Planning Your Cosmetic Surgery Trip: A Week-by-Week Timeline

The 12-Week Countdown

Weeks 12–10: Research Phase

Browse destination comparisons (you're here). Identify your procedure(s) and shortlist 2–3 destinations. Read safety guides and vetting checklists. Set your budget including all costs beyond the procedure fee (see our full cost breakdown).

Weeks 10–8: Surgeon Selection

Request consultations with 2–3 surgeons at your chosen destination. Review before-and-after portfolios critically. Complete virtual video consultations. Ask about technique, expected results, revision policy, and total costs. Choose your surgeon and confirm pricing in writing.

Weeks 8–6: Booking Phase

Confirm your procedure date. Book flights (flexible tickets recommended). Reserve recovery house or accommodation. Purchase medical travel insurance. Send deposit to clinic (typically $500–$1,000, deducted from procedure fee).

Weeks 6–4: Pre-Op Preparation

Complete pre-op lab work locally (CBC, metabolic panel, coagulation studies). Send results to your international surgeon. Begin any pre-op protocols (stop blood thinners, supplements, smoking). Identify a local physician for post-return follow-up. Arrange time off work (2–4 weeks depending on procedure).

Weeks 4–2: Final Logistics

Confirm all appointments with clinic. Pack recovery essentials: loose clothing, front-closing tops, compression garments (if not provided), medications, entertainment. Arrange companion travel if applicable. Download WhatsApp if you haven't already—it's the primary communication tool in Latin American medical tourism.

Week 1: Travel & Procedure

Day 1–2: Arrive, settle in, final in-person consultation with surgeon. Pre-op photos, marking, and bloodwork confirmation.
Day 3: Procedure day. Arrive at facility, surgery, transfer to recovery house.
Days 4–7: Initial recovery. Nursing care, first follow-up appointment, lymphatic drainage begins.

Week 2+: Recovery & Return

Days 8–14: Continued recovery. Second follow-up with surgeon. Increasing mobility. Light exploration of the city when cleared. Most body contouring patients fly home around day 14–21. Facial surgery patients can often fly by day 10–14.