What are the Best and Cheapest Countries for Plastic Surgery?

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reports that in 2024, there were over 17.4 million surgical procedures and 20.5 million non-surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons globally. The overall increase over the last four years is 42.5%, which makes it clear that procedures are only becoming more popular and in demand.

While the US is known for having elite surgeons, it’s also home to high prices. Luckily, there are fantastic alternatives available. By finding the cheapest countries for plastic surgery, you can save some money while booking the treatments and procedures you desire.

Here are the top destinations, as well as their pros and cons. 

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad – Top Destinations

1. Thailand

Many tourists flock to Thailand, and for good reason. This country has beautiful weather and a very low cost of living, so prices for everything are extremely low. This includes plastic surgery.

Thailand’s hospitals are known for being highly developed with international accreditations, and care is affordable. In addition, there’s English-speaking staff.

The downside is that travel to Thailand is usually long and exhausting, as it can take over 20 hours to reach this nation with connections. Not only will you have to get over jet lag, but you’ll have to stay longer after your surgery to avoid recovery complications and clotting risks, which come with air travel. Follow-up care can also be difficult due to the distance and time zones, so Thailand’s only optimal for people who can commit to extended recovery abroad.

2. Turkey

Another popular destination for discount plastic surgery is Turkey. Not only does this country have some of the lowest advertised prices for cosmetic surgery, but many clinics also have bundled packages where everything’s taken care of, such as:

• Hotels
• Transportation
• Translators

Turkey can be a better option than Thailand for those living on the East Coast, as there are direct flights from major cities. This can reduce travel woes, but you’ll still have to deal with long travel times and jet lag.

However, the surgery quality can vary widely between clinics. In fact, the BBC did an investigation into procedures done in Turkey, and alarmingly, British doctors are saying that they’re treating an increasing number of patients who have returned with serious complications after having surgery done in Turkey.

The fact is that regulatory oversight differs from the US, so if you still want to go to Turkey for plastic surgery, careful vetting is a must.

3. Colombia

Colombia is a viable option for those wanting cosmetic surgery abroad and who live on the East Coast. It only takes 3-5 hours to fly there, and the plastic surgery costs are significantly lower than in the US.

Colombia offers a good balance between affordability, quality care, and manageable travel time. Many of its surgeons train internationally, and you’ll be received with cultural warmth and personalized care.

Do note that while it’s true that Colombia has excellent clinics, these are typically found within major cities. Outside of these areas, standards can vary. In addition, there may be language barriers in smaller practices.

4. India

In India, you can find some of the lowest surgical prices in the world. In addition, there are highly trained surgeons and advanced hospitals in major cities. You can also have peace of mind knowing that many doctors here have international educations and extensive surgical volume, so they’re experienced as well.

The issue is that travel from the East Coast is extremely long. You’ll have to have extended recovery stays, and there are major cultural differences, so this may affect expectations. Plastic surgery in India is feasible, but logistically demanding, so it’s probably not practical for the majority of Americans.

5. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is extremely convenient for Americans, especially those on the East Coast. There are short flights and frequent routes, so there’s minimal travel fatigue. This makes recovery easier and safer.

The main issue is that there has been public scrutiny over inconsistent outcomes here, especially at lower-cost clinics. And at higher-volume practices, there’s often limited individualized care. So thorough research and vetting are essential if you want safe and satisfactory results.

6. Mexico: Tijuana

Tijuana plastic surgery is a popular option for Americans since it’s cost-effective and accessible. Expect prices to be 50-80% lower than in the US.

Since the city is right across the border, Tijuana is great for patients who live on the West Coast, especially in California. It’s a bit farther away for East Coast residents, but travel is much simpler than overseas destinations.

There are good surgeons here who frequently treat US patients in modern facilities; just make sure to carefully choose reputable clinics. Follow-up visits are more realistic too.

7. Mexico: Cancun

Cancun is probably the easiest international plastic surgery destination for East Coast Americans. There are many direct flight offerings, and they’re short and affordable as well.

Here, clinics heavily cater to Americans, and there’s:

• Transparent pricing
• English-speaking staff members
• Resort-style recovery environments

Costs can be slightly higher than in border cities such as Tijuana, but the difference is completely worth paying. You’ll enjoy convenience and safety, and not to mention that follow-up is easy too.

There are experienced and board-certified surgeons such as Dr. Valdez here, so you’re in good hands. And since you won’t be exhausted by long-distance travel, you can fully focus on healing, and the process will be much faster and smoother.

Weigh Up Your Options Regarding the Cheapest Countries for Plastic Surgery

Now you have a curated list of the cheapest countries for plastic surgery. They all have their advantages and drawbacks, and every person’s situation will be unique.

However, for the majority of patients, booking an appointment in Cancun, Mexico can be the best choice possible. Not only can you receive excellent care at affordable prices, but you can also travel easily and enjoy a luxurious environment both before and after your procedure.

Are you interested in getting plastic surgery in Mexico? Then contact us today. Dr. Valdez has over 17 years of experience and has performed thousands of successful surgeries.