Colombia, Mexico and Turkey are the most sought-after countries for cosmetic surgeries
According to Isaps, liposuction is the most performed procedure in the country with a total of 39,744, followed by buttock augmentation, with 29,578, and abdominoplasty, with 20,195.
The International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Isaps, published the results of its annual global survey on aesthetic procedures for 2023. According to the report, a total of 34.9 million procedures were performed worldwide, marking an increase of 3.4% compared to the previous year.
Of these procedures, 15.8 million were surgical interventions and 19.1 million were non-surgical procedures performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. This reflects an overall increase of 39.2% over the past four years.
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In the case of Colombia, according to the survey, 447,268 procedures were performed in 2023, of which 270,870 were surgical and 176,398 non-surgical. Although the country is not the one with the highest number of surgeries in the globe, the country does lead in one of the categories of this market: in aesthetic tourism.
“We have to continue working with discipline and without pause, showing the quality of both plastic surgeons and surgical centers in the country, because Colombia is undoubtedly a safe destination for plastic surgery,” said Dr. Lina Triana, president of the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Thus, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey and Syria stand out as the countries that receive the highest proportion of foreign patients for aesthetic surgeries. The percentage of foreign patients who come to the country for this type of procedure is 35.9%, followed by Mexico, with 35.1%; Turkey, with 30.7% and Syria, with 25.6%.
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In Colombia, the reasons for the leadership in this market could be derived from the fact that “the country has stood out not only for the characteristics of the beauty parameters that are handled in terms of proportion, harmony and shape, but also because the specialists are at the forefront of the latest techniques and technologies for the performance of the procedures,” mentioned Alan González, a plastic surgeon and member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
In contrast, in Syria the reasons for opting for aesthetic procedures are often linked to the desire to raise self-esteem after having faced trauma due to war and the influence of a conservative culture. In addition, many see these procedures as a way to improve their chances in marriage proposals.
In the 2023 global data, as in 2022, liposuction remained the most common surgical procedure, with more than 2.2 million cases. It was followed by augmentation mammoplasty and blepharoplasty in terms of popularity.
The most popular non-surgical procedures are botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, hair removal, non-surgical skin tightening and non-surgical fat reduction.
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In the case of Colombia, in terms of plastic surgeries performed on the body and extremities, liposuction is the most performed procedure in the country with a total of 39,744, followed by buttock augmentation, with 29,578, and abdominoplasty, with 20,195.
With reference to the global results, Dr. Gianluca Campiglio, editor of the Global Survey and plastic surgeon, stated that “despite the obvious cultural and social differences from one country to another, which make certain procedures more sought after in some geographic areas and less in other parts of the world, the survey results show a significant increase worldwide in surgical and non-surgical procedures.”
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Top cities of choice
According to the editor of the Global Survey, cities such as Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga are recognized for their active professional activity in plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes, both in surgical and non-surgical procedures, serving both national and international citizens. In addition, places like Cartagena and the capitals of the Eje Cafetero, the northeast and south of the country are also outstanding in this field.
“Colombia has an important number of qualified plastic surgeons, with experience and national and international certifications,” said the plastic surgeon.
As for what advantages the country has over others in aesthetic tourism, the president of Isaps said it has to do with the fact that “Colombia offers higher quality and experience, in addition to the fact that the procedures are cheaper.
“Colombian plastic surgeons are highly trained and internationally recognized for their expertise and skills in advanced techniques. In addition, cosmetic procedures are often more affordable than in many developed countries. Finally, Colombia has state-of-the-art clinics and hospitals equipped with the latest technology.
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