Terms & Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website operated by Dr. Arnold Douglas Incorporated ("the Practice"), and the provision of clinical and consulting services by the Practice. By accessing this website or engaging the Practice, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. About the Practice

Dr. Arnold Douglas is a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and a member of the Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa (APRASSA). The Practice operates from Mediclinic Constantiaberg, Cape Town.

2. Nature of Information on this Website

Content on this website — including articles in the Journal, descriptions of clinical services, and the SKNCODE™ framework — is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not create a doctor–patient relationship. A clinical relationship arises only upon a formal in-person or telehealth consultation.

3. Consultations & Bookings

Appointments may be requested through https://appointments.drarnolddouglas.com or by contacting the rooms directly. A booking is only confirmed once acknowledged in writing by the Practice and, where applicable, a consultation deposit has been received.

4. Fees, Payment & Medical Aid

Fees are quoted in advance and are payable in South African Rand. The Practice does not contract directly with medical aid schemes for procedural fees; patients remain personally liable for accounts in full. Theatre, anaesthetic, prosthetic, and pathology fees are billed separately by the relevant providers.

5. Cancellations & No-Shows

• Consultation cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations or no-shows may forfeit the consultation deposit.
• Surgical bookings require a minimum of 14 days' notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Cancellations within this period may incur a theatre and administrative fee.

6. Informed Consent

All surgical and non-surgical procedures are undertaken only after a documented process of informed consent, including disclosure of material risks, alternatives, expected outcomes, and recovery. Consent may be withdrawn at any time prior to a procedure.

7. Outcomes & Expectations

Surgery and skin medicine are practised to the standards of the profession but are not exact sciences. No specific outcome can be guaranteed, and individual results vary according to biology, healing, and adherence to peri-operative instructions.

8. Telehealth

Where consultations are conducted remotely, they are governed by the HPCSA's prevailing telemedicine guidelines. Telehealth is suitable for selected pre- and post-operative consultations and is not a substitute for clinical examination where one is indicated.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, photographs, the SKNCODE™ name and visual identity, The Skin as a System™ framework, illustrations, and design — is the property of Dr. Arnold Douglas Inc. or its licensors and is protected under South African and international copyright and trade-mark law. No part may be reproduced, distributed, or used for any commercial purpose without prior written permission.

10. Data & POPIA

The Practice's collection, use, storage, and protection of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms. By engaging the Practice you confirm that you have read and understood that Policy.

11. Third-Party Links

This website may link to third-party platforms (including the appointments portal and SKNCODE™ at skncode.co.za). The Practice is not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of any external site.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Practice will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss arising out of use of this website or reliance on its content. Nothing in these Terms limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability arising from gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

13. Complaints

Concerns regarding clinical care should first be raised directly with the Practice in writing at info@drarnolddouglas.com. Unresolved matters may be referred to the HPCSA.

14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The parties consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Western Cape Division of the High Court for any dispute arising out of these Terms.

15. Amendments

These Terms may be updated periodically. Continued use of this website or the Practice's services after publication of revised Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.