How much does plastic surgery cost in Medellín compared to Canada?

The all-inclusive package in Medellín typically costs ~40–45% less than the equivalent total in Alberta, Canada (once travel, anesthesia, facility, and aftercare fees are included). For example, breast augmentation starts from $4,500 CAD in Medellín vs $12,000–$16,000 in Alberta. Rhinoplasty starts from $4,000 CAD vs $10,000–$15,000 in Canada. All prices include the full 360° care package.

Is it safe to travel to Medellín for plastic surgery?

Yes. Medellín is Latin America's leading medical tourism hub with internationally accredited hospitals and surgeons trained at top US and European institutions. Our facility is certified and our full 360° care package includes airport pickup, recovery house, nursing care, and post-op follow-up. Dra. Angela Cadavid is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 15+ years of experience.

What is included in the surgery package?

Everything is included: airport pickup and private transportation, surgical coordination, specialized anesthesiology, nursing care, advanced pain pump and smart pain patches, recovery house stay with 24h medical support, post-op follow-up, and a dedicated bilingual patient coordinator. No hidden costs or surprises.

How long is the recovery after plastic surgery in Medellín?

Recovery time varies by procedure. Most patients stay 7–14 days in Medellín in our private recovery house with 24h nursing care. You'll have post-operative monitoring before flying home and continued virtual follow-up with Dra. Angela Cadavid from Alberta. Specialized pain management (pain pump + smart patches) ensures a comfortable recovery.

Can I have a virtual consultation from Alberta before traveling?

Absolutely. Your journey starts with a virtual consultation from your home in Calgary or Edmonton. You'll meet Dra. Angela Cadavid, review your goals, discuss medical history, and assess candidacy — all before committing to travel. Your patient coordinator then plans every detail of your trip.

Are there direct flights from Calgary or Edmonton to Medellín?

There are convenient connections from Calgary (YYC) and Edmonton (YEG) to Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE). Total travel time is under 8 hours with one connection. Upon arrival, airport pickup and private transport are included in your package.

Who is Dra. Angela Cadavid?

Dra. Angela Cadavid is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Medellín, Colombia with 15+ years of experience. She specializes in rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction 360°, deep plane facelift, blepharoplasty, and Brazilian butt lift (BBL). She serves international patients from Alberta, Canada through Eternal Plastic Surgery.

What procedures does Eternal Plastic Surgery offer?

Eternal offers a full range of plastic surgery procedures: Facial (rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift, blepharoplasty), Body (liposuction 360°, abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift), and Breast (augmentation, lift, reduction). All procedures are performed in a certified surgical facility in Medellín.

Why choose Medellín over Canadian plastic surgery clinics?

Medellín offers board-certified surgeons with international training, state-of-the-art certified facilities, and all-inclusive package ~40–45% lower than an equivalent Alberta total. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," it's Latin America's top medical tourism destination. Patients also benefit from a recovery experience in a warm climate with vibrant culture, all with a full-care package that eliminates the stress of planning.

Is financing available for plastic surgery in Medellín?

We do not offer direct in-house financing. Patients typically arrange credit through their own bank or lender in Canada. A non-refundable reservation is required to hold the surgery date, and the remaining balance must be paid before the procedure. Accepted methods are bank transfer, cash, and credit card (subject to availability). Cryptocurrency is not accepted.

Can I combine liposuction with an abdominoplasty?

Yes. Combining liposuction with abdominoplasty (known as lipoabdominoplasty) is one of our most frequent procedures. It is also a common component of the Mommy Makeover, along with a breast lift. Final candidacy, technique, and combination are determined in your virtual consultation with Dra. Angela Cadavid.

How long after childbirth can I have surgery?

Ideally at least 6 months after childbirth, once your weight has stabilized and breastfeeding has finished. This gives the body time to recover and produces more predictable, longer-lasting results.

What are the average recovery times by procedure?

Averages (individual recovery varies): Liposuction — 10 to 12 days in Medellín, back to work in 10 to 14 days. Abdominoplasty — 15 to 21 days in Medellín, back to work in 3 to 4 weeks. Rhinoplasty — 10 to 12 days in Medellín, back to work in 10 to 14 days. International patients can typically fly home 10 to 14 days after surgery, depending on procedure and evolution.

What are common contraindications for plastic surgery?

Common reasons a patient may need to postpone or reconsider surgery include a BMI over 30–32 (evaluated case by case), uncontrolled chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension), active smoking (which must be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery), and unrealistic expectations or psychological conditions that have not been medically cleared. Final candidacy is determined in the virtual consultation.

What is the weather like in Medellín and how early should I arrive?

Medellín has a temperate climate year-round, 22–26 °C — known as the "city of eternal spring." We recommend arriving at least 2–3 days before your surgery date. Length of stay afterward depends on the procedure. Most nationalities do not require a tourism visa for Colombia, but patients should confirm based on their citizenship. A pre-op checklist is sent when the surgery is booked.

What are your operating hours?

Monday to Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Colombia time, GMT-5). The patient coordinator responds during these business hours. We are closed on Sundays.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

The initial reservation deposit is non-refundable. Surgery dates can be rescheduled with advance notice, with specific conditions determined case by case. Contact the patient coordinator as early as possible if you need to change your date.

Who makes up the surgical team?

The team includes Dra. Angela Cadavid (board-certified plastic surgeon), a specialized anesthesiologist, a full surgical team, post-operative recovery support staff, and a bilingual (English/Spanish, French available) patient coordinator for international patients.

Journal

Blog — insights and answers.

Education from the clinic — procedures, recovery, medical tourism from Alberta, and honest patient answers.

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