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The Latin American cosmetic surgery market is being driven by both local and foreign demand. Who seeks these types of procedures and why the Latin offer is attractive to Americans and Europeans.

The cosmetic surgery market has grown since 2021 and is expected to continue rising until at least 2030. According to figures from Statista, the global aesthetic medicine and surgery sector had a marked rise between 2021 and 2022. 
During these two years, the market generated profits that grew from 69.47 to 75.9 billion dollars. 
And the sector is expected to have a turnover of around $156 billion by 2030. 
The explanation for this phenomenon has its particularities but also a general reason: worldwide the pandemic generated an increase in the number of consultations. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a world-leading organization dedicated entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery, revealed that consultations for aesthetic surgeries and treatments increased starting in 2021 and that the reason for this was the pandemic. 
Specialists worldwide identify three common denominators about the reasons that bring patients to consultations. The first of them was that the pandemic gave many patients the time they were missing to make postponed aesthetic consultations. On the other hand, the permanent use of social networks and digital communication platforms such as Zoom or video calls made the self-perception of one's image an everyday issue.
In this sense, Cristian Leonhardt, a surgeon who is a full member of the Argentine Society of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (SACPER), explained: “The use of platforms such as zoom generated a lot of perception of our features and signs of aging, which led to a great increase in facial rejuvenation surgeries (lifting) as well as eyelids and rhinoplasties.”
The most requested surgeries: who and what they request

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which brings together some 2,600 plastic surgeons around the world dedicated to aesthetic surgery, put together a ranking of the most requested surgeries during this time of trend. Among them, liposuctions and breast implants stand out in first and second place. The third and fourth place is occupied by abdominal surgeries and prosthesis replacement, respectively. Fifth place was taken by breast lift. 
Another of the particularities of recent times regarding the cosmetic surgery market is that it is no longer only a sector accessed by women in adulthood, as it was before, but this perspective has changed. The generation of young people known as centennials show a much greater interest in aesthetic care than their predecessors, the millennials. Furthermore, this inclination does not begin at a certain age, but more and more young people are seeking aesthetic treatments from an early age.
“The world of social networks, such as Instagram and Tiktok, has significantly influenced cosmetic surgeries. The thing is that the filters allow people to see what it looks like if they get a nose job, what it looks like if they have a facial harmonization or if their lips are enlarged. And this has a great impact on the world of aesthetics because patients go to the consultation with high expectations and that is where their experience begins,” explains surgeon Reny Ventura, CEO and Founder of DR Bioway Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Paraguay.
In the same sense, and according to data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the majority of breast augmentations (53.1% of the total) and rhinoplasties (63.7%) were performed by people aged 19 to 34 years. Statistics also mention that the US is the country that performed the highest number of procedures in the world (24.1% of the total). 
In Latin America, for its part, the country where the highest number of cosmetic surgeries occurred during the last year was Brazil (8.9%). It is estimated that the US and Brazil have the largest number of plastic surgeons, with more than 30% of the world's total.
Another possible explanation for the increase in the cosmetic surgery market is that just two decades ago, the average global life expectancy was 67 years. However, according to the UN Population Division, it is expected that by the end of the current decade, more than one million people will reach the age of 100.
 
Scalpel: yes or no?
 In Latin America, liposuction and breast implants are the two most requested types of cosmetic surgeries, unlike in Europe where the most requested procedure is a facelift. Facial aesthetic surgeries are, according to Dr. Reny Ventura, one of the most expensive and can cost between 10,000 and 40,000 dollars. 
For this reason, in Latin America, patients look for other types of procedures that ensure the same aesthetic results but at a lower value and also at a lower risk, because they are usually non-surgical techniques. There is, for example, a technique called rhinoplasty without surgery and it is one of the most requested treatments among young people, mainly those aged 21 and over.
“What is done is to modify the shape of the nose through the application of minimally invasive hyaluronic acid techniques. It consists of the injection of dermal fillers to correct various imperfections and give it a natural and aesthetic appearance by modifying its shape,” explains the specialist. The procedure is chosen because it is minimally invasive.
Among Latin American men, for their part, the most requested aesthetic surgery is facial harmonization and contouring of the mandibular angle. It is a practice that helps define the facial contour, chin and mandibular arch and is achieved through a set of treatments such as the placement of chin implants, liposuction around the jaw and jowls and even hyaluronic acid infiltrations. . 
“When we talk about surgery, there are many processes that can be used and their costs depend on them. Generally, this type of surgery has a minimum value of 1,500 dollars and can cost up to 20 or 30 thousand dollars, it all depends on the patient, the doctor, and the procedure being performed,” argues Dr. Reny Ventura.
 
Country by country, the panorama in Latin America
In Latin America, the world of surgeries is a little different from the rest of the world. According to Ventura, Latin women look for very marked curves when undergoing liposuction, an issue that does not occur in other places. Regarding lips, on the other hand, Latin America is one of the most conservative areas, in relation to others such as Russia, where they seek to achieve very voluminous lips through surgery. 
Another issue that has changed in recent years regarding Latin American surgeries is that an increasing number of foreign patients choose Latin clinics to perform their surgeries. This concept, known as “medical tourism”, has been accentuated in recent years in countries such as Argentina and Colombia, mainly. 
In Argentina, for example, cosmetic surgeries can be up to three times cheaper than in Brazil or Uruguay. Many tourists from neighboring countries choose Argentina to undergo surgeries that involve a short recovery time and do not require more than one trip to the operating room.
According to a report from Argentina's National Institute for Tourism Promotion, even before the arrival of the pandemic, Argentina received around 1,000 medical tourists per month. The country continues to offer quality services, because the clinics where surgeries and aesthetic treatments are performed are top-notch, and their costs are dollarized. 
Something similar happens in Colombia, where medical tourism has become commonplace. “Medical tourism began in Colombia and Venezuela, because at the time of currency exchanges, those two countries were cheap for foreigners. This began to form a structure in which many doctors included the service of contacting their patients with hotels or travel agencies, in order to take them to their offices.
“It is a phenomenon that has been on the rise since 2000,” explains Ventura. Colombia is the country that attracts the most people from the United States and Europe, because it represents greater security for tourists than Venezuela, for example. 
Mexico, for its part, ranks third in performing aesthetic procedures and plastic surgeries, below the United States and Canada, fighting for third place with Brazil. According to a study carried out by the statistics portal Statista, an average cost of surgery in Mexico can be from 8 thousand Mexican pesos (500 US dollars) to 250 thousand Mexican pesos (13 thousand US dollars).
Ecuador, meanwhile, like Panama, stands out for being one of the Latin American countries in which cosmetic surgeons are better paid. “In both countries, because they have dollarized economies, aesthetic medicine pays very well.  A good cosmetic surgeon can earn from 40 thousand to 150 thousand dollars per month,” says Ventura.
The Chilean Society of Plastic Surgery reported in 2019 that around 15,000 cosmetic surgical procedures are carried out in Chile each year, of which only 7,000 are performed by specialized plastic surgeons. That is why during 2023, it is planned to approve a bill that establishes that only plastic surgeons with degrees and specialties granted by a university recognized by the Chilean State can perform aesthetic surgical procedures.
To this end, a special registry of individual providers will be created in the Superintendence of Health for plastic surgeons who perform these procedures. The treating physician will be responsible for informing patients about their identity, profession, registration in the special registry of the Superintendency of Health, and the health team that will participate in the procedure.
Meanwhile, establishments that perform these procedures must provide public information on their websites, such as whether they use invasive instruments or equipment, the origin of the pharmacological products, and the identity of the personnel performing the procedures.
Peru, finally, is another of the Latin American countries that has joined the boom in cosmetic surgeries in the last five years. There prices can reach up to 18,000 soles, that is, around 5 thousand US dollars, depending on the type of intervention, treatment and the location of the center.
Beauty Finances: Approximate Costs of Cosmetic Surgery
In the search for our best version, cosmetic surgeries are usually considered by many people as an option. However, when making the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure, it is crucial to approach it with information and financial awareness. Today we present the approximate values ??of different cosmetic surgeries so that you can make informed decisions about how to finance these procedures.
But first, you must keep in mind that prices may be affected by different aspects, including the recognition and reputation of the aesthetic clinic, type of surgery, condition of each patient, preoperative preparation, complexity of the surgery, and track record of the surgeons. , duration of the procedure, postoperative support, quality of the results and even the city where the surgery is performed.
Can I get a loan for cosmetic surgery?
Credits have become the most common option to access cosmetic surgeries because they allow individuals to finance medical procedures without immediately affecting their personal finances. Free investment credits are usually a good option, since patients can distribute the cost of the procedure in comfortable installments, thus facilitating access to treatments that, otherwise, would be almost impossible to access due to the high costs involved. . This modality offers financial flexibility and opens the possibility of improving physical appearance without having to wait long periods.
Costs of most common cosmetic surgeries:
Rhinoplasty
Approximate value: $7,000,000 to $15,000,000 Colombian pesos
Nose surgery is usually one of the most common, it seeks to positively modify the appearance of the nose and, in some cases, correct its functionality. The fluctuation in prices depends on whether it is the first surgery that the patient has undergone, as it has a lower cost, or if it is a second procedure in order to correct or improve the previous one, which has a higher cost.
Liposuction
Approximate value: $5,500,000 to $15,000,000 Colombian pesos
Liposuction consists of the extraction of fat accumulated in different parts of the body. The increase in its value depends on the pre- and postoperative process, since the patient must use a daily girdle, healing creams, and even have massages.
Breast augmentation
Approximate value: $8,000,000 to $13,000,000 Colombian pesos
Mammoplasty or breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that seeks to aesthetically improve the size and shape of the breasts through the use of implants.
Blepharoplasty
Approximate value: $3,000,000 to $4,000,000 Colombian pesos
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a surgery that consists of removing excess skin from the upper eyelid caused by old age and the passage of time, with the aim of making the eyes look younger.
Increasing of buttocks
Approximate value: $7,000,000 to $15,000,000 Colombian pesos
Gluteoplasty aims to increase the size and improve the shape of the buttocks. Its price depends on the type of surgery, whether the use of an implant or your own fat is required.
How to plan my plastic surgery?
Before undergoing any aesthetic procedure, you must plan your budget very well so as not to compromise your personal finances, since, in general, the investment is usually high. Here we share some tips that you can take into account:
Financing options: review loan and financing options in different banking entities, in order to find the one that best suits your finances.
Scheduled savings: you can allocate an amount of your salary to savings to pay for part of the surgery and thus reduce the monthly financial burden.
Anticipate possible extra expenses: taking into account possible additional expenses that may arise from cosmetic surgery such as medications, girdles, or any postoperative needs is key to avoiding possible surprises in the future.
Improving our physical appearance through surgery can be very attractive and exciting, but it also requires adequate financial planning. By understanding the approximate costs of different cosmetic procedures, you can make informed decisions and achieve your personal goals in a responsible and satisfactory manner.
Costs of Plastic Surgery in Colombia: A Complete Guide for International Patients
Colombia stands out as a privileged destination for those who wish to undergo plastic surgery, thanks to its competitive prices and attractive packages. This country offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures, from breast augmentations and rhinoplasties to abdominoplasties, with costs that vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the technology used and the experience of the surgeon. This article delves into the key aspects that make Colombia an attractive destination for plastic surgery, including a cost analysis, the most popular procedures, and tips for choosing the right surgeon.
Offers and Packages of Aesthetic Procedures
Colombia offers a wide range of plastic surgery packages that are especially attractive to international patients. These packages typically include all aspects of the medical trip: from the procedure itself, to accommodation and transportation, to recovery tourism. Prices vary, but in general, they can cost up to 60% less than in countries like the United States or Europe, without compromising the quality of service or results.
Most Popular Surgeries and Their Costs
The most requested procedures in Colombia include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty and abdominoplasty. The costs of these surgeries vary depending on the complexity of the case and the reputation of the surgeon, but on average:
Breast augmentation can cost between $2,500 and $3,500 USD.
Liposuction generally ranges between $2,000 and $4,000 USD.
Rhinoplasty can range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD.
Abdominoplasty can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 USD.
These prices are significantly lower than those found in North America and Europe, making Colombia a cost-effective option for many.
Factors Influencing Costs
The costs of plastic surgeries in Colombia can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the technology used, the experience of the surgeon, and the clinical facilities. Additionally, the package chosen (which may include accommodation, transportation, and post-operative services) will also affect the total cost of the medical trip.
Travel to Colombia for Plastic Surgeries
Colombia is not only recognized for the quality and prices of its plastic surgeries, but also for the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture. Major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have international airports that offer direct flights from several cities around the world, facilitating access for international patients. Additionally, Colombia offers various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to furnished apartments, to suit all budgets.
Aesthetic Tourism: Combining Health and Culture
Many patients take advantage of their stay in Colombia to enjoy their recovery in tourist destinations such as Cartagena, Santa Marta or the Coffee Region, combining the recovery process with a tourist experience. This “aesthetic tourism” not only benefits the patient's emotional recovery, but also provides the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Colombia.
Surgeon Choice: Prioritize Quality and Safety
The choice of surgeon is crucial. It is important to look for professionals with recognized certifications, such as the Colombian Society of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (SCCP), and review their experience, before and after photos of previous procedures, and patient testimonials. A good surgeon must not only have exceptional technical skills, but also good communication to understand the patient's needs and expectations.
Why Choose Colombia for Your Plastic Surgery?
Attractive Costs: Compared to other countries, prices in Colombia are highly competitive, allowing access to high-quality surgeries at a lower cost.
Recognized Professionals: Colombia has highly trained and internationally recognized plastic surgeons.
Enriching Experience: In addition to improving your physical appearance, you will be able to enjoy the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Colombia, combining aesthetic treatment with tourism.


1. Colombia


Popular Costs and Procedures
- Rhinoplasty: $2,500 - $5,000 USD
- Breast Augmentation: $3,000 - $6,000 USD
- Liposuction: $2,500 - $4,500 USD
- Abdominoplasty: $3,500 - $7,000 USD
- Botox and Fillers: $300 - $600 USD per session


Preferences and Trends
- Focus on Body Contouring: Colombia is a prominent destination for body contouring procedures, especially liposuction and abdominoplasty.
- Beauty Culture: There is a strong culture of beauty and personal care, with a growing interest in minimally invasive treatments.
- Recommended Doctors and Clinics: 
  - Dr. Alfredo Hoyos: Known for his advanced techniques in Vaser liposuction.
  - Women's Clinic: Recognized in Bogotá for its focus on plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments.
2. Brazil


Popular Costs and Procedures
- Rhinoplasty: $3,000 - $6,000 USD
- Breast Augmentation: $3,500 - $8,000 USD
- Liposuction: $2,000 - $5,000 USD
- Abdominoplasty: $3,000 - $9,000 USD
- Botox and Fillers: $200 - $500 USD per session


Preferences and Trends
- Body Surgery: High demand for procedures that sculpt the body, such as buttock augmentation and liposuction.
- Body Culture: The cult of the body and physical appearance is very strong, influenced by local culture and events such as Carnival.
- Recommended Doctors and Clinics:
  - Dr. Ivo Pitanguy (RIP): Historical icon of plastic surgery in Brazil.
  - Bioplastic Clinic: Recognized in São Paulo for aesthetic and plastic procedures.


3. Venezuela


Popular Costs and Procedures
- Rhinoplasty: $1,500 - $3,000 USD
- Breast Augmentation: $1,500 - $4,000 USD
- Liposuction: $1,000 - $3,000 USD
- *Abdominoplasty: $1,500 - $4,500 USD
- Botox and Fillers: $150 - $400 USD per session


Preferences and Trends
- Plastic Surgery: Despite the economic situation, there is still a significant demand for aesthetic procedures.
- Facial and Body Preferences: Procedures that enhance femininity, such as breast augmentation and rhinoplasty, are preferred.
- Recommended Doctors and Clinics:
  - Dr. Daniel Slobodianik: Known for his experience in facial and body surgery.
  - Santiago de León Clinic: Offers a range of aesthetic and plastic services.

4. United States


Popular Costs and Procedures
- Rhinoplasty: $5,000 - $15,000 USD
- Breast Augmentation: $6,000 - $12,000 USD
- Liposuction: $3,000 - $7,500 USD
- *Abdominoplasty: $6,000 - $15,000 USD
- Botox and Fillers: $300 - $1,000 USD per session


Preferences and Trends
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: High demand for treatments such as botox, dermal fillers and laser.
- Focus on Safety and Quality: Patients seek high standards of quality and safety, with a preference for highly qualified doctors.
- Recommended Doctors and Clinics:
  - Dr. Paul Nassif: Famous plastic surgeon specialized in rhinoplasty.
  - Mayo Clinic: Recognized for its medical excellence and aesthetic procedures.


Comparison and Choice of Country


Colombia and Brazil:
- Advantages: More accessible prices and high quality of procedures, with a strong culture of beauty.
- Preferred Choice: Ideal for patients looking for a balanced quality-price ratio and a culturally enriching aesthetic experience.


Venezuela:
- Advantages: Lower costs, but with variability in quality due to the economic situation.
- Preferred Choice: For patients with a limited budget and willing to research quality options well.


USA:
- Advantages: High safety and quality standards, with a wide range of procedures.
- Preferred Choice: For patients who prioritize safety and are willing to pay more for high-quality procedures and personalized care.

Yes, many countries that are popular destinations for cosmetic surgery, such as Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela and the United States, offer medical tourism packages that include cosmetic procedures along with accommodation and other additional services. These packages are designed to facilitate the international patient experience and ensure that their stay is comfortable and stress-free. Below are the types of packages and services that are typically available:


1. Colombia


Medical Tourism Packages
- Package content: 
  - Aesthetic procedures (for example, liposuction, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty).
  - Accommodation in luxury hotels or private apartments.
  - Transportation to and from the airport and clinic.
  - Personal assistance and patient coordinators.
  - Postoperative services and medical care.


Examples of Providers and Clinics
- Ramses Specialists: Offers packages that include cosmetic surgery, accommodation in Bogotá, and recovery services.
- Premium Care Plastic Surgery: Located in Cartagena, this clinic offers packages with accommodation in luxury hotels and personalized services.


2. Brazil


Medical Tourism Packages
- Package content: 
  - Plastic surgery (such as abdominoplasty, Brazilian facelift).
  - Accommodation in hotels near the clinic.
  - Private transportation services.
  - Postoperative care and medical follow-up.
  - Option to include tourist excursions.


Examples of Providers and Clinics
- Dr. Rey (Dr. 90210): Offers complete packages for international patients, with a stay in São Paulo.
- Ivo Pitanguy Clinic: Offers exclusive services and personalized packages for international patients.

3. Venezuela


Medical Tourism Packages
- Package content: 
  - Aesthetic procedures (e.g. breast augmentation, liposuction).
  - Accommodation in hotels or apartments.
  - Transportation to and from the airport.
  - Postoperative care services.

Examples of Providers and Clinics
- Santiago de León Clinic: Offers packages with comprehensive services that include lodging and transportation.


4. United States

Medical Tourism Packages
- Package content:
  - Cosmetic procedures (such as rhinoplasty, facelift).
  - Accommodation in hotels or residences for patients.
  - Coordination of transportation and concierge services.
  - Recovery and postoperative care services.

Examples of Providers and Clinics
- Mayo Clinic: Offers concierge services for international patients, including accommodation and transportation.
- *Dr. Paul Nassif:* Provides facial surgery packages with accommodation and personalized care options.


- Benefits: Medical tourism packages typically include everything needed for the trip and procedure, which can reduce stress and ensure a smoother experience. In addition, they can be cheaper than hiring each service separately.

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