October 12, 2026 | Patient Safety, Plastic Surgery News
I tell them that they will probably save a lot of money.
That is the first thing I say to an El Paso patient who is pricing the same surgery across the bridge in Juarez, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s new survey of 2025 procedures explains why the question comes up so often. Mexico is eighth in the world by total procedures, but third in abdominoplasty, fourth in breast lift and fifth in liposuction and breast augmentation. On average a third of its aesthetic patients, 33.3 percent, come from abroad. The United States is the number one origin.
| Mexico, 2025 (ISAPS) | |
|---|---|
| Total aesthetic procedures | 1,469,794 (number 8 worldwide) |
| Surgical procedures | 862,535 |
| Plastic surgeons | 2,062 |
| World rank, abdominoplasty | 3 |
| World rank, breast lift | 4 |
| World rank, liposuction and breast augmentation | 5 |
| Patients from abroad, average | 33.3 percent, US first |
| Procedures done in a hospital | 49.6 percent (US: 37.9 percent) |
Source: ISAPS International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2025. Colombia (31.5 percent foreign) and the Dominican Republic (51.7 percent) also name the United States as their top source of patients.
What I Tell the Patient
I trained in Mexico City, at Universidad Anahuac and ABC Medical Center, before the Mayo Clinic. There are plenty of great doctors and plastic surgeons in Mexico. Most of the well-experienced and highly regarded plastic surgeons will probably have similar surgeon’s fees. Where the patient will save is in the facility and anesthesia fees, the aftercare supplies, and nursing care.
They should make certain that they are having their procedure in a certified surgery center or hospital. They should also understand that they will have to be crossing the border for continued care and possible complications.
I always say that if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. I also remind them that revision work is far more expensive than having the surgery done correctly the first time.
The Part That Does Not Show on the Quote
One of the downsides of medical tourism is not having your doctor available during recovery and post-surgical complications.
If you decide to travel a significant distance for a tummy tuck, I would recommend you make plans to stay close to your surgeon for 2-4 weeks. This time will allow for drain removal and adequate follow up before you travel. Some plastic surgeons will agree to manage your postoperative care for a fee.
For an El Paso patient, that means the follow-up visits happen on the other side of a bridge with a wait on it. Build that into the plan before you book.
The One Surgery I Would Not Shop On Price
If there is one surgery you should take absolutely no risks with, it’s implant buttock augmentation. There are many excellent and experienced doctors in Mexico, but if you choose the right one, you will find that the cost is the same as that of an experienced surgeon in the United States. You must find a surgeon experienced enough to do the intramuscular approach. Any complication will void any possible savings.
What the Numbers Say About Where Surgery Happens
Half of Mexico’s procedures, 49.6 percent, are done in a hospital, against 37.9 percent in the United States, where accredited office surgical suites and free-standing surgery centers carry more of the load. Neither setting is better on its own. The question is whether the one you are booked into is certified, and whether the anesthesia is given by someone whose name you know.
Why Choose Dr. Agullo
I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, trained in plastic surgery at the Mayo Clinic, and teach as Clinical Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Castle Connolly has named me a Top Doctor every year from 2014 through 2026. I went to medical school in Mexico and I operate in El Paso, so I have seen both sides of this decision from both sides of the bridge.
Ready to Talk?
Call the office at (915) 590-7900, text us at 1-866-814-0038, or book a consultation at agulloplasticsurgery.com/appointments. Pricing is on the fees page. #StayBeautiful
Find me at @RealDrWorldWide on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, @Agullo on X, or @AgulloPlasticSurgery on Facebook.
