Bottom line up front: A typical cosmetic surgery trip to Colombia takes 10–21 days from arrival to departure, depending on your procedure. The process begins 6–12 weeks before travel with a virtual consultation and ends with a final follow-up appointment before you fly home. This timeline shows you exactly what to expect at every stage.
Phase 1: Research and Consultation (6–12 Weeks Before Travel)
Week 1–2: Research procedures and identify 2–3 SCCP-certified surgeons. Request virtual consultations (most are free). Prepare photos and medical history.
Week 3–4: Complete virtual consultations via video call or WhatsApp. Review treatment plans, pricing, and before-and-after photos. Select your surgeon.
Week 5–6: Confirm procedure date. Pay deposit (typically 20–30%). Complete any pre-operative lab work that can be done at home. Book flights and accommodation or recovery house.
Phase 2: Pre-Travel Preparation (2–4 Weeks Before)
Arrange medical travel insurance. Complete any remaining lab work. Stop blood thinners, aspirin, and supplements that increase bleeding (per surgeon's instructions — typically 2 weeks before). Stop smoking (4–6 weeks before surgery, ideally). Pack using our packing guide.
Phase 3: In Colombia
| Day | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombia | Settle into accommodation. Rest. Hydrate. Adjust. |
| Day 2 | In-person consultation and pre-op | Meet surgeon, confirm plan, lab work, EKG, anesthesia consult. Sign consent. Pay remaining balance. |
| Day 3 | Surgery day | Arrive early AM. Procedure (1–6+ hours). Transfer to recovery house or hotel. |
| Day 4–5 | Early recovery | Rest. Medication management. Light walking. Nursing monitoring. |
| Day 6–7 | First follow-up | Surgeon checks incisions. Drains removed if applicable. Progress assessment. |
| Day 8–10 | Active recovery | Increasing activity. Lymphatic drainage sessions. Compression garment management. Explore neighborhood gently. |
| Day 10–14 | Pre-departure follow-up | Final surgeon appointment. Flight clearance. Receive surgical records and aftercare instructions in English. |
| Day 11–21 | Departure | Fly home with medical records. Schedule video follow-up and home physician visit. |
Phase 4: At Home (Post-Departure)
Week 1 home: Continue medication schedule. Wear compression garments per instructions. Video follow-up with Colombian surgeon. See local physician for check-in.
Weeks 2–6: Gradual return to normal activity. Monthly video check-ins with surgeon (varies by clinic). Compression garment per surgeon's timeline.
Month 3–12: Final results emerge as swelling fully resolves. Scars mature. Follow-up photos sent to surgeon.
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