Your Ultimate Guide to All-Inclusive Plastic Surgery Packages in Colombia

Let’s face it—plastic surgery isn’t cheap, and that’s why thousands of Americans head to Colombia each year for procedures that won’t drain their savings. Colombia has become wildly popular for cosmetic surgery, blending skilled doctors, modern facilities, and prices that make you do a double-take (in a good way).

I’ve spent months researching the Colombian medical tourism scene for this 2025 update, talking to patients who’ve made the trip, interviewing surgeons, and visiting facilities firsthand. So grab a coffee—this guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting work done in Colombia without the financial hangover. While this guide focuses on Colombia, it’s worth noting that some premium medical tourism facilitators also offer curated experiences combining travel and medical care in other Latin American destinations like Panama and Costa Rica.

Why Choose Colombia for Cosmetic Surgery?

So why is everyone heading to Colombia? It’s a powerful combination: huge cost savings meet experienced, certified surgeons operating in modern clinics with advanced tech, all within a regulated system (but you still need to be smart about safety).

Colombia’s Growth as a Medical Tourism Hub

The numbers don’t lie—Colombia ranks among the top countries globally for cosmetic procedures. One Cartagena clinic reported that 90% of their international patients were North Americans (66% from the US, 12% from Canada). A long-term study from a Bogotá practice showed 26% of their patients flew in from abroad, mainly from the US, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Body contouring procedures (think lipo, BBLs, tummy tucks) and breast surgeries are the biggest draws, which has created a massive pool of surgeons with tons of experience in these specific areas.

Significant Cost Savings: Why Colombia is More Affordable

Here’s what everyone’s thinking about: cost savings run between 40-70% compared to the US, Canada, or Europe. Not chump change! A Lipo 360 + BBL package might set you back about $6,100 in Colombia versus a whopping $12,400+ in the States.

Why the huge difference? Lower cost of living means cheaper labor, supplies, and facility overhead. Surgeons also pay way less for malpractice insurance, and there’s fierce competition among doctors. Even after adding flights and accommodations, you’ll still walk away with serious savings.

A price chart lists costs in USD for six cosmetic procedures, including Mommy Makeover, BBL, Liposuction 360, and more. Explore all-inclusive plastic surgery packages in Colombia for comprehensive care and transparent pricing.
Colombia offers an excellent cost/quality on plastic surgery.

Surgeon Qualifications and Credentials in Colombia

Colombian plastic surgeons can be fantastic, but—and this is a big BUT—you absolutely must do your homework. The gold standard credential is membership in the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva (SCCP). These surgeons completed hardcore 4-5 year plastic surgery residencies after medical school and follow strict ethical standards.

Don’t just take someone’s word for it—verify any surgeon’s SCCP membership yourself through their official site (cirugiaplastica.org.co). Many top surgeons also hold international credentials like ISAPS, ASPS, or the prestigious FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons). Premium facilitators often emphasize partnerships with doctors holding such international memberships or board certifications.

Clinic Standards and Technology Available

The best clinics in Colombia are genuinely impressive. By law, facilities must be “habilitada” (authorized) by the local health secretariat under national regulations. For extra peace of mind, look for facilities within Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals—this is the international gold standard. Some facilitators specifically partner with internationally certified facilities (sometimes citing affiliations like Johns Hopkins International).

Colombian national accreditations to watch for include ICONTEC and membership in ASOCLICPER (the association of plastic surgery clinics). Many clinics use cutting-edge equipment like specialized lipo technologies and ultrasonic instruments for rhinoplasty.

Advanced Surgical Techniques in Colombia

The high volume of surgeries has spurred innovation. Colombian surgeons often specialize in advanced techniques like high-definition liposuction (Lipo HD), 360-degree lipo, deep plane facelifts, and minimally invasive approaches that can get you better results with potentially shorter recovery times. Facilitators often highlight access to specialists in specific procedures like Rhinoplasty, Gluteoplasty, Mammoplasty, Maxillofacial surgery, hair implants, and advanced dental work (implants, orthodontics).

Safety Regulations, Risks, and Due Diligence

Colombia has a decent governmental framework for healthcare regulation through the Ministry of Health. The rules say:

  • Only qualified medical specialists can perform procedures
  • Surgeries must happen in authorized clinics
  • Patients must sign informed consent forms
  • Medical devices and implants are regulated by INVIMA
  • There are restrictions on misleading advertising
  • Most cosmetic surgeries are forbidden for people under 18

WARNING (Seriously, don’t skip this): Despite regulations, there’s a scary problem with unlicensed practitioners and dodgy “garage clinics” that operate outside the system. These places are dangerous as hell and can literally kill you. Official statistics often miss incidents from this underground sector.

There’s sometimes tension between Colombia’s push to grow medical tourism and proper safety enforcement. Bottom line: You MUST verify credentials and accreditations yourself—don’t just trust marketing or low prices.

Understanding All-Inclusive Plastic Surgery Packages

The whole point of a package is making your medical vacation simpler. But what does “all-inclusive” really mean?

Defining the “All-Inclusive” Concept

For surgery packages, “all-inclusive” typically bundles the main surgery costs (surgeon, anesthesia, facility) with support services (place to stay, transportation, basic recovery care). It aims to make costs predictable and logistics easier, but generally doesn’t cover your flights, comprehensive complication insurance, or revision surgeries.

What Services Are Typically Included?

Beyond basic surgical fees, packages often include:

  • Consultations before surgery (virtual and in-person)
  • A place to recover (recovery houses, special suites, or partner hotels)
  • Local rides (airport pickup/dropoff, clinic visits)
  • Recovery support (nursing help ranging from periodic checks to 24/7 care, follow-up visits with your surgeon, lymphatic massages)
  • Initial meds and supplies (like compression garments)

Convenience and Simplified Planning for Patients

For international patients, packages are a godsend—everything from surgery to recovery arrangements gets handled through one point of contact, saving you major logistics headaches when traveling abroad. Some facilitators specialize in comprehensive travel coordination, managing flights, ground transport, and all logistics.

Standard vs. Customized Package Options

Packages come in different flavors:

  • Procedure-specific bundles (BBL, Mommy Makeover, etc.)
  • Tiered options (basic vs. fancy, with better accommodations and more intensive nursing)
  • Customizable packages where you can adjust services
  • Packages offered directly by clinics or through medical tourism facilitators. Facilitators act as intermediaries, often curating premium, bespoke experiences that might include cultural immersion alongside medical procedures. Some operate across multiple Latin American countries.

Key Benefits of Booking a Colombian Surgery Package

There are some solid perks to going the package route.

  • Streamlined Patient Experience: Packages provide a clear path from your first inquiry and virtual consultation through arrival, surgery, recovery, and departure—super helpful when navigating healthcare in another country. Premium facilitators often provide dedicated concierge teams and native English-speaking experts.
  • Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Packages: Bundling services often gives you better value and makes it easier to budget since you know most costs upfront.
  • Comprehensive Post-Operative Support: The post-op care is a huge benefit—having somewhere to recover with nursing help, follow-ups, and therapies like lymphatic massages is crucial when you’re thousands of miles from home, especially if you’re traveling solo. Premium packages may offer enhanced post-procedural care integrated into luxury accommodations.
  • Reduced Stress and Increased Peace of Mind: Having logistics handled and structured support reduces anxiety, which matters when you’re recovering from surgery in a foreign country. Knowing complication insurance is available or included adds peace of mind.
  • Combining High-Quality Treatment with Travel: Packages let you access excellent medical care while also experiencing Colombia—though honestly, you’ll probably focus more on recovery than sightseeing. Some premium facilitators explicitly design packages around cultural immersion (“Caribbean Renewal,” “Andean Serenity,” “Elevate Your Look”) tailored to recovery timelines.
Flowchart illustrating the steps of medical tourism: Contact, Advocate, Screening, Quote, In-Country Experience, and Customer Care by Tourism Packages.
Using a facilitator like Medical Tourism Packages makes your experience much more predictable and easy.

Key Accreditation & Certification Bodies for Colombian Surgery

When researching plastic surgeons and clinics in Colombia, verifying credentials and accreditations is essential for safety and quality assurance. Here are some key organizations mentioned and links to their official sites:

Surgeon Credentials:

  • Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva (SCCP)
    • The primary professional body for board-certified plastic surgeons in Colombia. Membership indicates completion of rigorous residency training. Verification here is critical.
    • Website: http://cirugiaplastica.org.co/ (Use their directory to verify surgeon membership)
  • International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
    • A leading global professional body for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons.
    • Website: https://www.isaps.org/
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
    • A major professional organization for board-certified plastic surgeons, primarily in the US, but some international members exist.
    • Website: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
    • Indicates that a surgeon’s education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation by the American College of Surgeons.
    • Website: https://www.facs.org/

Clinic & Facility Standards:

  • Local Health Secretariats (“Habilitada” Status)
    • Clinics must be authorized (“habilitada”) by the local governmental health authority to operate legally. This verification is typically done locally and may not have a single central online database for all of Colombia. Ask the clinic for proof of their habilitación.
  • Joint Commission International (JCI)
    • A recognized global leader in health care accreditation, focusing on patient safety and quality of care. Accreditation (often held by hospitals where clinics might be located) is a high standard.
    • Website: https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/ (Note: The main site is jointcommission.org, JCI is its international arm)
  • ICONTEC (Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación)
    • The Colombian national body for technical standards and certification, offering voluntary quality accreditations for various sectors, including healthcare.
    • Website: https://www.icontec.org/
  • ASOCLICPER (Asociación Colombiana de Clínicas de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva)
    • An association representing plastic surgery clinics in Colombia. Membership can indicate a commitment to certain standards.
    • Website: https://asoclicper.com/

Device & Product Regulation:

  • INVIMA (Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos)
    • Colombia’s national agency responsible for regulating medicines, medical devices (including implants), and food products.
    • Website: https://www.invima.gov.co/

Note: Always perform your own independent verification using these official sources. Do not rely solely on information provided by the clinic or facilitator.

Anatomy of a Colombian Plastic Surgery Package: Typical Inclusions

Knowing what’s typically included helps you compare apples to apples. Here’s the usual breakdown:

  • Surgical, Anesthesia, and Facility Fees: This covers your surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room, equipment, and facility staff.
  • Pre-Operative Consultations and Evaluations: Initial virtual consults and essential in-person meetings with your surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery. Basic pre-op lab work might be included (ask to confirm). Premium providers may emphasize 3-5x longer consultation times compared to domestic care.
  • Accommodation: Recovery Houses and Partner Hotels: You’ll get a specific length of stay (typically 10-21 days) in a recovery house, suite, or partner hotel. Premium packages often feature five-star accommodations selected for luxury and ambiance, catering to sophisticated travelers.
  • Comprehensive Post-Operative Care and Supplies: This includes nursing help (from periodic checks to round-the-clock support), follow-up visits with your surgeon, a set number of lymphatic massages/therapies, your first compression garments, initial post-surgery medications (painkillers, antibiotics), and supplies like anti-embolism stockings. Enhanced care integrated into luxury settings might be offered in high-end packages.
  • Logistics: Transportation Management: Ground transportation for airport pickup/dropoff and rides to clinic appointments. Comprehensive travel coordination (including flights) may be offered by facilitators.

Potential Package Extras

  • Meals: May be included (especially in recovery houses).
  • Complication Insurance: Ask specifically if any complication insurance is part of the deal. Some facilitators explicitly offer policies at affordable prices.
  • Bespoke Tourism: Premium packages might include privately guided tours tailored to your interests and recovery.
  • Documentation Assistance: Some facilitators offer support with visas and other international travel documents.
  • Enhanced Privacy: High-end packages often guarantee discretion and private settings exceeding typical standards.

The Patient Journey: Step-by-Step Process

Medical tourism to Colombia involves six key phases: research and virtual consultation; provider selection and booking arrangements including vital medical complication insurance; early arrival in Colombia (2-3 days minimum, longer for long-haul flights); the procedure itself; an essential in-country recovery period of 1-4+ weeks; and final check-ups before returning home—with the caution that post-return complications may be challenging to manage locally.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Phase 1: Initial Research and Virtual Consultation

You’ll do online research, contact providers (clinics or facilitators), send photos/medical history, have a virtual consultation to discuss goals, get a preliminary plan, and receive package quotes.

Phase 2: Choosing Provider, Booking, and Arrangements

Select your provider/package, pay a deposit, arrange any pre-op tests (possibly at home), book flights (or have facilitator coordinate), and secure medical complication insurance (if not included—and it usually isn’t).

Phase 3: Arrival in Colombia and Pre-Surgery Preparations

Get to Colombia at least 2-3 days before surgery (potentially longer, like 6+ days, if your flight exceeds 4 hours, to reduce blood clot risk). You’ll be picked up at the airport, settle into your accommodations, have final in-person consultations, sign consent forms, and make final payments.

Phase 4: The Day of Your Procedure

You’ll arrive at the facility (fasting), go through final checks, get surgical markings, have your procedure, be monitored in recovery, and then transfer to your accommodation with initial nursing support.

Phase 5: In-Country Recovery Period

This crucial phase lasts 1-4+ weeks depending on your procedure. You’ll rest, manage pain, receive nursing care, have follow-ups with your surgeon, handle drains (if used), wear compression garments, start therapies, and begin light activity (walking) to promote circulation.

Phase 6: Final Check-up, Departure, and Follow-Up

You’ll have a final check-up with your surgeon, get clearance to travel, and receive home care instructions. Remote follow-up is often available, but managing complications back home can be tricky (local doctors may hesitate to treat you).

Selecting the Right Provider and Package

Do your homework! Here’s how:

Verifying Surgeon Credentials and Experience

MUST-DO: Verify SCCP membership using their official directory. Look for additional international credentials (ISAPS, ASPS, FACS). Ask about their specific experience with your procedure and request relevant before/after photos. Facilitators should be transparent about their partner surgeons’ credentials.

Evaluating Clinic Accreditation and Safety

Confirm the facility is “habilitada” by the local Health Secretariat. Prioritize clinics in JCI-accredited hospitals or those with recognized accreditations (ICONTEC, ASOCLICPER). Make sure the facility has proper emergency capabilities and protocols. Ask facilitators about the accreditation of their partner facilities.

Comparing Packages: Inclusions vs. Exclusions

Get itemized lists of what’s included/excluded. Look closely at the accommodation type/duration, nursing level, number of massages, and confirm whether complication insurance is included (it typically isn’t). Identify all potential extra costs. Compare standard packages versus premium offerings from facilitators if seeking a higher level of service or cultural integration.

Using Patient Reviews and Before/After Galleries

Check independent review platforms like RealSelf, but take them with a grain of salt. Study before/after galleries critically, looking for consistency and natural results. Look for testimonials specific to facilitators if considering one (e.g., MTP cites 97% exceptional/excellent ratings).

Key Questions to Ask Potential Providers

  • Are you SCCP certified? (Then verify independently!)
  • Where exactly will surgery happen? What’s its accreditation status?
  • What are the emergency protocols?
  • What’s your experience and complication rate for my procedure?
  • Can I see relevant before/after photos?
  • What’s itemized as included/excluded in the price?
  • Is medical complication insurance included? What are the terms? Can you help arrange it?
  • What’s your protocol for managing major complications?
  • What level/duration of nursing care is provided post-op?
  • How long should I stay in Colombia for recovery?
  • How is follow-up handled after I return home?
  • (If using a facilitator): Can you detail your coordination process? Do you have English-speaking staff on the ground?

Major cities offer different advantages. While some facilitators offer packages across Latin America (including Panama and Costa Rica, known for specific appeals like cosmopolitan settings or wellness retreats), Colombia remains a primary hub.

Bogotá: Hub for Top Surgeons and Clinics

The capital has loads of experienced surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals, and clinics. Some providers working in Bogotá include Dr. Mauricio Serrano, Dr. Tatiana Luna, Cuerpo10, Dr. Juan Carlos Monroy (Ciruplastia), Luxury Recovery Suites, Body Harmony, Instituto Felipe Amaya, Universal Medical Travel, and Absolute Medical Tourism. Good flight connectivity is a plus. Facilitators often feature Bogotá for its “sophisticated urban setting.”

Medellín: Renowned for Quality Care and Recovery

Medellín is popular for its pleasant climate, top-ranked hospitals, reputable JCI-accredited clinics, and strong reputation for body contouring and recovery facilities. Often highlighted for its “Andean Serenity” appeal in curated packages.

Cartagena: Combining Surgery and Tourism

Cartagena lets you recover in a gorgeous tourist destination. Clinics often promote luxury recovery options with that Caribbean backdrop, sometimes marketed as a “Caribbean Renewal” experience.

Exploring Options in Cali and Other Cities

Cali is another major plastic surgery hub. Other cities offer services too, but thorough vetting remains essential everywhere.

Cost Considerations for Colombian Plastic Surgery Packages

Let’s talk figures.

Estimated 2025 all-inclusive package ranges (typically excluding flights & complication insurance):

  • Mommy Makeover: $6,000 – $12,000+ USD
  • BBL (with Lipo 360): $3,000 – $6,100+ USD (vs. $12,400+ US average)
  • Liposuction 360: $4,900 – $5,500+ USD
  • Rhinoplasty: $2,500 – $5,950+ USD
  • Facelift: $4,000 – $9,000+ USD (Deep plane higher, potentially $11,000+)
  • Breast Augmentation: $2,500 – $5,100+ USD

Important caveat: These ranges vary widely; inclusions differ; flights/insurance/complications are extra.

Factors Influencing Package Prices

Package prices vary based on:

  • Surgeon’s reputation/experience
  • Clinic prestige/accreditation/location
  • Procedure complexity and combinations
  • Technology used (e.g., ultrasonic rhinoplasty, BodyTite/J-Plasma)
  • Implants/materials quality
  • Accommodation standard/duration and included services (Premium packages with luxury stays and bespoke tours will cost more)

Pricing Transparency and Red Flags

Look for clear, itemized quotes. Run from vague or “too good to be true” prices, which often hide costs or cut corners on safety. Avoid providers using aggressive marketing, raffles, or high-pressure sales tactics.

Budgeting for Additional Costs

Set aside money for:

  • International flights
  • Medical complication insurance (ESSENTIAL)
  • Standard travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (meals not included, shopping)
  • Potential complication treatment costs
  • Possible visa fees
  • Extra garments beyond the initial set

Financing Options for Medical Tourism

Options include personal savings, home country personal loans/credit cards, specialized medical tourism financing companies (LightStream, Prosper Healthcare Lending, PatientFi), or potentially clinic payment plans (less common for packages). Remember: Regular health insurance from the US/Canada typically won’t cover elective cosmetic surgery abroad.

Key Considerations Before Booking Your Trip

Some critical points to consider before committing.

Understanding Recovery Timelines and Expectations

Surgery isn’t a walk in the park. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal. Results evolve over months. Be skeptical of guarantees of perfection. Premium providers may emphasize longer, more detailed consultations to ensure alignment. Here’s a rough recovery timeline for popular procedures:

  • Mommy Makeover:
    • Initial Recovery: 2-4 weeks of serious downtime
    • Back to Desk Work: ~2-4 weeks (physical jobs: 4-6+ weeks)
    • No Heavy Lifting: 6+ weeks
    • No Serious Exercise: ~6-8 weeks or more
    • Final Results: 6-12 months as swelling resolves
    • Recommended Colombia Stay: 20-30 days
  • BBL:
    • No Direct Sitting: 2-3+ weeks (special pillow needed)
    • Back to Desk Jobs (with precautions): ~2-4 weeks
    • No Serious Exercise: ~6-8 weeks or more
    • Final Results: 3-6 months as fat grafts stabilize
    • Recommended Colombia Stay: 10-15 days
  • Liposuction:
    • Back to Desk Work: ~3 days – 2 weeks (physical jobs: 3-6 weeks)
    • Walking: Start immediately. Low-impact cardio: ~2-4 weeks
    • Serious Exercise: ~4-6 weeks
    • Final Results: ~6 months as swelling fully subsides
    • Recommended Colombia Stay: ~12 days
  • Rhinoplasty:
    • Splint/Cast Removal: ~1 week
    • Back to Work/School: ~7-14 days (depends on bruising/swelling)
    • No Heavy Exercise: 4-6 weeks. Contact sports longer
    • Final Results: Up to 1 year for subtle swelling to resolve
    • Recommended Colombia Stay: ~8 days
  • Breast Augmentation:
    • Back to Easy Work: ~1 week
    • Exercise: Gradually from ~4 weeks. No heavy lifting initially
    • Recommended Colombia Stay: 6-7 days
  • Facelift:
    • Heavy Bruising/Swelling: First 1-2 weeks
    • Back to Social Life: ~2-3 weeks (makeup may be needed)
    • Heavy Activity: Gradually after 3-6 weeks
    • Final Results: Several months as swelling resolves
    • Recommended Colombia Stay: ~10 days

(Individual recovery varies—talk to your surgeon)

Understanding Surgical and Travel-Related Risks

All surgery has risks (infection, bleeding, anesthesia issues, bad scarring, asymmetry, disappointing results). Medical tourism adds specific risks:

  • Travel Complications: Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism risk increases with long flights (>4 hours) combined with surgery. Don’t fly too soon after surgery.
  • Weird Infections: Risk of surgical site infections, potentially including unusual bacteria due to different environments or varying standards.
  • Follow-up Problems: Difficulty managing complications when you get home; local doctors may lack info or be reluctant to get involved.
  • Language Issues: Potential for misunderstandings despite translator help.
  • Quality Variations: Standards can differ wildly from US/Canada, especially outside accredited facilities.
  • Legal Headaches: Getting compensation across borders is extremely difficult.
  • General Travel Risks: Check government travel advisories for current safety info about crime or regional health issues (like Dengue or Yellow Fever).

Choose verified surgeons and accredited facilities, understand all risks, and get robust insurance. Some studies suggest medical tourists may face slightly higher complication rates than local patients if rigorous protocols aren’t followed. That said, good clinics show excellent outcomes (one Cartagena study reported 98.2% satisfaction among international patients).

The Critical Importance of Medical Complication Insurance

Standard Travel Insurance ISN’T ENOUGH: It typically excludes complications from elective procedures.

You NEED Specialized Medical Tourism Insurance: Get a dedicated policy covering costs of treating surgical complications. Make sure it covers:

  • Treatment both in Colombia AND back home
  • High enough limits (complications can cost tens of thousands)
  • Adequate duration (e.g., 180 days post-op)
  • Extra travel/accommodation if needed due to complications

Cost: Factor this premium into your budget (research showed ~$622 for $25k coverage on a $7.5k surgery). Being uninsured can financially destroy you. Ask if your package includes this or if they recommend specific insurers (like GPS). Some facilitators explicitly offer or bundle this insurance. This insurance is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Regular Travel Medical Insurance: Also get this for non-surgery emergencies (accidents, illness) and evacuation.

Communication and Language Considerations

Make sure the clinic has bilingual staff or interpreters. Premium facilitators often highlight having native English-speaking staff available for coordination. Verify consent forms and instructions come in a language you completely understand.

Ready to Start Your Journey? Next Steps

If you’re ready to explore options in Colombia, working with a specialized medical tourism facilitator can streamline the entire process.

Contacting a Specialized Facilitator

Why stress over finding the right doctor and clinic? Just reach out to Medical Tourism Packages. We’ve already done the hard work—we only partner with board-certified surgeons and accredited clinics we trust. We’ll handle all the annoying details like travel and accommodation too, leaving you free to focus on what matters: your procedure and getting better.

Preparing for Your Consultation

Gather your medical history, medication/allergy list, and clear photos. Write down specific questions about your desired procedures, potential results, recovery expectations, and also discuss the type of experience you’re looking for (e.g., cultural immersion, relaxation). Be ready to discuss your budget and timeline.

Final Pre-Travel Checklist

  • Verified Surgeon (Facilitator should confirm SCCP/Board Certification) & Facility Credentials (Accredited)
  • Detailed Package Quote (Itemized, including facilitator services)
  • Comprehensive Medical Complication Insurance (Confirm arrangement via facilitator)
  • Standard Travel Insurance
  • Flights (Confirm coordination if handled by facilitator)
  • Valid Passport (& Visa if needed)
  • Pre-Op Tests Completed
  • Pre-Travel Instructions Understood (Meds to avoid, quit smoking)
  • Money Arranged (Package + Flights + Insurance + Spending Money + Emergency Fund)
  • Realistic Expectations Set
  • Post-Op Support Plan (Confirm details of care)
  • Communication Plan (Coordinator/Facilitator contacts)

Ready for a seamless experience? Contact a specialized facilitator like Medical Tourism Packages to discuss your bespoke Colombian cosmetic journey today.

Frequently Asked Quesitons

Colombia is favored for plastic surgery due to its combination of affordability, experienced board-certified surgeons, modern clinics, and strong regulatory frameworks. Cost savings of 40-70% compared to the US and high patient satisfaction rates have made it a leading hub for procedures like liposuction, BBLs, and breast surgeries.

How much can I save by getting plastic surgery in Colombia?

Patients can typically save 40-70% on procedures compared to prices in the US, Canada, or Europe. For example, a Lipo 360 + BBL in Colombia might cost around $6,100, compared to over $12,400 in the United States—even after adding travel expenses.

What qualifications should a Colombian plastic surgeon have?

The gold standard is SCCP (Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica) certification. Many top surgeons also hold international memberships like ISAPS, ASPS, or FACS. Always verify credentials through official directories to ensure safety and legitimacy.

What’s included in an all-inclusive plastic surgery package in Colombia?

All-inclusive packages generally cover surgical costs (surgeon, anesthesia, facility), recovery accommodations, transportation, nursing care, medications, compression garments, and post-op support. Flights, travel insurance, and complication insurance are usually not included.

How can I verify a Colombian clinic’s accreditation?

Ensure the clinic is “habilitada” by the local Health Secretariat. Look for international accreditations like JCI, or national ones like ICONTEC or ASOCLICPER. Ask for proof of accreditation and verify it directly when possible.

What are the risks of getting plastic surgery in Colombia?

Risks include surgical complications, infections, travel-related issues like blood clots, and challenges with follow-up care. The biggest danger is from unlicensed providers operating illegally. Always verify surgeon and clinic credentials, and secure proper insurance to mitigate risks.

Do I need special insurance for surgery abroad?

Yes, standard travel insurance doesn’t cover elective surgery complications. You need specialized medical complication insurance that includes coverage both in Colombia and back home, with high enough limits and extended post-op coverage. It’s essential for financial protection.

How long should I stay in Colombia after surgery?

Recovery stays range from 6 to 30 days depending on the procedure. For example, rhinoplasty may require around 8 days, while a Mommy Makeover could mean staying 20-30 days. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance for safe recovery before flying home.

Dr. Jorge Cardenas Roldan
Dr. Jorge Cardenas Roldan

Dr. Jorge Cardenas Roldan, an internal medicine specialist with over 15 years of experience, holds a Master’s in clinical epidemiology from Erasmus University, Rotterdam. As our Consulting Doctor, Dr. Cardenas is dedicated to elevating the standards of quality and safety in our international healthcare services. His expertise ensures that our patients receive the highest level of care and outcomes.