operating room and am very compassionate, take the personal care for every patient who enters the practice very serious. The well-being of each patient before, during, and after an operation is a top priority for me.
I have worked side by side with Dr. Johan van Heerden since 2012, and regards it as a privilege to be part of a team that strives for medical excellence and patient-centred care. Nursing is more than a profession to me – it is a calling to serve with skill, empathy, and integrity.
Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk
General Surgeon
Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk is a specialist breast surgeon practicing in Pretoria and Johannesburg, focusing exclusively on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast conditions. She combines advanced surgical training with a compassionate, patient-centred approach, creating individualised treatment plans in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Dr van Schalkwyk has a particular interest in breast cancer care, especially in younger women, and offers comprehensive breast surgery at Life Groenkloof Hospital and Mediclinic Sandton.
