The Bottom Line
Americans pay some of the highest prices in the world for plastic surgery. It's not because U.S. surgeons are better trained—Colombian surgeons complete equally rigorous 10-12 year training paths. The price difference comes from dramatically lower overhead: facility costs, malpractice insurance, and labor are all significantly cheaper in Colombia.
This guide provides current 2025 pricing from accredited Medellín clinics compared to U.S. national averages from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All prices are in USD.
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Body Procedures
Body contouring represents the largest price gap—and the most popular category for medical tourists. These labor-intensive procedures show the greatest savings because Colombian surgical labor costs are dramatically lower.
| Procedure | Medellín | USA Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Liposuction + fat transfer
|
$4,000 – $6,500 | $10,000 – $15,000 | 55-65% |
|
Liposuction 360
Full torso contouring
|
$3,000 – $5,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 | 55-65% |
|
Full Tummy Tuck
With muscle repair
|
$4,000 – $6,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 | 50-60% |
|
Mini Tummy Tuck
Lower abdomen only
|
$2,500 – $4,500 | $6,000 – $12,000 | 55-65% |
|
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Upper arm contouring
|
$2,800 – $4,500 | $8,000 – $12,000 | 60-70% |
|
Thigh Lift
Inner/outer thigh
|
$3,400 – $5,000 | $10,000 – $16,000 | 65-70% |
|
Lower Body Lift
Circumferential (belt lipectomy)
|
$6,000 – $12,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 | 70-80% |
Breast Procedures
Breast surgery pricing includes implants when applicable. Colombian surgeons use the same FDA-approved implant brands as U.S. surgeons: Allergan (Natrelle), Mentor, and Motiva.
| Procedure | Medellín | USA Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Breast Augmentation (Silicone)
Implants included
|
$3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 | 50-60% |
|
Breast Augmentation (Saline)
Implants included
|
$2,700 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | 50-55% |
|
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
No implants
|
$3,000 – $4,500 | $5,000 – $9,000 | 50-55% |
|
Breast Lift + Augmentation
Combined procedure
|
$4,500 – $6,500 | $10,000 – $18,000 | 55-65% |
|
Breast Reduction
Reduction mammaplasty
|
$3,500 – $5,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 | 55-65% |
|
Breast Implant Revision
Replacement/adjustment
|
$3,500 – $6,000 | $7,000 – $15,000 | 50-60% |
Facial Procedures
Facial surgery shows some of the most dramatic price differences—particularly for advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift. Colombian surgeons pioneered many aesthetic rhinoplasty techniques and are highly sought for revision work.
| Procedure | Medellín | USA Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deep Plane Facelift
Advanced technique
|
$5,200 – $11,000 | $18,000 – $40,000+ | 70-85% |
|
Standard Facelift (SMAS)
Traditional lift
|
$4,000 – $8,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 | 60-65% |
|
Mini Facelift
Lower face focus
|
$3,000 – $5,000 | $7,000 – $15,000 | 55-65% |
|
Neck Lift
Cervicoplasty
|
$3,000 – $5,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 | 60-70% |
|
Rhinoplasty (Primary)
First-time nose job
|
$3,000 – $5,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 | 60-70% |
|
Revision Rhinoplasty
Corrective surgery
|
$4,500 – $8,000 | $12,000 – $25,000 | 60-70% |
|
Blepharoplasty (Upper/Lower)
Eyelid surgery - both
|
$2,000 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | 55-60% |
|
Chin Augmentation
Implant or genioplasty
|
$2,500 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | 50-60% |
|
Buccal Fat Removal
Cheek slimming
|
$1,800 – $3,500 | $3,000 – $7,000 | 40-50% |
|
Fat Transfer to Face
Facial fat grafting
|
$2,000 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 | 55-60% |
Popular Combinations
Combining procedures shares anesthesia and facility costs, making packages even more cost-effective than individual procedures. Most medical tourists opt for combinations—the average is 2.7 procedures per patient.
| Package | Medellín | USA | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BBL + Lipo 360
Most popular combo
|
$5,500 – $8,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 | $10,000+ |
|
Mommy Makeover
TT + Breast + Lipo
|
$7,000 – $12,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 | $13,000+ |
|
Breast Aug + Lift
Augmentation mastopexy
|
$4,500 – $6,500 | $12,000 – $20,000 | $8,000+ |
|
Facelift + Neck Lift
Full lower face
|
$6,000 – $10,000 | $18,000 – $35,000 | $12,000+ |
|
Facelift + Eyes + Neck
Complete facial rejuvenation
|
$8,000 – $14,000 | $25,000 – $45,000 | $17,000+ |
Understanding What's Included
Medellín pricing is typically more transparent than U.S. quotes. Here's what you should expect:
✓ Typically Included
- • Surgeon's professional fee
- • Board-certified anesthesiologist
- • Operating room / facility fees
- • Implants (if applicable)
- • Pre-operative testing (blood work, EKG)
- • Stage 1 compression garments
- • 1-2 nights clinic observation
- • First week medications
- • Follow-up appointments
- • WhatsApp access to surgeon
+ Usually Extra
- • Flights ($300-$600)
- • Recovery house ($85-$150/night)
- • Lymphatic massage ($40-$80/session)
- • Stage 2 compression garments
- • Additional medications
- • Airport transfers ($30-$50)
- • Travel insurance ($150-$300)
- • Meals and personal expenses
Compare Apples to Apples
U.S. quotes often separate surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and implants—each billed separately. A "$6,000 breast augmentation" may become $10,000+ with all fees. Medellín packages typically include everything surgical. Always get itemized quotes from both to compare accurately.
Total Trip Cost Examples
The surgical quote is only part of the investment. Here's what to realistically budget for common scenarios:
BBL + Lipo 360 (14 days)
USA equivalent: $18,000 – $25,000 (surgical only, no recovery support)
Mommy Makeover (18 days)
USA equivalent: $25,000 – $35,000 (surgical only)
Deep Plane Facelift + Neck (12 days)
USA equivalent: $25,000 – $45,000 (surgical only)
⚠️ Price Red Flags
- Significantly below market: A $2,500 BBL when others charge $4,500+ means corners are being cut—likely credentials, safety, or materials.
- Vague quotes: "Starting at $X" without itemization hides add-ons. Get everything in writing.
- No deposit policy: Legitimate surgeons require deposits. Too-easy booking suggests desperation.
- Pressure tactics: "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not medical practice.