Colombia’s medical infrastructure goes far beyond the most popular medical tourism categories. The country’s Newsweek-ranked hospitals and specialist clinics offer a full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments, many at 40-70% less than US costs. This page covers procedures that international patients frequently seek but that fall outside our main category guides.
If you do not see your specific procedure listed here, contact us — Colombia likely has a specialist for it.
Cardiac and Cardiovascular Procedures
Colombia is home to some of Latin America’s top cardiac centers. Fundación Cardioinfantil LaCardio in Bogotá and Fundación Clínica Shaio are both ranked among Colombia’s top 5 hospitals by Newsweek and specialize in cardiovascular medicine.
Procedures available:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): Open-heart surgery to reroute blood flow around blocked coronary arteries. In the USA, CABG costs $70,000-$200,000+.
- Heart valve replacement or repair: Surgical or catheter-based (TAVR) replacement of damaged heart valves. Colombia’s cardiac centers perform these using the same transcatheter valve technology available at top US hospitals.
- Cardiac catheterization and stent placement: Angioplasty with stent placement to open blocked arteries.
- Electrophysiology studies and ablation: For arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment, including catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
- Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation: Using the same devices (Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific) as US hospitals.
Colombia’s cardiac programs are among the most advanced in Latin America, with several hospitals performing robotic-assisted cardiac surgery and minimally invasive valve procedures.
Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynecomastia — enlarged breast tissue in men — affects an estimated 30-70% of males at some point in their lives. For many men, it is a significant source of self-consciousness that affects confidence, clothing choices, and willingness to be shirtless.
Surgical correction involves liposuction, glandular tissue excision, or a combination of both. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, typically takes 1-2 hours, and recovery allows return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
In the USA: Gynecomastia surgery costs $5,000-$10,000 and is almost never covered by insurance (classified as cosmetic). In Colombia, the same procedure is available at a fraction of the cost, performed by board-certified plastic surgeons experienced in male body contouring.
Mommy Makeover
A “mommy makeover” is not a single procedure but a customized combination of surgeries designed to restore a woman’s body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The most common combination includes:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) — to tighten separated abdominal muscles and remove excess skin
- Breast lift (mastopexy) and/or breast augmentation — to restore breast shape and volume
- Liposuction — to address stubborn fat deposits in the flanks, thighs, or arms
Performing these procedures in a single surgical session reduces overall recovery time, total anesthesia exposure, and cost compared to having each procedure separately. Colombian plastic surgeons routinely perform combination procedures and are experienced in managing the longer operating times involved.
In the USA: A mommy makeover typically costs $15,000-$30,000+ (combining the costs of each individual procedure). For more on individual procedures, see our Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery guide.
Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins affect up to 30% of adults. Modern treatment has moved away from surgical stripping toward minimally invasive techniques that can be performed in an outpatient setting:
- Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA): A laser fiber is inserted into the vein and used to seal it shut. The body reroutes blood through healthy veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Similar to EVLA but uses radiofrequency energy. Less post-procedural pain than laser in some studies.
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution that causes the vein to collapse and fade. Best for spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: Physical removal of varicose veins through tiny incisions. Minimal scarring.
In the USA: Varicose vein treatment costs $1,500-$5,000 per leg depending on severity and technique. Insurance coverage is inconsistent.
Hernia Repair
Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. Colombian surgeons perform all types of hernia repair using laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques:
- Inguinal hernia (groin) — the most common type
- Umbilical hernia (belly button)
- Incisional hernia (at the site of a previous surgical incision)
- Hiatal hernia (where the stomach pushes through the diaphragm)
Laparoscopic hernia repair uses small incisions, mesh reinforcement, and results in faster recovery than open surgery. Most patients are discharged the same day or after one night.
In the USA: Hernia repair costs $6,000-$15,000+ depending on type and complexity.
Urological Procedures
Colombian hospitals offer a full range of urological treatments, many using robotic-assisted surgery (da Vinci system):
- Robotic prostatectomy: Removal of the prostate for cancer treatment. Robotic-assisted prostatectomy offers greater precision, less blood loss, and faster recovery than open surgery. In the USA, this costs $15,000-$40,000+.
- TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate): For benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) causing urinary obstruction.
- Kidney stone treatment: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are all available.
- Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal
Aesthetic and Non-Surgical Treatments
For patients who want rejuvenation without surgery, Colombian clinics offer the full range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments:
- Botox and dermal fillers: Using the same brands available in the US (Allergan Botox, Juvéderm, Restylane). Significantly less expensive per unit/syringe in Colombia.
- Chemical peels: Superficial, medium, and deep peels for skin texture, pigmentation, and fine lines.
- Microneedling: Collagen induction therapy using fine needles. Often combined with PRP for enhanced results.
- Laser skin resurfacing: Fractional CO2 or erbium laser to treat wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.
- Hydrafacial and medical-grade facials
- Thread lifts: Minimally invasive facial lifting using dissolvable PDO threads.
- CoolSculpting / cryolipolysis: Non-surgical fat reduction.
Many patients combine non-surgical treatments with surgical procedures during their stay in Colombia — for example, Botox and fillers during the recovery period after a facelift or rhinoplasty.
Oncology
While most medical tourism focuses on elective procedures, Colombia’s top hospitals also treat cancer patients. Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín is world-renowned for oncology, and several Colombian hospitals have comprehensive cancer centers offering:
- Surgical oncology (including robotic-assisted tumor removal)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy (including modern linear accelerators)
- Immunotherapy
- Second opinions on diagnosis and treatment plans
International patients seeking a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis or exploring treatment options outside the US healthcare system can access oncology consultations at Colombian cancer centers. This is not the most common medical tourism use case, but it is available for patients who need it.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Colombia has a growing network of rehabilitation facilities and physical therapy centers that serve both domestic and international patients:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation: Intensive physical therapy programs after joint replacement, spine surgery, or sports injuries
- Sports medicine rehabilitation: Tailored programs for athletes recovering from ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, or other sports injuries
- Chronic pain management: Multidisciplinary programs combining physical therapy, interventional pain procedures, and regenerative medicine
Medellín’s climate is particularly well-suited for rehabilitation. The year-round temperate weather allows daily outdoor walking and exercise from the first days of recovery. Several recovery houses and boutique hotels cater specifically to post-surgical patients, offering on-site or nearby physical therapy services.
Second Opinions
You do not necessarily need to travel to Colombia for surgery. Many patients use Colombian specialists for virtual second opinions on diagnoses, treatment plans, or surgical recommendations they have received at home. This is particularly valuable for:
- Patients who have been told they need surgery and want confirmation from another qualified specialist
- Patients exploring whether a less invasive or less expensive treatment option exists
- Patients who want a specialist’s perspective from a different medical tradition
A virtual second opinion consultation typically takes 30-60 minutes and involves a review of your medical records, imaging, and pathology. If surgery in Colombia is appropriate, the consultation naturally transitions into treatment planning. If not, you have gained valuable perspective at minimal cost.
Your Next Step
Whatever procedure you are considering, the first step is the same: a free consultation with a qualified specialist. Tell us what you need, and we will connect you with the right doctor.
Learn more about why patients choose Colombia, read about how the process works, or explore our Patient Travel Guide to start planning.
