Why Recovery Houses Matter
Recovery houses are what make solo surgery travel possible. With 24/7 nursing care, prepared meals, and transportation included, they replace the need for a companion—something that would cost $100+/hour for a private nurse in the U.S.
In the United States, you get surgery and go home the same day—relying on family to help you shower, empty drains, and manage medications. In Medellín, the recovery house is an institutionalized part of the medical tourism process, providing professional post-operative care in a dedicated facility.
These aren't hotels with nurses. They're purpose-built facilities staffed by trained professionals who specialize in surgical recovery. Understanding how they work is essential to planning your trip.
What This Guide Covers
What Recovery Houses Actually Are
Think of a recovery house as a hybrid between a boutique hotel and a nursing facility. They're typically converted residential homes or purpose-built facilities in safe neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles, or Envigado—designed specifically for post-surgical patients.
Staff includes registered nurses (available 24/7), trained nursing assistants, and often a professional chef. Many are owned or affiliated with plastic surgery clinics, creating a coordinated care network.
What Makes Them Different from Hotels
| Feature | Recovery House | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 nursing staff | ✓ Included | ✗ None |
| Surgical drain assistance | ✓ Trained staff | ✗ On your own |
| Medication management | ✓ Dispensed on schedule | ✗ Self-managed |
| Post-surgical meals | ✓ Low-sodium, high-protein | ✗ Order delivery |
| Clinic transportation | ✓ Included | ✗ Arrange yourself |
| Shower assistance | ✓ First 24-48 hours | ✗ On your own |
| Vital sign monitoring | ✓ Regular checks | ✗ None |
| Compression garment help | ✓ On/off assistance | ✗ On your own |
| Emergency response | ✓ Immediate + clinic contact | ✗ Call 911 equivalent |
Pricing Tiers: What to Expect
Recovery house prices range from $85 to $330+ per night depending on room type, amenities, and level of luxury. Here's what each tier typically offers:
Budget Tier
$85-$100/night- • Room: Shared room (2-4 patients) or basic private
- • Nursing: 24/7 on-site, shared among patients
- • Meals: 3 meals/day, basic post-surgery menu
- • Transport: Clinic appointments included
- • Laundry: Usually included
- • Lymphatic massage: Usually extra ($40-60/session)
Best for: Solo travelers on a budget, shorter stays, minor procedures
Mid-Range Tier
$150-$200/night- • Room: Private room with ensuite bathroom
- • Nursing: 24/7 dedicated, faster response times
- • Meals: 3 meals + snacks, chef-prepared, customizable
- • Transport: All appointments + pharmacy runs
- • Laundry: Daily service included
- • Lymphatic massage: Often 5-10 sessions included
- • Extras: Better amenities, Netflix, comfortable furniture
Best for: Most patients—good balance of care and cost
Premium/Luxury Tier
$230-$330+/night- • Room: Suite with balcony, premium bedding
- • Nursing: Higher nurse-to-patient ratio, often 1:2 or 1:3
- • Meals: Gourmet chef (French cuisine in some), special diets
- • Transport: Private driver available anytime
- • Massage: 10+ lymphatic sessions included
- • Extras: IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen (some), spa treatments
- • Companion: Can accommodate a companion in room
Best for: Extended stays, multiple procedures, traveling with companion
What's Typically Included vs. Extra
✓ Usually Included
- • 24/7 nursing assistance
- • 3 meals per day
- • Airport pickup (arrival)
- • Transportation to clinic appointments
- • Basic medications (gauze, etc.)
- • Laundry service
- • WiFi and common areas
- • Help with drains & garments
- • Vital sign monitoring
- • Prescription pickup
⚡ Often Extra
- • Lymphatic massage sessions ($40-80 each)
- • Airport drop-off (departure)
- • Companion room upgrade
- • IV therapy/vitamin drips
- • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- • Extra pharmacy runs
- • Late checkout
- • Special dietary requests
- • Room upgrades
- • Non-medical transportation
💡 Tip: Ask for the Full List
Before booking, request an itemized list of what's included at your specific recovery house. "Standard inclusions" vary significantly between facilities. Get it in writing.
How to Choose the Right Recovery House
Key Factors to Consider
1. Procedure Type
BBL patients need special furniture (cutout chairs, prone sleeping positions). Tummy tuck patients need help getting in/out of bed. Make sure they're equipped for YOUR procedure.
2. Clinic Affiliation
Many surgeons have preferred recovery houses—or their own. This creates better coordination and communication. Ask your surgeon for recommendations.
3. Location
El Poblado is closest to most clinics. Laureles is more residential and affordable. Envigado is quieter. Consider proximity to your surgeon's office for follow-ups.
4. Nurse-to-Patient Ratio
Budget places may have 1 nurse for 8+ patients. Premium facilities offer 1:3 or better. For major procedures (mommy makeover, body lift), you want more attention.
5. Lymphatic Massage
You'll need 10-15 sessions for body procedures. Some places include them, others charge $40-80 per session. Do the math—inclusions can change the value equation.
6. Solo vs. Companion
Traveling alone? Recovery house is non-negotiable. Bringing someone? You might split time between recovery house (first days) and hotel (later).
Recovery House vs. Hotel: When Each Makes Sense
Choose a Recovery House If:
- You're traveling alone (strongly recommended)
- Having major surgery (BBL, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, body lift)
- First 5-10 days post-op regardless of procedure
- You'll have surgical drains
- You want guaranteed professional support
- You're anxious about complications
A Hotel Might Work If:
- You have a capable companion with you
- You're past the critical first week
- Minor procedure (breast aug, rhinoplasty after sutures removed)
- You want more independence later in recovery
- Transitioning after initial recovery house stay
⚠️ The Hybrid Approach
Many patients do 7-10 days in a recovery house, then move to an Airbnb or hotel for the remaining days. This saves money while ensuring professional care during the critical period.
How Long You'll Need to Stay
Recovery house stays depend on your procedure. Here's what's typical:
| Procedure | Minimum Recovery House | Recommended | Total Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation | 3-5 nights | 5-7 nights | 7-10 days |
| Rhinoplasty | 5-7 nights | 7-10 nights | 10-14 days |
| Liposuction 360 | 5-7 nights | 7-10 nights | 10-14 days |
| Tummy Tuck | 7-10 nights | 10-14 nights | 14-21 days |
| BBL | 10-14 nights | 14-21 nights | 14-21 days |
| Mommy Makeover | 10-14 nights | 14-21 nights | 18-28 days |
| Facelift | 7-10 nights | 10-14 nights | 14-21 days |
💰 Sample Recovery House Budget
Scenario: 14-night stay for tummy tuck at mid-range facility
Note: Some mid-range facilities include lymphatic massage, which would reduce this to $2,450 total.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before confirming your recovery house, get clear answers to these questions:
"What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?"
Ideal: 1:3 to 1:5. Red flag: 1:10+
"Are lymphatic massages included? How many?"
You'll need 10-15 sessions. Big cost difference if not included.
"Do you have BBL-specific furniture?"
Essential: cutout chairs/toilets, prone sleeping setup. Non-negotiable for BBL.
"What hospital/clinic are you affiliated with?"
Coordination matters for emergencies and communication.
"What's included in the daily rate?"
Get itemized: meals, transport, laundry, meds, massage. In writing.
"Can I see photos of the room?"
Request actual room photos, not stock images. Video call tour is ideal.
"What happens if I have a complication?"
Should have clear protocol: surgeon contact, hospital transfer capability.
"Do staff speak English?"
At minimum, one English-speaking nurse per shift. Communication is critical.
"What is your cancellation policy?"
Understand deposit requirements and refund terms before booking.
"Can I extend my stay if needed?"
Complications happen. Know if extending is possible and at what cost.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
- • Won't provide room photos or video tour
- • Vague about what's included in the price
- • No clear hospital/clinic affiliation
- • Nurse "available" rather than on-site 24/7
- • No reviews or references from past patients
- • Prices dramatically below market ($50/night for "full service")
- • Can't answer questions about emergency protocols
- • No English-speaking staff available
The Bottom Line
Recovery houses are what make Medellín's medical tourism ecosystem work. They provide the professional post-operative care that would cost thousands extra in the U.S.—or require a family member to take weeks off work.
Budget $85-$175/night for quality care. Ask the questions, verify inclusions, and don't choose purely on price. The first week of recovery is when complications are most likely—this is not the place to cut corners.