Author
Dr. David Delgado, MD
Maxillofacial and plastic surgeon trained at Universidad Industrial de Santander and Universidad de Antioquia. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), with over fifteen years of clinical practice in Medellín, Colombia.
- ASPS — Member
- SCCP
- UdeA Postgraduate Professor
If you are already considering plastic surgery in Colombia from Canada, you probably do not need another article explaining why people travel abroad for cosmetic procedures. Your questions are more specific now: Who will perform my surgery? How can I verify the surgeon? How much should I budget? How long will I need to stay in Colombia? And what happens after I return to Canada?
I am Dr. David Delgado, a plastic surgeon in Medellín with more than 15 years of experience, and I work with international patients who want to plan their surgery before boarding a plane.
From your first virtual consultation to your postoperative follow-up, my goal is to help you understand exactly what your procedure involves, what you need to organize from Canada and how we can create a surgical plan based on your anatomy and goals.
Your surgery in Colombia can start with a consultation while you are still at home in Canada.
Already Chosen Colombia? Now Choose Your Plastic Surgeon Carefully
Once you have decided to travel for plastic surgery in Colombia, South America, the most important comparison is no longer Canada versus Colombia.
It is surgeon versus surgeon.
Before paying a deposit or purchasing your flight, you should know:
- Who will actually perform your surgery
- Whether that physician is formally trained in plastic surgery
- Their professional memberships and credentials
- Where your procedure will be performed
- Whether you can speak directly with the surgeon before traveling
- Who will supervise your recovery in Colombia
- How follow-up will continue once you return to Canada
The Government of Canada specifically recommends researching the credentials of the healthcare professional and the facility where a procedure will take place, obtaining clear information about the proposed treatment, and planning postoperative care before travelling abroad for medical treatment. (Government of Canada, 2024).
For me, that conversation should happen before you book your trip, not after you arrive in Medellín.
Meet Dr. David Delgado Before You Fly from Canada
Choosing an international surgeon should not begin with a WhatsApp quote based only on a few photographs.
I prefer to understand the patient behind the procedure.
I am a plastic and maxillofacial surgeon in Medellín with more than 15 years of clinical experience, with experience in facial surgery, breast surgery and body contouring. I am a member of the Colombian Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (SCCP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and I also participate in postgraduate medical education at the Universidad de Antioquia.
For international patients, another important part of the process is where surgery takes place. I perform procedures at InterQuirófanos, a JCI-accredited surgical facility in Medellín, allowing the surgical plan to be supported by an established clinical environment.
And if English is your preferred language, we can conduct your consultation and surgical planning in English.
Your first appointment can be virtual
You do not have to fly to Colombia simply to find out whether a procedure is right for you.
During your virtual consultation, we can discuss:
- The changes you would like to achieve
- Your medical and surgical history
- The procedure or combination of procedures that may be appropriate
- Photographs needed for preliminary evaluation
- Expected recovery
- Approximate time you should plan to remain in Medellín
- Your personalized surgical quote
- The next steps before traveling from Canada
The in-person medical assessment in Medellín remains an important part of the process, but the virtual consultation allows us to organize much of your journey before you leave Canada.
What Plastic Surgery Procedures Can You Plan with Dr. David Delgado?
My practice includes facial, breast and body procedures. The right surgery is not determined by a package or promotion; it depends on your anatomy and what you actually want to change.
Some of the procedures international patients commonly ask about include:
Body contouring
- Liposculpture and Lipo 360: can reshape several areas of the torso to create greater definition and more balanced proportions
- Tummy tuck or lipoabdominoplasty: may be considered when excess abdominal skin, muscle separation and localized fat need to be addressed as part of the same surgical strategy.
- Mommy makeover: combines selected breast and body procedures when clinically appropriate rather than using the same combination for every patient.
Breast surgery
Depending on your anatomy and goals, your plan may include breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.
Facial surgery
Procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift and blepharoplasty are planned according to facial proportions and the changes you want to achieve without losing the characteristics that make your face your own.
For international patients, I also consider something essential: how the procedure affects your recovery and your return trip to Canada.
How Much Does Plastic Surgery in Colombia Cost for a Patient from Canada?
The number that matters is not simply the price of the surgery.
It is the complete cost of having surgery in Medellín and returning to Canada with enough time to recover properly.
Your personalized quote depends on factors such as:
| Your surgical plan | What may change the investment |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Facial, breast or body surgery |
| Surgical complexity | Technique and extent of correction |
| Combined procedures | Whether more than one procedure is appropriate |
| Operating time | Varies according to the surgical plan |
| Implants or medical supplies | When required |
| Recovery | Postoperative care required in Medellín |
Your travel budget should also consider flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals, postoperative support, a companion when recommended and flexibility in case your return date needs to change.
Think in CAD, but confirm how your medical quote is charged
If you live in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary or another Canadian city, your personal budget will naturally be in Canadian dollars.
However, do not assume a fixed conversion.
Before paying your deposit, confirm:
- The currency in which your surgical quote is issued
- What is included in the quoted amount
- Deposit and final-payment conditions
- Possible bank or card conversion charges
- Cancellation or rescheduling conditions
- How much flexibility you have if your medical stay must be extended
Exchange rates move. Your surgical plan should not depend on having exactly enough money for the procedure and nothing else.
Leave room in your budget for the complete journey.
How Long Should You Stay in Medellín After Plastic Surgery?
This is something we should define before you purchase your return ticket. The time you need in Medellín depends on your procedure, recovery and postoperative evolution.
For many international patients undergoing an individual procedure, this is a practical planning window in Medellín.
Procedures such as certain mommy makeover plans may require additional recovery time before international travel.
Your Stay Needs to Cover More Than the Surgery Itself
A well-planned stay gives your surgical team time to evaluate your early recovery before you return to Canada.
Do Not Make Your Return Flight the Deadline for Your Recovery
A non-refundable ticket should never determine whether you are medically ready to leave Colombia.
The Government of Canada notes that flying soon after surgery can increase the risk of postoperative complications and recommends discussing air travel with healthcare professionals and planning follow-up care before returning home. (Government of Canada, 2024).
Will Canadian Healthcare or Travel Insurance Cover Your Surgery in Colombia?
For elective cosmetic surgery, you should plan financially as a self-pay patient.
Health Canada explains that services that are not considered medically necessary are generally not covered by provincial or territorial public health insurance plans and specifically lists cosmetic procedures among examples of uninsured health services. (Health Canada, 2025).
Travel insurance requires additional attention. A standard travel policy should not automatically be assumed to cover complications associated with a planned cosmetic procedure. The Government of Canada advises medical travellers to verify coverage carefully because provincial or territorial plans may not cover expenses related to complications abroad and many travel insurance policies exclude planned medical procedures. (Government of Canada, 2024).
Before buying coverage, tell the insurer that the purpose of your trip includes an elective surgical procedure and ask specifically about surgery-related complications, hospitalization, extended stays and medical evacuation.
Do not rely only on the words “travel insurance.”
Read what the policy actually covers.
What Happens After You Return to Canada?
Flying home does not mean your surgical process is over.
Before leaving Medellín, you should understand:
- What medications you should continue
- How to care for your incisions
- Which compression garments may still be required
- What activities remain restricted
- Which symptoms require medical attention
- When your next virtual follow-up will take place
My team can continue remote postoperative communication and virtual follow-up after you return to Canada.
You should also keep your surgical records and provide relevant information to a healthcare professional in your province if local evaluation becomes necessary. The Government of Canada recommends obtaining copies of medical records related to treatment abroad and discussing the procedure and medications received with a healthcare provider after returning home. (Government of Canada, 2024).
A good international surgical plan should therefore answer two questions before surgery:
Who takes care of me while I am in Medellín?
And:
How will my follow-up continue when I am back in Canada?
Plastic Surgery Before and After: See Real Results Before You Decide
Credentials tell you who the surgeon is.
Before-and-after cases show you how that surgeon approaches different bodies and faces.
Before choosing your surgeon, look beyond one dramatic photograph. Review different patients and pay attention to proportions, scars when visible, contour transitions and whether the results look consistent with each patient’s anatomy.
BEFORE & AFTER CASE - LIPOSCULPTURE / LIPO 360
BEFORE & AFTER CASE 2 – TUMMY TUCK
BEFORE & AFTER CASE 3 – RHINOPLASTY
BEFORE & AFTER CASE 4 – BREAST SURGERY OR MOMMY MAKEOVER
Every patient begins with a different anatomy, and results cannot be guaranteed or replicated. The purpose of these cases is to help you understand my surgical approach and discuss what may realistically be possible in your own case.
From Canada to Medellín: Javier’s Experience with Dr. David Delgado
Javier is Colombian-Canadian and traveled to Colombia specifically to undergo his procedures with me.
He arrived through a personal recommendation, but what ultimately gave him confidence was the combination of professionalism, personal attention and support throughout the process.
In his testimonial, Javier highlights something that is especially important when traveling for surgery: feeling listened to, accompanied and confident in both the surgeon and the medical team.
“I’m sure I made the right choice.”
His testimonial is in Spanish, which also reflects the reality of many Colombians and Latinos living in Canada who choose to return to Colombia for surgery.
If that is your case, let your decision be guided by the same priorities: credentials, planning, trust and postoperative support.
Why Consider Dr. David Delgado for Your Plastic Surgery in Colombia?
When you are traveling thousands of kilometres for surgery, you need more than someone who can perform the procedure.
You need a team that understands the entire international patient journey.
With my patients from Canada, we can begin planning before they travel and continue communication after they return home.
15+ Years of Experience
My practice includes extensive experience in facial, breast and body plastic surgery.
Professional Credentials
I am a member of the SCCP and ASPS and participate in postgraduate medical education.
JCI-Accredited Surgical Facility
My procedures are performed at InterQuirófanos in Medellín, a surgical facility accredited by Joint Commission International.
Virtual Consultations for Canadian Patients
We can begin discussing your case while you are still in Canada, before you organize your trip to Medellín.
Consultations Available in English
You can discuss your procedure, expectations and recovery without depending on a translator.
Experience with International Patients
Your plan considers not only surgery, but also travel, recovery time in Medellín and postoperative follow-up abroad.
Postoperative Support in Medellín
The process does not end when you leave the operating room. Recovery and medical controls form part of the surgical journey before you return home.
Your Plastic Surgery Journey Can Start Before You Leave Canada
You do not need to purchase flights first.
You do not need to arrive in Colombia without knowing your surgeon.
And you do not need to make your decision based only on a price sent through a message.
If you are already considering plastic surgery in Colombia from Canada, the next step is to understand what would actually be appropriate for you.
Through a virtual consultation, we can review your goals, discuss your surgical options, estimate the time you may need in Medellín and prepare a personalized quote.
Talk directly with Dr. David Delgado and start planning your surgery from Canada.
🧡 I would be honored to be part of your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here — and I’m ready to help you do it safely, beautifully, and with heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start planning plastic surgery in Colombia if I live in Canada?
You can begin with a virtual consultation with Dr. David Delgado. This allows you to discuss your goals, medical history, possible procedures, preliminary recovery plan and estimated stay in Medellín before purchasing your flights. Once your surgical plan is established, the team can guide you through the steps required before travelling.
How much does plastic surgery in Colombia cost for Canadian patients?
The cost depends on the procedure, complexity, operating time, implants or supplies when required and whether procedures are combined. Dr. David Delgado provides a personalized quote after evaluating your case. Canadian patients should also budget for flights, accommodation, local transportation, postoperative care and a contingency amount rather than considering the surgical fee alone.
Can I have a virtual consultation with Dr. David Delgado from Canada?
Yes. International patients can begin their process through a virtual consultation. This is particularly useful for patients in Canada because you can speak with Dr. Delgado, discuss your goals and receive preliminary guidance before organizing your trip to Medellín.
How many days should I stay in Colombia after plastic surgery?
It depends on the surgery and your recovery. Many individual procedures are planned around approximately 8 to 10 days in Medellín, while some combined or more extensive surgeries may require 10 to 14 days or longer. Your specific travel window should be discussed during consultation and your return flight remains subject to your postoperative evolution.
When can I fly back to Canada after plastic surgery?
There is no single safe flight date for every patient or every procedure. Your surgeon should consider the type of surgery, mobility, swelling, medications, healing and individual risk factors before clearing you to travel. For this reason, Dr. Delgado recommends planning enough time for postoperative evaluation in Medellín instead of scheduling a tight return immediately after surgery.
Will my Canadian provincial health insurance pay for cosmetic surgery in Colombia?
Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not considered publicly insured medical services in Canada. You should therefore plan to pay for the procedure privately and verify directly with your province or territory and any private insurer if you have questions about your specific coverage.
What happens if I need follow-up after returning to Canada?
Dr. Delgado and his team can continue postoperative communication and virtual follow-up after you return. You will also receive instructions about recovery and should keep copies of relevant medical records in case you need an in-person assessment from a healthcare professional in your province.
Why should I consider Dr. David Delgado for plastic surgery in Colombia?
Dr. David Delgado has more than 15 years of experience in plastic surgery, is a member of the SCCP and ASPS, works with international patients, offers virtual consultations and communicates in English. His procedures are performed at InterQuirófanos, a JCI-accredited surgical facility in Medellín, and his international patient process includes planning before travel, postoperative care in Colombia and continued follow-up after returning home.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Plastic surgery procedures carry inherent risks and individual results vary. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. David Delgado to evaluate your specific case, candidacy, and expected outcomes. This content reflects the surgeon's professional perspective and should not replace in-person medical evaluation.
