Global Research Finds Plastic Surgery Tourism in Colombia Safe, Reliable, and High-Quality: Know More

Published on October 7, 2025

A groundbreaking study published in PRS Global Open has shifted the narrative around medical tourism, particularly in plastic surgery. The report, Safety and Outcomes in Plastic Surgery Medical Tourism: A Review of 2,324 Patients and 7,141 Procedures, represents the largest analysis ever conducted on surgical tourism safety. The research, led by Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo from Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Cartagena, Colombia, examined outcomes from international patients treated between 2013 and 2024.

The findings challenge common assumptions that traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery increases risk. When performed in accredited, high-volume centers with rigorous safety protocols, medical tourism can achieve results equal to or better than those in the United States.

The Expanding Landscape of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism has grown into a global industry, attracting millions of patients seeking affordable, high-quality care beyond their home countries. Among these, plastic surgery remains one of the leading sectors. The study’s data reveal that 89% of patients treated at Premium Care came from the United States and Canada, showing that North Americans continue to see Latin America as a preferred destination for aesthetic procedures.

Body contouring was the most sought-after category, making up 57% of all treatments, followed by breast surgery at 18% and facial surgery at 25%. This pattern aligns with international travel trends, where patients often combine multiple cosmetic enhancements during a single trip to maximize value and recovery efficiency.

Safety at the Core of International Practice

The key outcome of this extensive study was the reassurance it offered regarding safety. Across 2,324 patients, the overall complication rate was 6.2% per patient and 2.2% per procedure. These numbers compared favorably to U.S. national averages.

More specifically, tummy tuck complications were 5.5%, while liposuction complications were only 0.3%—figures significantly lower than those reported in the U.S. TOPS database. Such results suggest that patient outcomes in accredited international centers can equal, and sometimes surpass, those in domestic hospitals.

These findings redefine how safety is measured in the context of global care. Rather than being tied to geography, safety depends on professional standards, training, and systemized care models.

The Premium Care Model in Medical Tourism

Premium Care Plastic Surgery has become a leading example of how to integrate world-class healthcare within the framework of medical tourism. Its approach centers on structure, consistency, and collaboration.

Patients undergo comprehensive preoperative evaluations to minimize risk. The facility itself is equipped with modern technology and staffed by certified professionals. Dual-surgeon teams are assigned to each case to reduce anesthesia time and enhance precision. The result is a streamlined process that places patient safety and surgical efficiency at the forefront.

Recovery is also integrated into the medical tourism experience. Patients recover in a multidisciplinary environment within a resort setting, where comfort and supervision are balanced. Telemedicine follow-ups ensure continued care after patients return home, bridging the gap between travel and long-term recovery.

Redefining Perceptions of Surgery Abroad

Historically, plastic surgery tourism carried a stigma, often associated with poor oversight or unqualified practitioners. However, this study demonstrates that when international centers adopt stringent accreditation standards, the results can rival those of any top-tier American facility.

Dr. Campbell and Dr. Restrepo’s findings emphasize that the determining factor for safety is not the country, but the quality of systems in place. Accredited centers operating under a “Center of Excellence” model can maintain surgical consistency, monitor outcomes, and provide structured follow-up care.

This new data helps dispel the misconception that medical tourism equals risk. Instead, it shows that, under proper conditions, it can represent an advanced, accessible form of healthcare globalization.

Colombia’s Position in the Global Healthcare Map

Colombia has emerged as one of the world’s premier destinations for medical tourism. Its combination of specialized surgeons, advanced facilities, and personalized care has positioned it as a strong competitor in the international market. Cartagena, in particular, has gained attention for its integration of medical care and tourism, offering patients recovery environments that are both professional and serene.

The Premium Care model demonstrates that patients no longer need to choose between affordability and quality. Instead, they can access international expertise while maintaining the same safety standards found in North America or Europe.

The study reinforces Colombia’s role as a destination not only for cosmetic improvements but also for high-standard, ethical medical tourism. It reflects how collaboration between healthcare professionals and travel infrastructure can create a holistic experience for patients seeking care abroad.

Broader Implications for the Medical Tourism Industry

The conclusions of this study extend far beyond plastic surgery. They suggest a future where cross-border medical care becomes a normal part of the healthcare ecosystem. As telemedicine, digital records, and international accreditation systems advance, the boundaries between domestic and foreign healthcare continue to blur.

Patients are becoming more informed and selective. They increasingly seek facilities that are not only affordable but also transparent in their standards and outcomes. Studies like this provide critical data to help patients make evidence-based decisions when considering international surgery.

The concept of “value-based medical tourism” is also reinforced by these findings. Patients gain access to top-tier medical care while enjoying recovery environments that promote physical and emotional well-being. For healthcare providers, it establishes a benchmark for what responsible, patient-centered tourism should look like.

The Path Ahead for Safe Global Surgery

As medical tourism continues to expand, the results from Premium Care Plastic Surgery provide a model that other international centers can follow. The evidence shows that with accreditation, specialization, and integrated follow-up care, surgery abroad can meet the highest global standards.

The study’s impact will likely extend into policy, accreditation systems, and future clinical research. It serves as proof that global healthcare can be safe, efficient, and patient-focused when designed around structure and accountability.

The message is clear: quality medical tourism is not defined by distance but by discipline. With the right framework, traveling for surgery can be both safe and rewarding.

[Source: PR Newswire]