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Top 5 Plastic Surgeries People Travel Abroad For — Save 40-80% On Your Transformation

Updated: Sep 19, 2025


Before and after facelift transformation showing youthful skin restoration

Introduction



Plastic surgery abroad has exploded in popularity. With high costs at home and amazing clinics in countries like Turkey, India, South Korea, and Mexico, more people are discovering that they can get top-quality cosmetic procedures for far cheaper — often 40-80% less.


In this post, we’re breaking down the top 5 most common plastic surgeries people travel for, why they’re so much cheaper abroad, what to watch out for, and how to choose the best clinic safely.



1. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)


Side profile of woman showing rhinoplasty before and after results
Rhinoplasty is one of the top plastic surgeries patients travel abroad for.



Why people go abroad:


  • Rhinoplasty is complex and often expensive (anesthesia, surgeon’s fee, facility charges) in the U.S./UK/EU. Abroad, skilled surgeons can offer similar results with far lower overhead.

  • Countries like Turkey and South Korea specialize in facial plastic surgery and have a high volume of rhinoplasty cases, which improves surgeon experience and efficiency.  



Typical cost savings:


  • In the U.S., a rhinoplasty can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000.

  • In countries such as Turkey or India, prices can drop significantly — sometimes to $2,000-$4,000, meaning savings of 50-70%.  






2. Breast Augmentation / Lift



Why people go abroad:


  • Demand for implants or lifts is high; many clinics abroad run package deals including consultation, surgery, post-op care, travel, and accommodation.

  • Lower cost of living, cheaper facility rents, and lower surgeon rates in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Turkey.  



Typical cost savings:


  • U.S./UK costs often $10,000-$15,000+ depending on implant type and hospital.

  • Abroad, similar quality often for 40-70% less (e.g. $4,000-$8,000 in many destinations).






3. Liposuction & Body Contouring (including Tummy Tucks / Brazilian Butt Lift)


lipsuction before and after


Why people go abroad:


  • These procedures are time-intensive and facility-cost heavy. Abroad clinics often offer all-inclusive body transformation packages.

  • Some destinations have specialized surgeons who see high volume, which improves skill and lowers cost.  



Typical cost savings:


  • U.S. costs for liposuction or BBL can be $8,000-$20,000+. Abroad, patients often pay 40-60% less after factoring everything.






4. Facelifts / Facial Rejuvenation


Older woman before and after facelift showing dramatic anti-aging results
Anti-aging surgeries abroad are trusted by thousands, with world-class outcomes.


Why people go abroad:


  • Facial rejuvenation (facelifts, neck lifts, eyelid surgery) demands fine skill and state-of-the-art facilities. Locations like South Korea or parts of Europe can provide high quality at much lower surgeon fees.

  • Surgeons abroad sometimes combine procedures (eyelid + facelifts) for package savings.  



Typical cost savings:


  • US/UK/EU: $12,000-$25,000+ for full facelift + related facial work.

  • Abroad: similar results often at 50-80% lower costs depending on the country.




5. Hair Transplants / Restoration


Male patient before and after hair transplant showing natural hair restoration results abroad
Hair transplant transformations abroad, restoring confidence at 40–80% less than local prices.



Why people go abroad:


  • Turkey has become a global leader in hair transplants. High surgical volumes, lower labour and facility costs, and experience in FUE / DHI methods make prices much lower.  



Typical cost savings:


  • In many home countries, hair restoration can range from $6,000-$15,000+ depending on grafts.

  • Abroad (for example Turkey, India), many patients achieve similar results for 40-70% less.



Why Are Prices So Much Lower Abroad?



Factor

How it Reduces Cost

Lower labour & facility costs in medical tourism hubs

Surgeons, nurses, facility rents cost less.

Lower cost of living / regulatory structure

Less overhead, lower taxes, often fewer layers of insurance cost.

High volume & specialization

Surgeons performing high numbers of specific ops become efficient; bulk procurement of implants/materials lowers costs.

Package deals (travel + accommodation + surgery)

Clinics often offer everything together; saves patient negotiating multiple costs separately.


What to Watch Out For (Safety & Quality)



  • Ensure board-certified surgeon and clinic accreditation (JCI or equivalent).

  • Read reviews and before/after photos from real patients (not stock).

  • Make sure travel + post‐op recovery logistics are good.

  • Check what’s included: anesthesiologist, clinic stay, post-surgery care, revisions.

  • Never go for rock-bottom price without verification — complications overseas can cost more in the long run.  






Best Destinations for Plastic Surgery Tourism



Here are countries repeatedly ranking high for combining quality + affordability:


  • Turkey — especially for hair transplants, rhinoplasty, body contouring.  

  • Brazil — strong in breast augmentation, face surgeries, general cosmetic surgery.  

  • Thailand — good option for body contour and facial procedures.  

  • South Korea — facial cosmetic surgeries, particularly eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facial contouring.  

  • Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica — good value for many body and facial procedures for patients from North America.  






Conclusion.



If you’re considering plastic surgery, doing it abroad can save you 40-80% — but only if you choose wisely. The reduction in cost doesn’t mean you settle on quality.


Want help comparing clinics, seeing prices, and ensuring safety? Fill out the form below with name, procedure you want, and where you’re located, and we’ll match you with top vetted clinics in destinations that save you the most.



 
 
 

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