Top Plastic Surgery Destinations

Top medical tourism destinations for plastic surgery include South Korea, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and Thailand. Each destination is known for combining skilled surgical care with cost savings and attractive recovery environments.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported approximately 34.9 million cosmetic procedures (both surgical and non-surgical) performed worldwide in 2023.

Popular Destinations for Plastic Surgery

1. South Korea

South Korea is a popular destination for facial cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and jawline contouring.

Its advanced clinics, high per-capita surgery rates, and government-backed platforms such as Medical Korea attract many foreign patients each year.

According to Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea, 1.17 million foreign patients traveled to South Korea in 2024. Over half received dermatology or cosmetic treatments. 

Pros:

• Global leader in facial procedures such as rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery, with highly trained surgeons and advanced tech.

• Well-regulated and increasingly transparent; government-backed programs such as Medical Korea support quality and international standards 

Cons:

• Ghost surgeries, where a different, often unlicensed person performs the operation, have been exposed, even resulting in fatalities.

• High cultural beauty standards can add pressure and skew expectations for patients.

2. Mexico

Mexico is a major destination for North American patients looking for cosmetic procedures at lower prices.

Cities such as Tijuana are known for all-inclusive packages for procedures like liposuction, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation.

Approximately 1.2 million US residents travel to Mexico annually for medical tourism purposes. 

Pros:

• Procedures cost 40–70% less than in the U.S.; widely preferred by Americans and Canadians.

• There are clinics with international accreditations, such as JCI or local health authority accreditation.

Cons:

• Some clinics operate without proper licensing—vetting is important.

• Travel and safety concerns in certain border areas. Therefore, follow-up care can be challenging post-return.

3. Turkey

Turkey has become an important plastic surgery destination in recent years. Hair transplants, rhinoplasty, and body contouring are popular treatments.

Many clinics offer full-service packages with luxurious recovery stays in tourism destinations.

According to the International Health Services Inc., an official affiliate of the Turkish Health Ministry, in 2024, Turkey received 2 million healthcare tourists, with a total spending of  $3 billion.

Pros:

• Popular for affordable cosmetic services: hair transplants, breast augmentation, BBLs, facelifts, etc.

• Growth backed by low treatment costs and favorable exchange rates.

Cons:

• Safety warnings by certain countries, such as the UK

• High-risk procedures such as BBL are could be dangerous with the risk of complications.

4. Brazil

Brazil is known as the aesthetic capital of Latin America. Brazil is a medical tourism destination for procedures such as body shaping surgeries like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), tummy tucks, and natural-looking enhancements.

Brazilian surgeons are known for their artistry and results, along with a festive cultural environment for recovery.

An estimate from 2019 suggests that Brazil attracts around 250,000 medical tourists annually.

Pros:

• Brazil is popular for body-contouring treatments such as Brazilian butt lifts and liposuction. 

• Several facilities are accredited by JCI, which is an international accreditation facility. 

Cons:

• Regulatory and oversight of clinics’ quality can vary. Medical tourists should confirm facility credentials.

5. Thailand

Thailand, mainly Bangkok, draws international patients with its blend of affordable care, modern facilities, and hospitality.

Private hospitals such as Bumrungrad International Hospital serve millions, including half a million international patients each year.

Popular procedures include facial contouring and rejuvenation. Treatments are often combined with vacation packages.

Thailand medical tourism industry attracted over 1.4 million international patients annually.

Pros:

• Combines quality and affordable care with tourism and recovery options.

• Large number of JCI-accredited hospitals and strong medical infrastructure.

Cons:

• Tropical disease risks (e.g., hepatitis A, dengue) and post-operative infection risk due to unfamiliar exposure.

• Language and cultural differences, plus limited post-op follow-up from afar destination.

6. General Pros & Cons of Cosmetic Medical Tourism

Pros Across Destinations:

• Cost savings can go up to 40–80% less than in home countries.

• More treatment choices, faster scheduling, and often more privacy than home countries.

• Combine treatment with travel options and serene recovery environments.

Cons Across Destinations:

• Language issues, cultural differences, and lack of local follow-up care can complicate your recovery.

• Legal protections and handling of complications may be weaker than at home country.

• Risk of post-op complications could lead to emergency treatments upon return home.

• Some medical tourism destinations could carry infectious risks or standards gaps.

Key Takeaways

Destination	Strengths	Notes
South Korea	Leading facial procedures, advanced tech	High quality, but check clinic credentials in detail
Mexico	Affordable, accessible for North Americans	Local vetting is key
Turkey	Competitive pricing, full-service packages	Popular for hair transplant and body contouring. Confirm safety standards
Brazil	Mastery in body contouring and natural results	Popular if body sculpting is focus
Thailand	Affordable, reputable hospitals, recovery  and tourism	Option of combining treatment and travel

Final Note

Each destination has its own specific strengths and risks. The key is being well prepared by checking credentials, understanding follow-up care, and weighing both benefits and potential risks.