Critical Warning
Colombia has no legal restrictions on who can perform cosmetic surgery. Any general doctor can legally operate. This makes verification YOUR responsibility—not optional.
This is the most important article you'll read before your surgery. Colombia has highly skilled, internationally trained plastic surgeons performing procedures at world-class standards. But it also has "garage clinics" staffed by practitioners with weekend courses, operating behind hair salons.
The difference? Verification. Follow this guide step by step, and you'll find surgeons who match or exceed U.S. standards. Skip it, and you're gambling.
What This Guide Covers
The 5 Non-Negotiable Credentials
These aren't nice-to-haves. If a surgeon doesn't have ALL five, walk away.
SCCP Membership
The Sociedad Colombiana de CirugÃa Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva is Colombia's equivalent of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Membership requires:
- • Medical degree from accredited institution
- • Completion of 4+ year plastic surgery residency
- • Adherence to ethical code
- • Ongoing continuing education
Verify at: cirugiaplastica.org.co/buscar-cirujano/
RETHUS Registration
Colombia's official government medical registry maintained by the Ministry of Health. This is mandatory by law—no registration means they're not legally authorized to practice medicine at all.
- • Confirms legal authorization to practice
- • Shows specialty credentials
- • Lists any disciplinary sanctions
Verify at: web.sispro.gov.co (search by surgeon's cédula/ID number)
Habilitación Certification
The mandatory facility license from the local health department. Every clinic and operating room must display this badge visibly at the entrance. It verifies:
- • Staff qualifications verified
- • Infrastructure meets standards
- • Equipment properly maintained
- • Clinical processes documented
Verify at: prestadores.minsalud.gov.co (REPS registry)
JCI Accreditation (Preferred)
The Joint Commission International is the gold standard for international healthcare accreditation—the same standard that accredits top U.S. hospitals.
- • Only 9 JCI-accredited facilities in all of Colombia
- • MedellÃn: Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, ClÃnica Las Américas Auna, InterQuirófanos
- • Hospital-acquired infection rates match U.S. benchmarks
Verify at: jointcommissioninternational.org
ISAPS Membership (Ideal)
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery provides an extra layer of international verification. Requirements:
- • Board certification in their country
- • Minimum 3 years post-training experience
- • Good standing with national plastic surgery society
- • Sponsorship by existing ISAPS member
Verify at: isaps.org/discover/find-a-surgeon/
Step-by-Step Verification Process
Here's exactly how to verify a surgeon before your consultation. This takes about 15 minutes and could save your life.
✓ Verification Checklist
Get the surgeon's full legal name and cédula (Colombian ID number). Any legitimate surgeon will provide this freely.
Search RETHUS database with their cédula. Confirm they're registered and check for any sanctions.
Search SCCP member directory by name. Confirm active membership and note their specialty.
Check ISAPS Find a Surgeon for international certification (bonus, not required).
Verify the clinic's Habilitación status in REPS database. Operating room should be licensed.
Search Google, RealSelf, and social media for independent reviews. Look for consistent patterns.
Understanding Colombian Medical Training
Colombian plastic surgeons follow a rigorous training path that takes 10-12 years total:
| Training Phase | Colombia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Medical School | 6 years (direct entry) | 4 years (after undergrad) |
| Mandatory Rural Service | 1 year (Año Rural) | None |
| Plastic Surgery Residency | 4-5 years | 6 years integrated |
| Total Training | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
Top medical schools include Universidad de Antioquia, Universidad CES (both in MedellÃn), Universidad Nacional, and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Many leading surgeons also pursue international training—fellowships at NYU, UCLA, or European institutions are common.
Red Flags That Should Stop You
If you encounter ANY of these, do not proceed. No amount of savings is worth the risk.
🚫 Walk Away If You See
- × Not in SCCP registry — No legitimate plastic surgeon would skip this. Period.
- × Uses "cosmetic doctor" or "aesthetic surgeon" — These aren't plastic surgery credentials. May indicate only short courses, not surgical residency.
- × Prices significantly below market — If BBL is $2,000 when everyone else charges $4,000+, something's wrong. Either cutting corners on safety, materials, or credentials.
- × No Habilitación displayed — Operating without a license. Leave immediately.
- × Vague about implant/material brands — Reputable surgeons proudly share that they use Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Allergan, Mentor. Dodging the question is a red flag.
- × Pressure tactics — "Book now or lose this price" or "We only have one spot left." Good surgeons have waiting lists, not desperation.
- × Refuses to provide written quote — Everything should be documented. Verbal-only pricing hides potential add-ons.
- × Cookie-cutter portfolio — If before/afters show identical results across all patients, they may not be real. Natural results vary.
- × Suspiciously high review counts — A clinic with 4,000 Google reviews when similar clinics have 50-200? Reviews can be purchased.
- × No warranty offered — Reputable clinics stand behind their work with 1-3 year warranties on porcelain work, longer on implants.
15 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Print this list. Ask every question during your consultation. A good surgeon will answer clearly and without defensiveness.
1. "What are your credentials and SCCP membership number?"
Write it down. Verify later. Any hesitation here is disqualifying.
2. "How many [specific procedure] have you performed?"
You want hundreds, not dozens. Ask specifically about your procedure.
3. "What is your complication rate?"
Any surgeon who claims "zero complications" is lying. Honest rates for cosmetic surgery are 2-6%.
4. "What brands do you use for implants/materials?"
Look for Allergan, Mentor, Motiva (breast), Straumann, Nobel Biocare (dental). Get it in writing.
5. "Where will surgery be performed?"
Should be a licensed facility with Habilitación. Ideally JCI-accredited hospital for major procedures.
6. "Will YOU perform the entire surgery?"
Beware "ghost surgeons"—where famous doctors consult but assistants operate. Get it in the consent form.
7. "Who is the anesthesiologist and what are their credentials?"
Should be S.C.A.R.E. member (Colombian anesthesiology society). Board-certified, not a nurse.
8. "What is your policy on combined procedures?"
Responsible surgeons follow the 6-hour rule. If they'll do 8+ hours of surgery at once, that's a red flag.
9. "What does the total cost include?"
Get itemized in writing: surgeon, anesthesia, facility, implants, garments, follow-ups. No surprises.
10. "What is your warranty policy?"
Standard: 1 year on porcelain work, 3+ years on implants. Some offer lifetime on implant posts.
11. "What happens if there's a complication?"
What's included in the price? Return visits? Revision surgery? Get the policy in writing.
12. "How will I communicate with you after I return home?"
WhatsApp video calls should be standard. Ongoing access, not just during your trip.
13. "Can I see before/after photos of patients with my body type?"
Results vary by starting point. You want to see patients who look like you.
14. "What should I do to prepare for surgery?"
Should include: stop smoking, discontinue blood thinners, get clearance if needed. Details matter.
15. "Am I a good candidate for this procedure?"
A good surgeon will tell you NO if you're not. If they say yes to everyone, be wary.
Making the Most of Your Consultation
Most MedellÃn surgeons offer free virtual consultations via WhatsApp video. Here's how to prepare:
Before the Call
- Take clear photos (front, side, angles) in good lighting
- Gather any existing medical records, X-rays, or previous surgery docs
- Write down your goals—be specific about what you want
- Prepare your question list (use ours above)
- Research their credentials beforehand so you can verify
During the Call
- Ask all your questions—don't hold back
- Note how they respond to concerns (defensive vs. thorough)
- Request a written treatment plan and itemized quote
- Ask about timeline and scheduling
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is
After the Call
- Verify every credential they mentioned
- Search for independent reviews (Google, RealSelf, Reddit)
- Compare quotes from 2-3 surgeons minimum
- Take your time—never let anyone rush you
The Bottom Line
A few hours of verification can mean the difference between life-changing results and life-threatening complications. Colombian surgeons who are SCCP-certified, operating in accredited facilities, and transparent about credentials are performing procedures that match U.S. standards—at 50-70% lower cost. But the verification is on you. Do the work.