Cosmetic surgery: techniques, results, and costs

Introduction to cosmetic surgery in 2025

In the field of cosmetic surgery—also called aesthetic surgery or aesthetic plastic surgery—a wide variety of aesthetic procedures are grouped together, aimed at improving or rehabilitating body and facial appearance. In 2025, the supply and demand for these services continues to grow, with technical advances, materials, and safety protocols that allow for better results and faster recoveries.

As a medical tourism company for plastic surgery based in Bogotá, Colombia, we offer comprehensive services for national and international patients. Our consultation is free, and we accompany each person throughout the entire process: from the initial consultation to post-operative follow-up. We consider ourselves, among the options, the best due to our experience, network of professionals, and personalized attention.

Variants of cosmetic surgery: what it includes

The term cosmetic surgery can refer to:

Facial cosmetic surgery: rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, mentoplasty.
Body aesthetics: liposuction, abdominoplasty, thigh and arm lift.
Breast surgery: breast augmentation, breast reduction, lift (mastopexy).
Minimally invasive or non-surgical procedures: dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, lasers, and energy treatments.
Reconstructive with aesthetic emphasis: post-traumatic repair, sequelae of previous surgeries or cancer.

Most used techniques in aesthetic plastic surgery

The technique chosen depends on the aesthetic objective, the patient’s anatomy, and the experience of the medical team. Below, we describe common techniques and their applications.

Facial surgery

Rhinoplasty: reshaping of the nose through resection, rasping or rasping and edging, with open or closed approaches. May include cartilage or bone grafts.
Facelift (rhytidectomy): repositioning of tissues, removal of excess skin, and tightening of deep layers to rejuvenate the facial appearance.
Blepharoplasty: correction of upper and lower eyelids to eliminate bags and excess skin.
Chin and cheekbones: implants or fat grafts to harmonize the facial profile.

Body aesthetics

Liposuction: suction of subcutaneous fat with cannulas. Current techniques include ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), laser-assisted liposuction (LAL), or power-assisted liposuction (PAL).
Abdominoplasty: removal of excess skin and repair of the abdominal wall (diastasis recti) to improve the silhouette.
Body lift: lifting of thighs, arms, or hips to correct sagging after significant weight loss.

Breast surgery

Breast augmentation: placement of implants (silicone, saline solution) or autologous fat transfer.
Breast reduction: resection of tissue to relieve discomfort and improve proportions.
Mastopexy: breast lift to correct ptosis.

Non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures

Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite) to restore volume.
Botulinum toxin to reduce expression lines.
Laser therapies and intense pulsed light to improve texture and spots.
Thread lifts and micrografts of fat (lipofilling) for rejuvenation without major surgeries.

Expected results: when to see changes and what to realistically expect

One of the most important aspects to consider when considering a cosmetic surgery intervention is knowing the real expectations. The results vary according to the procedure, the technique, the scarring, and the fulfillment of the medical indications during recovery.

Immediate and short-term results

After an intervention, initial improvements are observed, but there may also be swelling, bruising, and temporary changes. In procedures such as rhinoplasty or lifting, the final shape may take months to define.

Medium and long term

In general:

Stable results are usually appreciated between 6 and 12 months after major surgeries.
In treatments with fillers, the duration may vary between months to years depending on the material.
Factors such as age, skin, habits (tobacco, sun exposure), and weight gains or losses affect durability.

What not to expect

It is important not to promise perfect results. Cosmetic surgery improves features and proportions but does not guarantee “perfection” or completely eliminate psychological insecurities. A realistic evaluation with the medical team is key.

Risks and Complications

All intervention carries risks. Safety depends on the professional, the technique, and the perioperative care. General risks include:

Infection
Bleeding or hematoma
Adverse scarring or keloid
Reaction to anesthesia
Asymmetry or need for retouching
Specific complications related to implants or grafts

To minimize risks, it is essential to choose an experienced team, follow pre- and post-operative instructions, and attend periodic check-ups.

Costs of cosmetic surgery: influencing factors

The cost of an aesthetic procedure varies widely depending on multiple factors:

Type of procedure: a simple liposuction costs differently than an abdominoplasty with muscle repair.
Surgeon’s experience and prestige.
Facilities: high-level clinics and accredited hospitals have higher rates.
Materials: quality of implants, devices, and products used.
Additional expenses: anesthesia, post-operative care, medication, pre-operative studies, and check-ups.
Geographic location: prices may vary between cities and countries; Colombia is often a more economical alternative compared to many developed countries.

Indicative price ranges (examples)

The following ranges are approximate and may change according to 2025, the clinic, and the particular case:

Rhinoplasty: from economic rates to premium prices depending on complexity.
Breast augmentation: varies by type of implant and technique (costs of implants and operating room included).
Liposuction: depends on the areas treated and the technique (ultrasound, laser, assisted).
Abdominoplasty: generally among the most expensive procedures due to surgical time and recovery.

To obtain a personalized and updated quote in 2025, we invite you to request our free consultation.

How the budget is calculated: elements included

A complete budget should include:

Surgeon’s fees
Anesthesiologist’s fees
Operating room use and materials
Implants or prostheses (if applicable)
Pre-operative exams and clinical evaluation
Hospital or clinic stay
Post-operative check-ups and initial medication
Transportation and lodging (when it comes to medical tourism)

Cosmetic surgery and medical tourism: why choose Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is a destination with a combination of excellent medical training, high-tech clinics, and competitive costs. As a medical tourism company in plastic surgery based in Bogotá, Colombia, we facilitate:

Connection with certified surgeons and accredited clinics.
Comprehensive packages that include consultation, surgery, transfer, lodging, and follow-up.
Free advice in Spanish and English if the patient requires it.
Personalized accompaniment throughout the entire process, including logistical assistance and appointment coordination.

For these reasons and our commitment to safety, we are positioned among the best options for international patients seeking cosmetic surgery in the region.

The step-by-step process with our company

Below we describe the general process we follow for passengers who choose our medical tourism in plastic surgery services:

Initial contact: you send us a consultation with photos and objectives.
Free advice: we evaluate, provide options, and initial estimates.
Appointment with the surgeon: coordination of the first consultation, in person or virtual.
Surgery scheduling: date is reserved, exams and logistics are organized.
Travel and stay: we coordinate flights, transportation, and lodging according to preferences.
Surgery and hospitalization: procedure in accredited clinics with equipment that meets international standards.
Post-operative follow-up: check-ups, rehabilitation, and care guidelines.
Discharge and return: accompaniment until your return to the country of origin if necessary.

How to choose a reliable surgeon and clinic

Choosing the medical team is the most important decision. We recommend considering:

Certifications and memberships in plastic surgery societies.
Specific experience in the procedure you want.
Photos of real cases (before and after) with explanation of the process.
Transparency in costs and possible complications.
Opinions and testimonials from patients.
Clinic accreditation and safety standards (recovery room, anesthesia, ICU if applicable).

Our company is responsible for pre-selecting professionals with these requirements and presenting options tailored to your case.

Recovery and post-operative care

Recovery depends on the procedure. General aspects:

Initial rest: 24-72 hours for major surgeries, with gradual progression of activity.
Medications: analgesics, prophylactic antibiotics according to medical criteria.
Wound care and use of compression garments in liposuction or abdominoplasty.
Periodic check-ups with the surgeon to evaluate healing and results.
Time to return to work and physical activities varies from weeks to months.

Following medical instructions reduces the likelihood of complications and optimizes the aesthetic result.

Psychological aspects and expectations

Cosmetic plastic surgery not only modifies the body; it impacts self-esteem and personal image. It is essential:

Evaluate the patient’s motivations.
Ensure that expectations are realistic.
Have psychological support if there is concern about body image or for emotional recovery processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer virtual consultations?

Yes. We offer free advice and initial virtual consultations for international and national patients.

How is it determined if I am a candidate?

After evaluating the medical history, physical exam, and complementary exams, the surgeon determines suitability. Factors such as chronic diseases, smoking, or unrealistic expectations may contraindicate procedures.

Do the prices include everything?

Our packages try to be as transparent as possible: fees, anesthesia, operating room, implants (if applicable), hospitalization, and initial check-ups. Elements such as flights or additional stays are detailed in the quote.

Competitive advantages of our service

As a medical tourism company in plastic surgery based in Bogotá, Colombia, we provide:

Free and personalized advice.
Rigorous selection of certified surgeons and clinics with high standards.
Tailor-made packages with complete logistics.
Assistance in Spanish and support for those who do not speak the local language.
Continuous post-operative follow-up until your return or stabilization of the case.
Competitive value for money compared to other international alternatives.

For these reasons, we consider ourselves among the best in the medical tourism offer for cosmetic plastic surgery.

Tips for interested patients

Investigate and ask for references.
Request real photos of cases similar to yours.
Ask about non-surgical alternatives if you are looking for modest results or with less recovery time.
Consider the recovery time and plan your trip and return with sufficient margin.
Do not base yourself only on price: safety and quality are a priority.

Testimonials and Success Stories

Many patients choose Bogotá for the combination of medical quality and affordable costs. If you wish, we can share real testimonials and clinical cases (with authorization) that demonstrate results and satisfaction in different types of procedures.

Contact and next step: free advice

If you are considering any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to request our free advice. As a medical tourism company in plastic surgery based in Bogotá, Colombia, we will coordinate an initial evaluation at no cost, send you information on options, indicative budgets, and the steps to schedule your treatment safely.

Our goal is to offer you clear information, responsible alternatives, and a comprehensive experience that guarantees your physical and emotional well-being. We are, among the options, the best in personalized attention and coordination of medical tourism for cosmetic surgery in the region.

Conclusion

Aesthetic plastic surgery encompasses multiple techniques and procedures that can improve proportions, volume, and facial and body appearance. In 2025, the possibilities are more extensive thanks to technological innovation and safety protocols. However, the key to success lies in a realistic assessment, the choice of a qualified team, and compliance with medical instructions.

If you would like to receive more information or a personalized quote, remember that our consultation is free. Contact our medical tourism company in plastic surgery based in Bogotá, Colombia, and allow us to guide you through each step of your aesthetic process.