It's when you leak urine without meaning to – often when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or exercise. It's usually caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.
Care Centre is a private medical practice in Paarl offering holistic healthcare services including GP consultations, urgent care, stitches and wound care, IV therapy, pelvic health treatment, medical aesthetics, sports and rehabilitation support, men's health, geriatric care and palliative care.
Care Centre is located at 25 Hospital Street in Paarl, with convenient off-street parking available for patients.
We are open weekdays from 07:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
Yes. Patients can book appointments online and view real-time availability at any time.
Yes. Walk-in patients are welcome for urgent conditions needing attention within 24 hours, although booking ahead is recommended where possible.
Yes. We provide medical care for adults, children and elderly patients.
Where possible, we aim to accommodate same-day appointments for urgent medical concerns.
Care Centre was designed to bridge the gap between traditional GP care and hospital-based treatment. We offer longer consultations, a broader range of in-house procedures and modern digital tools in a calm, patient-centred environment.
We prioritise dedicated 30-minute consultations to allow time for thorough assessment, discussion and personalised care.
Yes. Our patient app provides secure access to prescriptions, consultation summaries, sick notes and test results.
Care Centre offers private GP consultations, urgent care and holistic healthcare services from our practice in central Paarl.
Yes. Care Centre is open on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
Care Centre offers online appointment booking with real-time availability.
Patients can contact us by calling our landline on 021 201 1304, texting on WhatsApp 079 829 3337 or emailing admin@carepaarl.co.za during operating hours.
Yes. Prescriptions and supporting medical documents can be accessed securely through the patient app.
Yes. Patient privacy and information security are important priorities at Care Centre.
We treat many urgent but non-life-threatening conditions including infections, minor injuries, cuts requiring stitches, burns, dehydration, asthma flare-ups, allergic reactions and sports injuries.
Yes. We provide stitches, wound cleaning, dressing changes and follow-up wound care.
Yes. We assess and manage a range of sports and musculoskeletal injuries.
Yes. We provide limb casts for selected fractures and injuries.
For many urgent conditions that do not require hospital admission, Care Centre Paarl can provide faster and more convenient medical care. However, severe emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms or major trauma should go directly to hospital emergency services.
Yes. We provide insurance medicals and general health assessments.
Yes. We perform selected minor procedures in our rooms, including mole biopsies, cryotherapy and wound procedures.
Yes. Cryotherapy is available for selected skin lesions such as warts and skin tags.
Yes. Discovery Vitality Health Checks are available at Care Centre.
Care Centre provides stitches and wound care for urgent injuries and minor trauma.
Care Centre offers medically supervised iron infusions for patients with confirmed iron deficiency.
Yes. Care Centre bridges the gap between GP care and hospital emergency treatment for many urgent medical conditions.
We provide holistic men's healthcare including preventative screenings, general wellness consultations, metabolic health assessments and support for selected men's health concerns.
Absolutely. We aim to create a professional, respectful and judgement-free environment for all patients.
Yes. Preventative and evidence-based healthcare is an important part of our approach.
Yes. We provide medical care and advice to women of all ages, and can advise on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and other options to help manage peri-menopause, menopause and other women's health conditions.
Yes. Care Centre offers doctor-administered IV therapy in a supervised clinical setting.
Our IV therapies include iron infusions, hydration drips, vitamin B support, vitamin C, NAD+ and glutathione formulations, offered where clinically appropriate. We are transparent about which therapies are strongly evidence-based and which represent areas of evolving research. Iron infusions and IV hydration are well-established treatments, while therapies such as NAD+ and glutathione are offered in the context of ongoing scientific development. We will always discuss the current state of evidence with you before proceeding, so that you can make an informed decision.
Clinical references:
Intravenous iron for confirmed iron deficiency: standard of care in international guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2021). NAD+ IV therapy: a pilot study confirmed general safety and tolerability at standard infusion rates, but noted that "additional research is required to fully reveal the complex metabolic fate of this important molecule" (Braidy et al., 2019, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience). A 2023 systematic review concluded that evidence for clinical benefit remains "suggestive" and requires further replication (Mehmel et al., 2023). High-dose IV vitamin C: some evidence for immune support roles, though robust RCT evidence for general wellness use remains limited (Carr and Cook, 2018, Nutrients). IV glutathione: clinical trial evidence remains limited in scale and methodology for wellness indications; adverse effects including thyroid dysfunction and renal dysfunction have been reported with off-label use (Lim, 2019).
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into the bloodstream to help restore low iron levels in patients with confirmed iron deficiency. It is a well-established medical treatment administered under supervision.
Clinical references:
NICE guideline NG24 (2021): IV iron is recommended for iron deficiency anaemia where oral iron is ineffective, not tolerated, or where a rapid response is required.
Treatment duration depends on the formulation used, but most sessions take between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Yes. All IV treatments are administered in a clinical setting under medical supervision.
Yes. We are transparent about which treatments are strongly evidence-based and which areas of medicine continue to evolve, allowing patients to make informed decisions. For therapies where evidence is still developing, we will explain this clearly and support you in making a fully informed choice.
EMSELLA is a non-invasive pelvic floor treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused ElectroMagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. It is designed to improve urinary control and pelvic floor function without surgery or discomfort.
Clinical reference:
HIFEM technology induces supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions, strengthening the same muscle group targeted by conventional pelvic floor physiotherapy (Guerette et al., 2023, Journal of Women's Health Care).
Pelvic floor therapy may help women and men experiencing urinary incontinence, pelvic floor weakness or reduced pelvic muscle function. Causes include childbirth, ageing, menopause and other conditions affecting pelvic floor integrity.
Clinical references:
A randomised trial (Guerette et al., 2023) in 38 women demonstrated a 35% improvement in quality-of-life scores at six months in the HIFEM group, compared with 13% in the pelvic floor exercise-only group. A 2025 study (Jongjakapan et al., International Urogynecology Journal) confirmed significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms, quality of life and sexual function sustained at three months after six HIFEM sessions.
Yes. Care Centre offers EMSELLA pelvic health therapy in Paarl.
The chair delivers thousands of focused electromagnetic pulses to the pelvic floor muscles during each session, inducing supramaximal contractions that are not achievable through voluntary exercise alone. This restores muscle strength and neuromuscular control.
Clinical reference:
Guerette et al. (2023, Journal of Women's Health Care): HIFEM-induced contractions strengthen the pelvic floor more consistently than voluntary Kegel exercises, with improvements maintained at 12-month follow-up.
No. Treatment is non-invasive and most patients describe the sensation as unusual but comfortable. You remain fully clothed throughout the session.
Many patients complete an initial course of approximately six sessions, although recommendations vary depending on individual needs. Improvements have been shown to be sustained for up to 12 months after completing a treatment course.
Clinical references:
Guerette et al. (2023): standard six-session protocol demonstrated sustained quality-of-life improvements at 12-month follow-up. Jongjakapan et al. (2025, International Urogynecology Journal): six-session protocol confirmed in prospective study.
Yes. EMSELLA has FDA clearance for use in both women and men. Clinical evidence in women is well-established across multiple studies. Evidence specific to men is emerging and encouraging, with initial studies showing improvements in urinary control and pelvic floor function, though larger randomised trials in male populations are ongoing.
Clinical references:
FDA clearance confirmed for both sexes (BTL Industries). Female evidence: Guerette et al. (2023); Jongjakapan et al. (2025). Male evidence: Brandeis (2024, Reproductive System and Sexual Disorders: Current Research) — pilot study of 28 men showing a 46.2% reduction in nocturia; no control group. Larger male-specific randomised controlled trials are underway.
We offer medical aesthetic treatments including cosmetic injectables (Botox, fillers such as Juvederm and others), skin rejuvenation and hair restoration support.
Yes. Our approach at Care Centre Paarl focuses on subtle, medically guided treatments that support natural-looking outcomes. The idea is never to look "done". Our motto is that no one outside of the treatment room should ever realise that you have had aesthetic treatments. We aim to make you look excellent for your age, refresh a tired look and maintain a youthful appearance.
Yes. Aesthetic treatments are performed by Dr Pierre van Staden, a qualified medical professional with over 15 years of clinical experience and a special interest in skin health.
Absolutely. Consultations allow us to assess your goals and discuss appropriate treatment options before any treatment is undertaken.
A healthy, optimally functional skin is a naturally good-looking skin. Skin, as an organ, performs many different functions. Dysfunction is caused by ageing, habits such as smoking and moisturiser overuse, and environmental factors such as UV damage. Symptoms of poor skin health include uneven pigmentation, sensitivity, dryness, laxity, thinning and acne breakouts. Our goal at Care Centre Paarl is to restore healthy skin function and relieve symptoms.
Care Centre is driven by patient outcomes, not product sales. We view aesthetic procedures as investments and strive to make those investments as cost-effective as possible, while ensuring that meaningful outcomes are achieved. As qualified professionals, we charge for our time and expertise rather than applying large product margins.
Minimally invasive procedures are preferred because they are less traumatic and therefore less painful. That said, because the areas we treat are richly supplied by nerve endings, we cannot guarantee that procedures will be completely painless. Superficial procedures tend to be more uncomfortable as the skin's nerve endings lie close to the surface. Certain areas are more sensitive than others — the lips in particular. Needle insertion can be described as a brief stinging or pinching sensation. When addressing deeper structural concerns, most patients feel an unusual tingling rather than pain.
At Care Centre Paarl, we take considerable care to ensure a comfortable experience. Before your treatment, Dr Pierre will discuss pain-relief options including topical numbing cream, local anaesthetic and, in selected cases, conscious sedation. If your discomfort becomes intolerable during a procedure, treatment will stop immediately until it is addressed.
The most common side effects of minimally invasive procedures are temporary swelling, tenderness and bruising. These are managed using best-practice techniques and appropriate equipment. If you experience any unexpected adverse effects, Dr Pierre will guide you through managing them. You will be given an emergency contact number before you leave and a clear explanation of what to expect. All adverse effects are treatable when identified and addressed promptly.
It is safe to travel by any means after treatments. However, certain procedures are best completed while you are available locally, in case a short-term review is necessary. Please share your schedule with Dr Pierre during your consultation so treatments can be planned accordingly.
Yes. Different treatment modalities can be combined during a single session, provided they do not interfere with one another's mechanism of action. For example, treatments relying on physical manipulation of facial structures should be completed before those requiring precise product placement. You can discuss the specifics of your case during your consultation with Dr Pierre.
Most medical aesthetic treatments produce temporary results, primarily due to the physical properties of the products used and the fact that the ageing process is continuous. Repeat treatments are therefore a normal and expected part of maintaining results. The frequency of each treatment depends on individual anatomy, the area treated and the specific product used. Dr Pierre will advise you on the expected lifespan of your procedure and when to schedule a follow-up.
No. Aesthetic treatments are not covered by medical insurance.
Yes. Diet plays an important role in skin health. Evidence suggests that diets high in refined carbohydrates — found in white bread, white rice, pastries, sugary drinks, processed snacks and breakfast cereals — may worsen skin inflammation and contribute to acne flare-ups, likely through effects on insulin and IGF-1 signalling. Research in this area is ongoing and results across individuals can vary. As a general principle, diets rich in vegetables, whole foods and antioxidant sources such as berries, leafy greens and legumes are broadly beneficial for skin and overall health.
Clinical references:
Kucharska et al. (2016, Advances in Dermatology and Allergology): review supporting the role of low glycaemic-index diets in reducing acne severity via insulin-IGF-1 pathway modulation. Huang et al. (2023, PMC scoping review): maps evidence linking diet to inflammatory skin conditions; notes variability across individuals and skin conditions.
Our goal at Care Centre Paarl is holistic facial aesthetics, not simply treating isolated lines. We assess your overall needs and consider the skin quality changes and structural anatomical changes that contribute to excessive wrinkles. Our holistic approach ensures you get the best results and look more relaxed and youthful. Treatments also include skin cleansing, a comprehensive skin-health analysis and a personalised aesthetics plan.
BOTOX is priced at R80 per unit and is used according to your tailored treatment plan. As a guide, consider budgeting approximately:
The aesthetic effects of botulinum toxin last on average 3 to 4 months for facial lines and wrinkles, though this varies depending on the area treated, the amount of product used, individual response and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking. For the best results, treatments for facial lines are typically repeated every 4 months. When used for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), the effects generally last 6 to 8 months.
Clinical references:
Carruthers et al. and peer-reviewed aesthetic medicine data confirm a mean duration of 3 to 4 months for cosmetic onabotulinumtoxinA (Allergan, FDA prescribing information; multiple RCT data). Naumann et al. (2001, Archives of Dermatology) and Lowe et al. (2007, Dermatologic Surgery): pivotal trials for axillary hyperhidrosis confirming mean treatment effect of approximately 7 months (range 6 to 8 months), supporting the stated duration.
One week before your botulinum toxin treatment, try to avoid aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as those containing diclofenac, mefenamic acid, indomethacin or ibuprofen. This reduces the risk of bruising or bleeding at injection sites. Ask a pharmacist or Dr Pierre if you are unsure whether your regular medication contains any of these.
If this is your first visit, please share your full medical history with Dr Pierre in advance, including any current medical conditions, allergies and medications you are taking. We prefer patients do not wear make-up when visiting for aesthetic treatments.
Clinical reference:
Pre-treatment NSAID and aspirin avoidance is standard clinical guidance to minimise injection-site bruising, consistent with recommendations in aesthetic medicine consensus guidelines (Small, 2014, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology).
Small bumps or marks at injection sites are normal and will resolve within a few hours. Full results may take 3 to 14 days to appear.
There are a small number of absolute contraindications — medical conditions that prevent treatment from being safely carried out. Botulinum toxin treatments are not recommended if:
Please chat to Dr Pierre if you have any concerns about these or any other conditions.
Clinical references:
Absolute contraindications (pregnancy, neuromuscular disorders, active infection, prior allergic reaction): Carruthers and Carruthers (2009, Dermatologic Surgery); FDA prescribing information for onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Allergan). Anticoagulant and warfarin classification as a relative (not absolute) contraindication: Small (2014, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology); Dayan et al. consensus statement on pre-treatment assessment in cosmetic botulinum toxin — increased bruising risk is documented, but warfarin use does not preclude treatment.
Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA) — a naturally occurring substance found in the skin and connective tissue. The HA used in medical fillers is produced in a sterile laboratory environment and is not recognised by the body as a foreign substance. Fillers are temporary because the body's natural enzymes gradually break down the HA over time. This is preferable to permanent fillers, which carry a higher risk of long-term complications.
Clinical reference:
Preference for reversible HA fillers over permanent alternatives is supported by aesthetic medicine consensus guidelines (Funt and Pavicic, 2013, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology): permanent fillers are associated with higher rates of delayed granuloma formation, migration and long-term adverse effects.
Filler duration depends on the specific formulation and its cross-linking density. More viscous, highly cross-linked fillers are broken down more slowly by the body and therefore last longer. In general, fillers can last between 6 and 24 months, with the specific duration depending on your anatomy, the area treated and the product used. Maintenance top-ups are necessary over time, as no treatment can indefinitely halt the ageing process.
Clinical reference:
Duration range of 6 to 24 months for HA fillers depending on product type and placement: Wollina and Goldman (2015, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology).
One week before your filler treatment, try to avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs such as those containing diclofenac, mefenamic acid, indomethacin or ibuprofen, as these increase bruising risk. It is also advisable to avoid dental procedures in the week before and for at least two weeks after filler treatments.
If you suffer from cold sores (Herpes simplex), please inform us in advance. We can prescribe a short course of preventative antiviral medication to be started the day before any lip filler treatment and continued for one to two days afterwards.
Clinical references:
Peri-treatment NSAID avoidance: standard aesthetic practice (Small, 2014, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology). Antiviral prophylaxis prior to lip filler in herpes-prone patients: Bray et al. (2010, Dermatologic Surgery) — evidence-based standard of care to prevent reactivation triggered by needle trauma.
Because Juvederm and similar HA fillers are non-surgical treatments, recovery time is minimal. For the first 24 hours after treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure and alcoholic beverages, as these can increase the risk of temporary redness, swelling and itching.
If this is your first visit, please share your full medical history with Dr Pierre beforehand, including any current conditions, allergies and medications. No allergy test is required unless specifically advised by Dr Pierre.
Yes. We assess and support a range of sports and exercise-related concerns.
Point-of-care ultrasound allows doctors to perform focused imaging assessments during consultations to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
An InBody body composition scan measures muscle mass, fat composition and other health metrics to support fitness and wellness goals.
Yes. We offer geriatric care with a focus on holistic, preventative and compassionate healthcare for older adults.
Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life, comfort and wellbeing for people living with serious illness. It is not only for end-of-life care. Palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious or life-limiting condition and works alongside other treatments to help manage symptoms and support patients and their families.
Clinical references:
WHO definition of palliative care (World Health Organization, 2020): palliative care is applicable from the point of diagnosis and is not restricted to end-of-life situations. National Policy Framework and Strategy on Palliative Care (South African Department of Health, 2017): palliative care is integrated across all levels of the health system, from tertiary hospital to the home.
No. Palliative care can support patients at various stages of serious illness. The focus is on symptom management, comfort, quality of life and helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
Clinical references:
Temel et al. (2010, New England Journal of Medicine): landmark randomised controlled trial demonstrating that early palliative care alongside standard oncological treatment improved quality of life, reduced aggressive end-of-life interventions and was associated with longer survival. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines: recommend introduction of palliative care at the time of diagnosis of serious illness, not only at end of life.
Palliative care can help people living with serious or life-limiting conditions, including cancer, organ failure, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, motor neuron disease and other progressive neurological conditions.
Clinical references:
WHO (2020) palliative care fact sheet: identifies cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, dementia and other progressive neurological conditions as the leading conditions requiring palliative care. South African National Cancer Strategic Framework (Department of Health, 2017): identifies palliative care as an integrated component of care across the cancer continuum and beyond.
Palliative care is often most beneficial when introduced early after the diagnosis of a serious or life-limiting illness. Early involvement allows us to better understand your needs, goals and preferences, and provide support throughout your healthcare journey.
Clinical references:
Temel et al. (2010, New England Journal of Medicine): early palliative care integration improved patient-reported quality of life, reduced emergency presentations and reduced unnecessary hospitalisation at end of life. NCCN Guidelines: early palliative care introduction is a Grade A recommendation for patients with advanced cancer and other serious illnesses.
Every person's situation is unique. We take time to understand your symptoms, concerns, goals and treatment preferences, and work with you to develop a care plan that reflects what matters most to you.
Palliative care is a team-based approach. Patients and their families play a central role in decision-making, supported by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and home-based carers where needed.
Clinical reference:
National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care (NCHPC) Clinical Practice Guidelines (5th edition): palliative care is defined as a multidisciplinary team model encompassing physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, psychologists and other allied health professionals.
A palliative care doctor helps manage symptoms that may affect quality of life, including pain, breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, digestive symptoms and other challenges related to serious illness. They also help coordinate care and support communication between patients, families and healthcare providers.
Clinical reference:
Ferrell et al. (2017, Journal of Clinical Oncology): randomised trial demonstrating that early palliative care physician involvement reduces symptom burden, improves mood and reduces caregiver distress in patients with serious illness.
No. Palliative care works alongside your existing medical team. Your palliative care doctor collaborates with your specialists and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated, patient-centred care.
Clinical reference:
WHO (2020): palliative care is defined as an approach that "works alongside curative treatment" and should be integrated with, not replace, disease-directed care.
Yes. Home visits are available for known palliative care patients where appropriate.
Yes. Parents and caregivers can assist dependants with appointment bookings and patient profiles.