The Southern Group
The Southern Group of companies was founded in 1987, with the inception of its first venture, dental implant manufacturer Southern Implants. Since then, it has evolved to comprise seven of the world’s most dynamic biomedical companies, operating in specialities ranging from advanced implantable devices to skin technologies.
Southern products benefit from years of cross-pollination of regulatory and quality expertise, backed by innovative treatment-specific science. The result is a selection of treatment solutions of the highest quality, safety, and efficacy.
The Southern Group of Companies adheres strictly to the highest medical quality standards. Individual companies are ISO13485 certified, and all products are CE marked, with some approved by the American FDA. All facilities are of GMP standard.
The Southern Group of Companies is committed to excellence and cost-effectiveness in medical and implantable devices. Talented scientists, global relationships in academia and medical practice, and a commitment to progress and patient quality of life make Southern the leading biotechnology group in Africa, and a valued presence worldwide.
Southern Implants
The original company, Southern Implants, has designed and manufactured implants for dental, craniofacial and maxillofacial applications since 1987. At this time, oral implantology was in its infancy, but has since become a multi-billion-dollar global industry, with ever-increasing accessibility for patients in need of facial and dental prosthetics.
Southern Implants has become one of the science’s pioneers, responsible for several original game-changing innovations, and is now a major player in Southern Africa, Europe, Australasia, the Middle East and Russia. Its interests extend beyond implants to surgical techniques, restorative protocols, clinical training and patient education. Southern Implants spends a higher percentage of profit on research than any other dental implant company worldwide.
Glycar
Glycar was founded in 1994 to manufacture and develop mitral heart valves and cardiovascular patches using bovine pericardium. The company is extensively involved in applications related to cross-linked collagen membranes.
Southern Medical
Southern Medical is an orthopaedic implant company that emerged from the foundations of Southern Implants’ expertise in manufacturing and processing osseointegrated fixtures. The two companies produce complementary research and innovations in fields such as surface enhancement and biomaterials science.
Since 2001, Southern Medical has been dedicated to the design and production of orthopaedic and neurosurgical implantable devices, for indications such as spinal fusion and disc replacement, and hand, maxillofacial and neurosurgery. A specialist division is concentrated on specialized theatre equipment such as spinal operating tables and retractor systems.
Southern ENT
Southern Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) was founded in 2002 with the focused aim of distributing implantable devices for use in the field of ENT. Southern ENT, it is the proud sole distributor of Cochlear Nucleus and BAHA implants in Southern Africa, and works closely together with the global Cochlear family in the development of market-leading technologies.
Southern ENT supplies hearing solutions, training, and support services to clinicians, the hearing-impaired and their families. The company also conducts research into related treatments for hearing loss.
Medika
Medika SA has been dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of advanced wound care products since 2002. Its product offering includes honey-based wound care ointments, as well as biological skin substitutes for burn wounds.
The company is committed to being the foremost burn wound care provider in South Africa and to enhance burn wound care treatment worldwide. The company collaborates directly with specialists in the field to provide benefits to patients by being the leader in design, development and manufacturing of innovative burn wound care devices.
Skin Rejuvenation Technologies (Optiphi)
With experts in disciplines spanning biomedical and tissue engineering, biochemistry, and microbiology, Southern Skin Rejuvenation Technologies (SRT) embodies the foremost technology of cosmetics in the world. The Optiphi range is the flagship product, and has established itself as a leader in this rapidly developing science. Optiphi’s training offering is proudly accredited by the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals as a further education programme, and was the first cosmetics brand to achieve this status.
The range caters for all skin types and conditions, and can be used in conjunction with existing care regimes. The uniqueness of the range has resulted from close collaboration with medical specialists and their patients. The company has a strong, value-driven marketing capability for assisting therapists with brand presence, incentives, social media and print campaigns. As with all Southern Group products, Optiphi conforms to stringent international quality standards and is available worldwide.
Ophthalmica
The latest addition to the Southern family, Ophthalmica strives to be the leading ophthalmic device manufacturer in South Africa by producing high quality products. Its focus is on developing comprehensive treatment solutions for ocular disorders, and through the interaction between outstanding, compassionate physicians and talented scientists, it hopes to advance the science of ophthalmology.
Their innovative products are the result of a dedicated effort to service all the medical device requirements of its ophthalmic surgeon clients, who are actively involved in feedback and design input. Since its recent inception it has already been responsible for the development and successful implantation of the first keratoprosthesis in South Africa. This was followed by the development of cross-linking solutions for keratoconus, viscosurgical devices for cataract procedures, and a host of other cutting-edge ophthalmic bio-devices.
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.