Step 1
Research takes 4-8 weeks before booking anything
3 consults
Minimum surgeon consultations before deciding
50-75%
Typical savings vs equivalent US procedure

Planning plastic surgery in Colombia is not complicated — but it requires doing steps in the right order. Most problems experienced by medical tourists in Colombia come from skipping the research phase and booking too fast based on a social media post or a single coordinator's recommendation. This guide walks through the complete planning process, from initial research to departure day.

Colombia has internationally trained, board-certified plastic surgeons operating in JCI-accredited facilities. The savings are real and the quality is genuine — but due diligence is non-negotiable.

The Complete Planning Timeline

PhaseTimelineWhat to Do
1. ResearchWeeks 1-4Identify procedure, research Colombian surgeons, join expat/medical tourism forums
2. ConsultationsWeeks 3-6Video consult with 3+ surgeons, compare portfolios and recommendations
3. Surgeon selectionWeek 6-8Choose surgeon, confirm pricing all-in, understand what is and is not included
4. Pre-op preparationWeeks 8-12Book flights, book recovery apartment, complete pre-op bloodwork, arrange health insurance
5. Travel and surgeryYour travel datesArrive 1-2 days pre-op, surgery day, clinic discharge to apartment
6. Recovery2-8 weeks depending on procedureFollow surgeon instructions, attend all follow-up appointments, do not rush flying timeline

Phase 1: Researching Surgeons

This is where most people go wrong by going too fast. Take at least 4 weeks before booking anything.

Where to Research

  • FILACP (Federacion Ibero-Latino Americana de Cirugia Plastica) — The regional board certification body. Verify any Colombian surgeon's certification at filacp.org.
  • SCCP (Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugia Plastica) — Colombia's national plastic surgery board. Member verification available on their site.
  • RealSelf — Patient reviews and before/after galleries with verified Colombian surgeon profiles
  • Facebook groups — "Colombia Plastic Surgery" and similar groups have large communities of past patients sharing honest experiences
  • Direct Instagram research — Most Colombian plastic surgeons maintain active Instagram portfolios. Look for consistent quality, variety of body types, and realistic results.

Surgeon Vetting Checklist

  • Board certified by FILACP or SCCP — verify directly on their sites, not just the surgeon's claim
  • Hospital affiliation at a recognized facility (Clinica Portoazul, Clinica General del Norte, etc.)
  • At least 200+ documented cases of your specific procedure
  • Before/after portfolio showing your body type and realistic outcomes
  • Responsive to initial inquiry with clear pricing and process information
  • Has an international patient coordinator or English-speaking staff
  • Willing to provide patient references on request

Phase 2: Video Consultations

Consult with a minimum of 3 surgeons before deciding. This is non-negotiable. Here is why: different surgeons have genuinely different approaches to the same procedure, and you need to compare recommendations to understand what is standard vs what is one surgeon's preference. A surgeon whose recommendation dramatically differs from two others deserves scrutiny.

What to Ask in Every Consultation

  1. What specific technique do you recommend for my anatomy and goals?
  2. What is your complication rate for this procedure?
  3. At which facility will the surgery be performed?
  4. What is your all-in price including surgeon, anesthesia, and facility?
  5. What is NOT included in that price?
  6. What is the minimum stay you require before I can fly?
  7. What does your post-op care include and for how long?
  8. Do you have an English-speaking coordinator or support person?
  9. What are your emergency protocols if complications arise after discharge?

Phase 3: Understanding What Is and Is Not Included

Pricing surprises are the most common frustration for medical tourists. Always confirm in writing what is included:

ItemUsually IncludedOften NOT Included
Surgeon feeYes-
AnesthesiaUsuallyConfirm — some quote separately
Operating room/facility feeUsuallyConfirm at JCI facilities
One-night clinic stayUsuallyAdditional nights extra
Post-op compression garmentsSometimesOften extra $150-400
Post-op medicationsSometimesOften extra, fill at pharmacy
Follow-up appointmentsUsuallyConfirm how many included
Pre-op bloodworkRarelyTypically $100-200 extra
Translation/coordination servicesRarelyCoordinator fee extra if used

Phase 4: Pre-Op Preparation Checklist

Medical Preparation (6-8 weeks before surgery)

  • Complete all pre-op bloodwork your surgeon requires — get results sent to surgeon before travel
  • Stop smoking minimum 4-6 weeks before surgery (surgeon will specify)
  • Stop certain medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) as specified by your surgeon — typically 2 weeks before
  • Reach and maintain a stable weight — most surgeons require BMI under 30 for elective procedures
  • Get international health insurance that covers medical evacuation — essential

Logistics Preparation (4-6 weeks before)

  • Book flights — arrive at least 1 full day before surgery
  • Book recovery apartment for your full estimated recovery stay — do not try to book on arrival
  • Confirm all-in apartment pricing and what is included (electricity, cleaning, WiFi)
  • Arrange airport transfer for arrival day
  • Download Rappi (food delivery), Uber, and WhatsApp before leaving home
  • Research pharmacies near your recovery apartment for post-op medication pickup

Packing for Surgery and Recovery

  • Loose, front-opening or zip clothing — nothing pulled over the head if facial surgery
  • Compression garments if your surgeon has specified brands or types
  • Flip flops — easy on/off with limited mobility
  • Entertainment — tablet, streaming subscriptions, books. Recovery involves significant rest.
  • Neck pillow for BBL or tummy tuck patients traveling home
  • Extra pillows for post-op positioning (or confirm your apartment provides them)
  • Small notebook for drain logs if applicable

Procedure-Specific Recovery Stays

ProcedureMin Stay Before FlyingRecommended StayRecovery Guide
BBL (Brazilian butt lift)3 weeks4-6 weeksBBL Guide
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)3-4 weeks4-6 weeksTummy Tuck Guide
Rhinoplasty (nose job)10-14 days3 weeksRhinoplasty Guide
Breast augmentation7-10 days2-3 weeksGeneral Recovery Guide
Liposuction7-10 days2-3 weeksGeneral Recovery Guide
Mommy makeover (combined)4 weeks5-6 weeksGeneral Recovery Guide
Facelift2 weeks3-4 weeksGeneral Recovery Guide

Why Barranquilla Specifically

Colombia has excellent surgeons in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Barranquilla. Barranquilla's specific advantages for medical tourists:

  • Clinica Portoazul — JCI-accredited international-standard facility with dedicated plastic surgery infrastructure, 4 minutes from RentiHome apartments
  • Climate — Warm, stable year-round. No altitude adjustment (unlike Bogota at 2,600m). Sea-level physiology is easier for surgical recovery.
  • Cost — Generally 10-15% lower than Bogota or Medellin for equivalent procedures
  • Safety — Northern Barranquilla's expat zone (El Prado, Riomar) is extremely safe with strong private security infrastructure
  • Direct flights — Multiple US gateway cities have direct or one-stop service to BAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a Colombian surgeon is board certified?
Go directly to the FILACP website (filacp.org) or SCCP website and use their member verification tools. Search the surgeon's name and confirm their certification is current. Never rely solely on the surgeon's own claim or a coordinator's assurance — verify on the source registry yourself.
Is it safe to have plastic surgery in Colombia?
At JCI-accredited facilities with board-certified surgeons, Colombia offers international-standard surgical safety. The risks of plastic surgery in Colombia at reputable facilities are comparable to equivalent US procedures. The risks increase substantially with uncertified surgeons, non-accredited facilities, or procedures on the medical tourism black market. Due diligence on surgeon and facility is the most important safety step.
Should I use a coordinator or book independently?
Both work. A fee-for-service coordinator adds genuine value for first-time visitors: surgeon matching expertise, Spanish language communication, and local logistics support. Independent booking gives you full control and saves the coordinator fee. The hybrid approach: book accommodation directly with RentiHome, work directly with your chosen surgeon's international patient coordinator for clinic logistics, and you have the key bases covered.
How much should I budget for a surgery trip to Colombia?
Total budget depends on procedure and stay length. A typical framework: procedure cost ($2,500-10,000 depending on procedure) + recovery apartment ($1,500/month all-inclusive at RentiHome) + flights ($400-900 from US) + supplies and incidentals ($300-600). Budget for your full recommended recovery stay, not the minimum.
What if something goes wrong during recovery?
Your surgeon gives you a direct contact number for post-op complications. Clinica Portoazul has 24-hour emergency services 4 minutes from our apartments. Your RentiHome host is available 24/7 via WhatsApp and can assist with emergency transport immediately. For serious emergencies, Colombia's 123 emergency number covers police, ambulance, and fire services in Barranquilla.

Planning Your Surgery? Book Recovery First.

Many patients leave accommodation to the last minute and scramble. Book your recovery apartment alongside your surgery date — they go together. All-inclusive from $1,500/month, 4 min from Clinica Portoazul.

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