How do I know if a plastic surgeon in Colombia is the right choice for me?

Verify three things yourself: active listing in RETHUS (the Colombian health registry), SCCP membership (the national plastic surgery board), and the JCI accreditation status of the operating facility. Then book a virtual consult and see how the surgeon answers your questions about risks, recovery, and the specific plan for your body.

Is it safe to travel to Medellín for surgery?

Yes, when you stay in established medical districts and use transportation arranged by your clinic. Medellín has an organized medical tourism infrastructure. The Ministry of Health has designated Medellín Health City as a formal medical cluster with dedicated international patient services at hospitals like Pablo Tobón Uribe and Clínica El Rosario.

How long should I plan to stay in Colombia after surgery?

Plan for 10 to 14 nights minimum. Flying too soon after major surgery increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and you also miss the 8- to 10-day follow-up where we confirm you are healing as expected before releasing you to travel.

Can I combine multiple procedures in one trip?

Often, yes, but within safe limits. A single operating time should rarely exceed 6 hours. Most combined cases (like a mommy makeover: tummy tuck plus breast work plus some liposuction) stay under that threshold. Stacking five or six procedures in one anesthesia session is a documented risk factor for complications and is a practice I do not offer.

What happens if I have a complication after I return to the U.S.?

I continue follow-up by video and coordinate with a local physician if needed. Before you travel, I also recommend identifying a U.S. plastic surgeon willing to see you for post-op concerns. Many major cities have surgeons who provide this kind of courtesy care, and some cosmetic insurance policies cover it.

Why is plastic surgery in Colombia so much cheaper than in the United States?

The difference reflects the economics of the country: lower labor cost, lower facility cost, and no malpractice insurance premium at U.S. levels. It is not a reduction in medical standards. Implant brands (Motiva, Mentor, Allergan Natrelle) are the same. Surgical technique is the same. Accredited facilities meet the same JCI standard.

Should I choose a female plastic surgeon?

It is a fit question, not a better-or-worse one. Many U.S. women tell me they prefer a female surgeon for the way consultations feel, especially around breast surgery, mommy makeovers, and body image conversations. If it matters to you, ask for it.

Is the consultation in English?

In my practice, yes. I speak clinical-level English and all my international consultations are conducted in English. Written instructions, pre-op materials, and post-op guidance are also provided in English.

How do I pay? Is medical financing available?

Most international patients pay by wire transfer or international card. CareCredit and some medical loan products cover procedures abroad, so confirm with the lender before scheduling. I do not accept payment in cash for international patients. Payments are processed through the clinic for both your protection and mine.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Medellín, Colombia

Plastic Surgery in Medellín, Colombia with Dr. Daniela Correa

Name: Plastic Surgery in Colombia: A Surgeon's Guide for U.S. Patients
Creator: Dr. Daniela Correa
Published: 2023-04-05T15:30:54+00:00

Natural results. Safe, JCI-accredited hospitals. Full concierge for U.S. patients — from virtual consultation to follow-up back home.

Book your virtual consultation See pricing in USD

$60 USD · 20-minute video consultation · English-speaking team

Dr. Daniela Correa, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Medellín, Colombia — SCCP member, JCI-accredited hospitals

10+Years exclusively
in plastic surgery

SCCPColombian Society of
Plastic Surgery member

RETHUSVerified in Colombia's
national medical registry

AccreditedOperates only in
certified hospitals

Why patients from the U.S. choose Dr. Daniela Correa

Three reasons international patients travel from Miami, Dallas, New York and beyond to Medellín for their procedure.

Female plastic surgeon

Empathetic, detail-oriented approach, especially for breast and body procedures. Understands the female anatomy firsthand and designs results that look like you, not like a template.

Board-certified, hospital-only

SCCP member, registered in RETHUS (Colombia's national medical registry). Every procedure is performed inside an accredited hospital — never in unregulated clinics or apartments.

Full concierge for U.S. patients

$60 USD virtual consultation before you travel, English-speaking team at every step, recovery hotel recommendations, transparent USD pricing, and virtual follow-up after you return home.

Most Requested Procedures

Procedures

The procedures international patients travel for — including our new Mommy Makeover combo. Each includes full pre-op evaluation, hospital stay, anesthesia, and virtual follow-up.

Liposuction

VASER & Microaire precision. Natural contouring of abdomen, flanks, arms or thighs.

From $2,800 – $5,500 USD

Learn more →

Breast Augmentation

Motiva or Mentor implants. 3D simulation in consultation. Natural shape, personalized projection.

From $3,800 – $6,500 USD

Learn more →

Tummy Tuck

Full or mini abdominoplasty. Ideal after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Muscle repair included.

From $4,800 – $7,800 USD

Learn more →

Post-pregnancy combo

Mommy Makeover

Tummy tuck + breast surgery + liposuction in a single procedure. One recovery, harmonic result after pregnancy.

From $7,500 – $15,500 USD

Learn more →

Rhinoplasty

Open or closed technique. Preserves ethnic features. Functional + aesthetic approach in one surgery.

From $3,500 – $6,500 USD

Learn more →

Face Lift

SMAS technique for long-lasting, natural rejuvenation. Typically combined with blepharoplasty.

From $5,200 – $8,500 USD

Learn more →

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

With or without implants. Repositions and reshapes after weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

From $4,200 – $7,000 USD

Learn more →

Ranges are indicative and depend on complexity, hospital, and anesthesia. Get a personalized USD quote after your $60 USD virtual consultation.

Cost comparison: Colombia vs. United States

Why U.S. patients travel to Medellín. Same-quality procedure, same international-grade hospitals, 40–50% less than average U.S. rates.

Procedure	Colombia (Dr. Daniela)	U.S. average	You save
Liposuction	$2,800 – $5,500	~$7,500	~50%
Breast Augmentation	$3,800 – $6,500	~$9,000	~45%
Tummy Tuck	$4,800 – $7,800	~$11,000	~40%
Rhinoplasty	$3,500 – $6,500	~$9,500	~40%
Face Lift	$5,200 – $8,500	~$13,500	~50%

Ranges reflect standard procedures. Final pricing depends on complexity, hospital, and anesthesia. U.S. averages from published aesthetic surgery reports (ASPS, RealSelf). Full personalized quote provided after virtual consultation.

Get your personalized USD quote

Before & after

Natural, proportional results — not one-size-fits-all. Every patient's anatomy, goals, and lifestyle drive the surgical plan.

View before & after gallery

We show only patients who consented to appear publicly. Additional gallery available during your virtual consultation.

How it works for U.S. patients

From first video call to follow-up back home. Built for patients who are not flying blind.

Virtual consultation

$60 USD 20-min video call from your home. Dr. Daniela reviews photos, discusses goals, explains options. You receive a personalized USD quote within 48 h.

Before you travel

Travel & pre-op day

You fly to Medellín (direct flights from Miami, NYC, Fort Lauderdale, Houston). On day 1 you meet Dr. Daniela in person, complete lab work, anesthesiology evaluation, and final surgical plan.

Day 1 in Medellín

Surgery & recovery

Surgery takes place in an accredited hospital with overnight observation. After discharge, you recover at a partner recovery hotel with nursing check-ins and daily post-op visits.

Days 2–10

Return home + follow-up

Typical return to U.S. at day 10–14 with medical clearance. Virtual follow-ups at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. If anything is uncertain, you have a direct line to the team — not a chatbot.

Weeks 2 onwards

Verified credentials & hospital affiliations

Every claim here is publicly verifiable before you book.

SCCP

Colombian Society of Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery — the national board that certifies plastic surgeons in Colombia. Membership requires completion of an accredited plastic surgery residency and passing national exams.

RETHUS

Colombia's National Health Registry — mandatory public registry for all licensed medical professionals. Dr. Correa is verified in RETHUS, which U.S. patients can consult publicly before booking.

Training

Universidad de Antioquia — one of Latin America's leading medical schools. Complete residency in Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery. 10+ years of exclusive focus on plastic surgery.

Hospitals

Clínica Las Américas and Clínica Soma — two of Medellín's most established accredited private hospitals. Full ICU, board-certified anesthesiology, and the same surgical standards found in U.S. facilities.

How to verify: ask for Dr. Correa's RETHUS number in your virtual consultation. You can cross-check it on the Colombian Ministry of Health's public site. If a surgeon refuses to give you this number, that is your answer.

Frequently asked questions

Is plastic surgery in Colombia safe?

Safety depends on the surgeon and the facility, not the country. Dr. Daniela operates exclusively in accredited private hospitals (Clínica Las Américas, Clínica Soma) with full ICU, board-certified anesthesiology, and the same surgical standards used in U.S. facilities. She is registered in RETHUS — Colombia's national medical registry — and is a verified member of the SCCP. Read the full safety guide.

How long do I need to stay in Medellín?

Between 10 and 14 days for most procedures. This covers pre-op evaluation, surgery, in-hospital observation, recovery-hotel stay with daily check-ins, and medical clearance before flying back. More complex combinations (mommy makeover, facelift) may extend to 14–17 days.

Do you and your team speak English?

Yes. Dr. Daniela and her patient-coordination team speak English. All written communication (quotes, surgical plan, discharge instructions) is provided in English for U.S. patients.

How much does [procedure] cost?

Prices depend on complexity, hospital, and anesthesia. Typical USD ranges are listed above. To get a personalized quote, book a $60 USD virtual consultation — you receive written pricing within 48 hours.

What is included in the price?

Surgeon's fee, hospital stay, anesthesia, pre-op labs, surgical garments, post-op medications, and scheduled virtual follow-ups. Not included: flights, accommodation outside the recovery hotel, and optional services like lymphatic massage. A clear breakdown is provided in writing before you book.

How do I pay?

Payments are accepted in USD via wire transfer, and partially in cash or credit card on-site in Medellín. A deposit secures your surgery date; the balance is paid before surgery.

What if something is uncertain after I return home?

You have direct messaging access to Dr. Daniela's team for any post-op concern — not a chatbot. Scheduled virtual follow-ups at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. If a rare complication required intervention after return home, we coordinate with your local physician and provide full medical records.

Ready to start?

Book your virtual consultation with Dr. Daniela — $60 USD, 20 minutes. You receive a personalized USD quote within 48 hours.

Book online

20-minute video consultation from your home. Choose the best slot in your timezone.

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Prefer to chat first? Send a quick message with your questions — our team responds within 24 hours.

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Dr. Daniela Correa · SCCP-certified plastic surgeon · Medellín, Colombia · RETHUS-verified