Best Plastic Surgery in Colombia: Why Monique Traveled from Canada for Her Makeover

• Name: Monique Corona

• Residence: Orangeville, Canada

• Diagnosis: Seeking facial rejuvenation (signs of aging, sagging skin, wrinkles)

• Treatment: Facelift & Eyelid Surgery (Upper & Lower)

• Treatment Country: Colombia

• Clinic: Dr. Alvaro Uribe - Plastic Surgery in Colombia

• Facilitator: PlacidWay

"Aging is natural, and I embrace it. But I wanted to refresh my face, to look as energized as I feel."

"I had so many questions. Would it be safe? How would I find a good surgeon? What about aftercare?"

• High Costs of Domestic & US Surgery: Private plastic surgery in Canada, while offering excellent quality, can be a major financial investment. Procedures in the United States are often even more expensive, placing many desired transformations out of reach.

• Colombia's International Reputation for Excellence: Colombia is globally recognized in the field of plastic surgery for:

• Highly Skilled, Board-Certified Surgeons: Many Colombian plastic surgeons possess outstanding credentials, frequently including specialized training or fellowships in the United States, Brazil, or Europe. Certification by the prestigious Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva (SCCP) is a key indicator of a qualified Plastic Surgeon in Colombia.

• Specialization, Especially in Body Contouring: Colombian surgeons are particularly celebrated for their artistry and expertise in procedures such as liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), tummy tucks, and breast surgeries, often achieving the dramatic yet natural-looking results sought by international patients.

• Modern, Accredited Facilities: Major Colombian cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cali are home to state-of-the-art private clinics and hospitals that adhere to international standards of safety and quality, with some holding accreditations from bodies like a JCI-equivalent or national health authorities.

• Significant Cost Savings: Even with travel expenses, procedures performed by a top Plastic Surgeon in Colombia typically cost 40-70% less than in Canada or the US.

• Comprehensive Medical Tourism Support: Colombia has a well-developed infrastructure catering to international patients, including bilingual staff at leading clinics, all-inclusive package options, and the distinctive offering of specialized post-operative recovery houses.

• World-Renowned Surgeons: The emphasis for patients should always be on choosing surgeons certified by the SCCP. Many leading practitioners have extensive international training, are active members of global societies like ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) or ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), and are deeply committed to patient safety and achieving natural, harmonious aesthetic results.

• State-of-the-Art Accredited Clinics & Hospitals: International patients can expect procedures to be performed in modern facilities equipped with advanced surgical technology and adhering to rigorous safety and hygiene protocols.

• Significant Cost Savings: This factor makes comprehensive body transformations or multiple procedures more financially attainable.

• Specialization in Aesthetic & Body Contouring Procedures: The country is a global leader in techniques designed to sculpt, refine, and rejuvenate the body and face.

• Warm Hospitality & Unique Supportive Recovery Options: The availability of specialized recovery houses offering dedicated post-operative nursing care and support in comfortable, often luxurious settings is a distinct advantage for international patients.

• Liposuction (Lipoescultura / 360 Lipo): Advanced techniques for removing stubborn fat deposits and meticulously sculpting various body areas such as the abdomen, flanks ("love handles"), back, thighs, arms, and neck.

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): A highly sought-after procedure where Colombian surgeons are particularly renowned. It involves liposuction to harvest fat from other body areas (like the abdomen or back) and strategically transferring it to the buttocks to enhance shape, volume, projection, and overall contour.

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removing excess, sagging abdominal skin and fat, and tightening weakened or separated underlying abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Often performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

• Mommy Makeovers: A personalized combination of procedures, typically including a tummy tuck, breast lift and/or augmentation, and often liposuction, designed to restore a woman's pre-pregnancy body contours.

• Body Lifts: More extensive procedures like Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty), Thigh Lifts, and Lower Body Lifts to remove significant amounts of loose, sagging skin, frequently after massive weight loss.

• Breast Augmentation: Using high-quality silicone or saline implants to increase breast size and improve shape.

• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Raising and reshaping sagging breasts, often performed in conjunction with augmentation for optimal results.

• Breast Reduction: Reducing the size and weight of overly large breasts to alleviate physical discomfort and improve proportion.

• Facelifts (Rhytidectomy) & Neck Lifts: To address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls in the face and neck.

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Correcting drooping upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags for a more youthful, alert appearance.

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): Reshaping the nose to improve aesthetic harmony with other facial features or to correct functional breathing issues.

"The moment I spoke to the doctor, I felt reassured. It wasn’t just about surgery—it was about care, recovery, and ensuring the best results."

"Some were supportive, some were skeptical. ‘Why go all the way to Colombia?’ they asked. But I had done my research, and I knew I was making the right decision."

"I knew I was in good hands. The clinic was just as professional—if not more—than the ones I had seen in Canada."

"I knew I had a long recovery ahead, but I was excited to see the new me."

• Research & Virtual Consultation: Identifying reputable, SCCP-certified plastic surgeons and accredited clinics in Colombian cities like Bogota, Medellin, or Cali. This often involves submitting photos and medical history online for a virtual consultation with the surgeon or their team to discuss goals, assess preliminary candidacy, understand recommended procedures, and receive initial cost estimates.

• Travel & Arrival: Flying to the chosen Colombian city. Reputable clinics and medical tourism facilitators often arrange airport pickup and transfer to pre-booked accommodation (either a hotel or a specialized recovery house).

• In-Person Consultation & Pre-Operative Preparations: Meeting the chosen Plastic Surgeon in Colombia for a detailed in-person examination, final confirmation of the surgical plan, review of desired outcomes (often using imaging or simulations), pre-operative photos, and completion of necessary medical tests (blood work, ECG, etc.).

• Surgery Day: The procedure is performed in an accredited hospital or private surgical center under the care of a qualified anesthesiologist (general anesthesia is standard for most major plastic surgeries).

• Initial Hospital Stay: Depending on the type and extent of the surgery, an overnight stay or potentially a few days in the hospital for initial monitoring, pain management, and care is typical.

• Supervised Recovery in Colombia (Crucial Phase): Transferring from the hospital to a specialized Recovery House or a comfortable hotel with arranged private nursing support. This is a vital phase, often lasting 1 to 3 weeks or more depending on the surgery. It allows for professional wound care, drain management (if applicable), pain control, assistance with daily needs, and initial follow-up appointments with the surgeon.

• Follow-up Appointments & Clearance for Travel Home: Attending scheduled post-operative check-ups with the surgeon to monitor healing, remove sutures or drains, and receive clearance for air travel once deemed safe.

• Return to Canada & Continued Healing: Following all post-operative instructions meticulously upon returning home. Long-term results continue to refine over several months as swelling fully subsides and tissues settle.

• Teams of Board-Certified (SCCP) Plastic Surgeons: Often with specific sub-specializations and extensive international training or affiliations.

• Emphasis on Patient Safety: Adherence to strict surgical protocols, operating in accredited facilities with qualified anesthesia teams, and thorough pre-operative screening.

• Use of Advanced Technology: Utilizing modern surgical equipment and techniques for optimal results and safety.

• Bilingual Patient Coordinators & Support Staff: Ensuring clear communication in English (and other languages) and providing dedicated support for international patients throughout their entire journey, from initial inquiry to post-operative follow-up.

• Surgeon's fees.

• Anesthesiologist's fees.

• Surgical facility/hospital operating room fees.

• Standard pre-operative laboratory tests.

• Post-operative compression garments.

• Initial post-operative medications.

"I could already tell—I looked refreshed, but still like myself."

"You look amazing!" "You look so well-rested!" "It’s so natural!"

• Verify Surgeon's Credentials: Absolutely essential. Confirm your surgeon is board-certified by the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva (SCCP). Look for their specific training, years of practice, and expertise in the procedure(s) you desire. International society memberships (e.g., ISAPS) are a plus.

• Choose an Accredited Facility: Ensure your surgery will be performed in a clinic or hospital that is licensed by Colombian health authorities and ideally holds recognized accreditations for its safety and quality standards.

• Review Portfolios Critically: Examine numerous before-and-after photos of your chosen surgeon's work for the specific procedure(s) you are considering. Look for natural, consistent results and aesthetic judgment that aligns with your goals.

• Read Independent Patient Reviews: Seek out detailed feedback from other international patients (Canadians if possible) on multiple platforms. Look for comments about the surgeon's skill, results, safety, communication, and the quality of care from both the clinic and any associated recovery house.

• Prioritize Clear Communication: Ensure you can communicate effectively with your surgeon and their team (English is widely spoken in top international clinics). Have thorough virtual and in-person consultations to discuss your goals, the surgical plan, realistic outcomes, all potential risks, and the full recovery process.

• Plan for Adequate Recovery Time in Colombia: Do not rush your return to Canada. Major plastic surgery requires a significant initial recovery period.

• Understand Aftercare & Follow-Up: Clarify the plan for long-term follow-up with your Colombian surgeon (often remote) and how to coordinate with your family doctor or specialists back in Canada if needed.

• Consider Medical Travel Insurance: Explore options for specialized insurance that may cover complications arising from elective surgery performed abroad.

Q1: How can I be sure a Plastic Surgeon in Colombia is as qualified and safe as one in Canada?

A: The key is diligent research. Verify their certification by the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva (SCCP). Check for international training or fellowships (many top Colombian surgeons have trained in the US, Brazil, or Europe). Review their specific experience and before-and-after portfolio for the procedure you want. Ensure surgery is in an accredited facility. Reputable Colombian surgeons often meet or exceed North American standards.

Q2: Is it safe to have major Cosmetic Surgery in Colombia?

A: Yes, it can be very safe, provided you choose a board-certified (SCCP) plastic surgeon operating in an accredited, high-standard surgical facility and follow all pre- and post-operative medical advice meticulously. As with any surgery anywhere, there are inherent risks, but choosing qualified professionals in good facilities minimizes these.

Q3: What makes Colombia known for offering some of the Best Plastic Surgery in Colombia, especially for body contouring procedures like BBLs?

A: This reputation stems from a combination of factors: a high volume of procedures leading to specialized expertise, surgeons often having an artistic focus on body aesthetics (influenced partly by Brazilian techniques), innovation in techniques, and often a comprehensive approach that includes specialized post-operative care in recovery houses.

Q4: How much can I realistically save on Best Plastic Surgery in Colombia compared to typical Canadian private surgery prices?

A: Savings of 40-70% or more are commonly reported for most major cosmetic procedures. This means a procedure costing $15,000-$20,000 CAD in Canada might be available for $5,000-$9,000 CAD equivalent in Colombia, including travel and recovery house stays for some packages.

Q5: What are "recovery houses" in Colombia, and are they essential for Canadian patients?

A: Recovery houses are specialized post-operative accommodations offering nursing care, meals, transportation, and a supportive environment for plastic surgery patients. While not strictly mandatory if you have excellent local support, they are highly recommended for international patients, including Canadians, especially those undergoing significant procedures or traveling alone. They ensure professional care during the critical initial healing phase and greatly enhance comfort and safety. Leading clinics like the example Premium Care Plastic Surgery often integrate recovery house stays into their comprehensive care plans.

• Do your research—Find a trusted, accredited clinic through platforms like PlacidWay.

• Have realistic expectations—It’s about enhancement, not perfection.

• Prepare for recovery—Give yourself time to heal properly.

• Trust the process—If you find the right doctor, you’re in good hands.

"I don’t regret a single thing. Choosing Colombia for my facelift was the best decision I ever made. I feel refreshed, confident, and like the best version of myself."

Disclaimer: This is a personal story shared to inspire others considering medical tourism. Results may vary. Always consult a qualified medical professional before making any health-related decisions.