Medical tourism in Colombia: why more and more patients choose to have surgery here
There is a question that frequently arises in plastic surgery consultations in Bogotá: "How did you know you could come from abroad to have surgery here?" The answer is almost always the same. Someone in their circle did it, returned transformed, and the experience was so different from what they expected that they decided to research more. That, in a nutshell, summarizes how medical tourism works in Colombia today.
This article is intended for those considering traveling to Colombia for aesthetic surgery, or simply want to understand why this country has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for that purpose. It clearly explains what medical tourism is, what makes Colombia different, how it works in practice, and what to keep in mind before deciding. Without exaggerated promises or unnecessary technicalities, as if it were a calm conversation before the consultation.
What is medical tourism and why does Colombia lead this market
Medical tourism, also called health tourism, occurs when a person travels to another country to receive medical care. It can be for reasons of cost, access to advanced techniques, shorter waiting lists, or simply because they trust certain specialists more. In plastic surgery, this practice has steadily grown over the last decade.
Colombia did not arrive at this place by accident. The country built a solid reputation based on internationally trained surgeons, certified clinics, and a value-for-money relationship that is hard to match. According to data from ProColombia, 2.2% of foreigners entering the country do so specifically seeking health services, and that percentage continues to grow.
Why Colombia stands out in aesthetic plastic surgery
| Factor | Colombia | United States / Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost of procedures | 40–60% lower | Base reference |
| Waiting time for surgery | Days or weeks | Months |
| Surgeon training | 4–5 year residencies + international certifications | Comparable |
| Accredited facilities | Yes, in high-volume centers | Yes |
| Language for international patients | Bilingual teams in specialized clinics | Not applicable |
The largest study published to date on plastic surgery tourism in Colombia, conducted in Cartagena with over 2,300 international patients and 7,141 procedures between 2013 and 2024, found that the complication rate was 2.2% per procedure, comparable to the benchmarks published by certified surgeons in the United States. That says a lot.
Who travels to Colombia for surgery
There is no single profile. According to that same study published in PRS Global Open in 2025, 89% of international patients came from the United States or Canada, and most were professionals with a university education. People who make informed, not impulsive, decisions.
The most requested surgery by international patients in Colombia is consistently liposculpture, followed by breast surgery and rhinoplasty. But combined procedures, like the mommy makeover, have grown notably, precisely because Colombia offers the possibility of addressing multiple goals in a single visit.
"Medical tourism for cosmetic surgery is expanding driven by the demand for high-quality, safe, and accessible procedures. Colombia has established itself as a leading destination for international patients seeking superior quality, service, and value."
— Campbell A., Restrepo C. et al., Safety and Outcomes in Plastic Surgery Medical Tourism, PRS Global Open, 2025
Not everyone comes just for the price. Many choose Colombia because the surgeons who treat them have training comparable to or better than what they would find in their home countries, and because the support during recovery in Colombia, with specialized recovery houses, nursing care, and continuous medical check-ups, gives them more confidence than returning home the day after surgery.
Bogotá as a destination for aesthetic medical tourism
Medellín and Cartagena often appear more in medical tourism searches, but Bogotá has concrete advantages that many patients discover when they start to research more thoroughly.
The Colombian capital has a high density of plastic surgeons certified by the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP), which is the entity that endorses training and practice in the country. The hospital and private clinic infrastructure is solid, with high-level medical centers that meet international standards. And unlike coastal cities, the cool climate of Bogotá can be a real advantage during recovery, as heat can increase inflammation and postoperative discomfort.
For patients coming from the United States or Europe, Bogotá has direct flights from several major hubs, which simplifies logistics. And the ecosystem of recovery houses, medical transport services, and appointment coordination is well developed to cater to international patients.
How it works in practice: the step-by-step process
One of the biggest fears when considering surgery in another country is not knowing how the process works. The good news is that specialized teams in medical tourism have clear protocols, and understanding them greatly reduces uncertainty.
Typical medical tourism process for plastic surgery in Colombia
| Stage | What happens | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Initial virtual consultation | Candidate evaluation, photos, questions | Before the trip |
| Preoperative exams | Laboratories, electrocardiogram, assessment | First or second day |
| Surgery | Procedure in accredited clinic | Agreed day |
| Hospitalization or recovery house | First 24–48 hours under supervision | Immediate post-surgery |
| Medical check-ups | Reviews with the surgical team | During the stay |
| Return to the country of origin | With detailed instructions and remote follow-up | 10–21 days later |
The virtual consultation before the trip is essential. It allows the surgeon to assess whether the patient is a candidate, to clearly define expectations, and to plan preoperative exams upon arrival. Traveling without having had that prior consultation is, honestly, a mistake to avoid.
What to consider for a good choice
The decision to have surgery in another country deserves the same rigor as any other important medical decision. The lowest price is not always the best option, and plastic surgery is no exception. There are factors that make a real difference between a positive experience and a serious complication.
The first thing is to verify that the surgeon is certified by the SCCP (Colombian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). Any doctor can self-designate as an "aesthetic surgeon" without that certification, and that represents a real risk. Verifying accreditation is simple and should be the first step.
The second is that the clinic or medical center where the procedure is performed is licensed and complies with safety protocols. In Colombia, there are first-class clinics, but there are also those that the sector informally calls "garage clinics," which operate outside the regulated system. The difference in safety is enormous.
The third thing, and perhaps the most underestimated, is to plan the recovery time well before flying back. The previously mentioned PRS Global Open study identified that flights longer than 4 hours increase the risk of non-aesthetic complications, especially thrombosis. The general recommendation is to stay in Colombia for between 10 and 21 days depending on the procedure, so that the medical team can provide appropriate follow-up before the patient takes a long flight.
Frequently asked questions about medical tourism in Colombia
Is it safe to have plastic surgery in Colombia?
Yes, when choosing a surgeon certified by the SCCP and an accredited clinic. The largest study conducted to date on plastic surgery tourism in Colombia, with over 7,000 procedures, showed complication rates comparable to those of the best centers in the United States.
How much can you save by having surgery in Colombia vs. the United States?
Typical savings are between 50% and 70% of the total cost, even considering flights and accommodation. A procedure that costs 20,000 USD in the United States can be performed in Colombia for 6,000–10,000 USD with equivalent standards.
How long should you stay in Colombia after surgery?
It depends on the procedure. For a rhinoplasty, the minimum recommended is 8 to 10 days. For more extensive procedures like the mommy makeover, the usual is between 14 and 21 days. The surgeon defines it according to the individual case.
Can the preoperative consultation be done virtually before traveling?
Yes. The preoperative virtual consultation is standard practice in teams that work with international patients. It allows for candidate evaluation, resolving doubts, and planning the trip in advance.
What certification should I look for in a Colombian plastic surgeon?
The certification from the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery (SCCP) is the main endorsement. Many surgeons also have memberships in ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) or ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
What do medical tourism packages in Colombia include?
The packages vary, but generally include the surgical procedure, anesthesia, hospitalization, postoperative check-ups during the stay, and, in many cases, transfers and support from medical coordinators. Accommodation in specialized recovery houses is usually arranged separately.
The step that many postpone too much
There are people who have been researching plastic surgery in Colombia for months —or years— without taking the next step. Sometimes it's due to uncertainty, other times due to a lack of concrete information. But what usually resolves more doubts than any article is a real consultation with the specialist.
If you are considering aesthetic surgery and Colombia is on your radar, the first concrete step is to find a certified surgeon with whom you can speak directly, ask real questions, and assess if there is a connection. That conversation is often much clearer than one imagines before having it.
To learn about the procedures and see real results from patients, you can explore the pages of each surgery on this site. If you want to schedule a virtual consultation, the team of the Dr. Erika Gutiérrez works regularly with international patients and can guide you from the first contact.
Published in: Our Blog | Category: Educational