#13
Global ranking (ISAPS)
35.9%
International patients
#1
Tourism % globally
#22
WHO healthcare rank
When people hear "plastic surgery in Colombia," they often assume it's a small, niche market catering to budget-conscious tourists. The data tells a completely different story.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Colombia ranks #13 globally for total plastic surgery procedures—ahead of major developed nations. And with 35.9% of patients coming from abroad, Colombia has the highest percentage of international patients of any country in the world.
The Global Top 15
| Rank | Country | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | Largest market, highest prices |
| 2 | Brazil | BBL origin, high domestic demand |
| 3 | Japan | Facial procedures dominant |
| 4 | Mexico | US border proximity |
| 5 | Germany | European leader |
| 6 | Italy | — |
| 7 | South Korea | K-beauty influence |
| 8 | France | — |
| 9 | India | Massive population base |
| 10 | Russia | — |
| 11 | Turkey | Hair transplant leader |
| 12 | Argentina | — |
| 13 | Colombia | Highest % international patients |
| 14 | Spain | — |
| 15 | United Kingdom | — |
What "35.9% International" Actually Means
Colombia has the highest percentage of international plastic surgery patients of any country tracked by ISAPS. To put this in perspective:
- • Over 1 in 3 plastic surgery patients in Colombia flew in from another country
- • The global average is under 5%
- • The US percentage is approximately 2%
- • Even Thailand (famous for medical tourism) has a lower percentage
This isn't happening by accident. Colombia built infrastructure specifically designed for international patients—recovery houses, bilingual staff, airport-to-clinic logistics, all-inclusive packages. The entire ecosystem is optimized for people traveling from abroad.
Healthcare System Context
Colombia's plastic surgery success exists within a broader healthcare system that performs well by global standards:
WHO World Health Ranking
#22
United States ranks #37
JCI-Accredited Hospitals
5
Gold standard international accreditation
Newsweek Best Hospitals
60
Colombian hospitals in global rankings
Medical Tourism Growth
22.9%
Year-over-year increase (2024)
Why High Volume Matters for You
Surgeon skill correlates directly with procedure volume. A surgeon who performs 500 BBLs per year will typically have better outcomes than one who does 50. Colombia's high procedure volume means:
- More experienced surgeons: Colombian surgeons often perform 3-5x more procedures annually than US counterparts
- Refined techniques: High volume allows surgeons to specialize and perfect specific procedures
- Better-developed support systems: Recovery houses, lymphatic therapists, and nursing staff all gain experience
- Competitive market: High volume creates competition, which raises standards
The Market Economics
Colombia's medical tourism market reached approximately $235 million in 2024, with projections of $287 million by 2027. Medellín alone generated $26 million in combined economic impact (medical services + accommodation + transportation).
This is a mature, substantial industry—not a fringe market. The Colombian government actively promotes medical tourism through ProColombia, and the healthcare sector treats it as a strategic economic priority.
The Bottom Line
Colombia isn't an "alternative" plastic surgery destination—it's one of the world's leading plastic surgery markets. The #13 global ranking, highest international patient percentage, and WHO #22 healthcare ranking all point to the same conclusion: this is a serious medical ecosystem.
The 35.9% international patient rate means the entire system is built for people like you. You're not an afterthought; you're a core part of how Colombian plastic surgery operates.