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
Choosing a plastic surgeon in Colombia starts with verifying their medical credentials, not comparing prices or before-and-after photos. If you’re considering surgery abroad, one important step is checking whether your surgeon belongs to the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society (SCCP), a recognized professional association for plastic surgeons in Colombia. As a plastic surgeon in Medellín and a member of this society, I encourage international patients to look beyond social media, attractive packages, and positive reviews before making such an important medical decision.
Professional memberships matter, but they are only part of the picture. You should also verify your surgeon’s specialist training, professional registration, surgical facilities, and approach to patient care. In this guide, I’ll explain what SCCP membership means, how to research a surgeon’s qualifications in Colombia, and what to check before booking your flight or scheduling your procedure.
What Is the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society, and Why Does Membership Matter?
The Colombian Plastic Surgery Society (SCCP), officially known as the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva, is a nonprofit scientific and professional organization founded in 1956. It brings together plastic surgeons in Colombia and promotes professional education, scientific development, and ethical standards within the specialty.
For patients considering plastic surgery in Colombia, the SCCP is a useful starting point when researching a surgeon’s professional background.
What does it mean when your surgeon belongs to the SCCP?
When a surgeon is an SCCP member, it means they have been admitted to a professional organization with established membership requirements.
As a plastic surgeon, I believe this distinction matters because plastic surgery requires more than an aesthetic eye. It involves understanding anatomy, tissue healing, surgical techniques, and how to recognize and manage potential complications.
However, I always encourage patients to understand what membership does—and doesn’t—tell them.
Does every plastic surgeon in Colombia automatically qualify for membership?
No. Membership in the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society is not automatic, and not every qualified plastic surgeon in Colombia is necessarily a member.
For example, the Miembro de Número (Full Member) category requires applicants to meet specific professional criteria. According to the SCCP’s published admission requirements, these include:
- Specialist qualifications: Documentation of recognized postgraduate training in plastic surgery.
- Professional endorsements: Support from existing Full Members as part of the application process.
- Credential review: Evaluation of the application and supporting documentation by the society's relevant committees.
- Scientific and ethical commitments: Compliance with applicable scientific participation requirements and acceptance of the society's ethical and professional rules.
- Formal admission: Approval and ratification through the society's established procedures.
This is why I recommend checking a surgeon’s membership directly rather than relying on a logo displayed on their website or Instagram profile.
SCCP membership is a meaningful professional credential, but it should be considered alongside verified medical qualifications and surgical experience. In the next section, I’ll show you where to check those credentials before traveling to Colombia.
Colombian Board of Plastic Surgery: How Can You Verify a Surgeon’s Credentials?
If you’re researching plastic surgery in Colombia, you may come across terms like board-certified surgeon, SCCP member, or registered medical specialist. These credentials don’t all mean the same thing, and understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision.
Is the Colombian board of plastic surgery the same as board certification in the United States?
Not exactly. Patients searching for the Colombian board of plastic surgery should know that Colombia and the United States have different systems for recognizing medical qualifications.
In the United States, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) evaluates surgeons through specific training and examination requirements. In Colombia, professional qualifications involve recognized specialist education, authorization to practice, and registration with the country’s health authorities. The Colombian Plastic Surgery Society is a professional scientific association, not the equivalent of the ABPS.
Here’s how to distinguish the main credentials:
| Credential | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| 01 Specialist Degree | The surgeon completed recognized postgraduate training in plastic surgery. |
| 02 ReTHUS Registration | The physician is registered in Colombia's official health workforce system, where relevant professional and specialist information can be checked. |
| 03 SCCP Membership | The surgeon belongs to a professional scientific society with membership requirements. |
| 04 ABPS Certification | A separate U.S. specialty certification obtained through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. |
Where can you check whether a plastic surgeon is qualified to practice in Colombia?
You don’t have to rely exclusively on what a surgeon says on their website. Colombia has official resources that can help you independently verify professional credentials.
Your 3-Step Surgeon Verification Guide
Check the Surgeon's ReTHUS Registration
Visit Colombia's official health information system, SISPRO, and select Consulta de Ciudadanos en ReTHUS. Use the doctor's identification details to check their professional record and available specialist information.
Official ReTHUS / SISPRO PortalVerify Membership with the SCCP
Visit the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society website and look for its surgeon directory. Check that the physician's name and membership information match what you've been told.
Colombian Plastic Surgery SocietyConfirm the Surgeon's Specialist Education
Ask where they completed their plastic surgery specialization. If the degree was obtained abroad, ask how it was formally recognized in Colombia and verify the corresponding documentation.
What should you do if a surgeon's credentials are difficult to verify?
If you can’t find a surgeon’s credentials, I recommend asking for clarification before making a payment or booking your flight. You can request their full professional name, specialist degree, professional registration information, and the name of the institution where they trained.
An unavailable online record doesn’t automatically mean a physician is unqualified. However, any discrepancy deserves an explanation that you can confirm through an official source. I believe patients should feel comfortable asking these questions. Your surgeon should be willing to discuss their qualifications openly, without making you feel pressured to proceed.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Colombia: What Else Should You Check Before Booking?
Verifying professional credentials is an important first step, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how your surgery will be planned or where you’ll recover.
When patients contact me from the United States, Canada, or other countries, I encourage them to think beyond the procedure itself. Your medical evaluation, surgical facility, and postoperative care deserve just as much attention as your surgeon’s qualifications.
Is professional membership enough to feel confident about your surgery?
No. Even when a surgeon belongs to a recognized professional society, you should understand their experience with the procedure you’re considering. For example, a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and facelift involve different anatomical structures, surgical techniques, and recovery considerations.
Before deciding, I recommend discussing four essential areas:
Medical Evaluation
Your medical history, medications, previous surgeries, and potential risk factors.
Surgical Experience
Your surgeon's training and experience with the procedure you want.
Realistic Expectations
What surgery may achieve, its limitations, scars, and possible complications.
Recovery Planning
How much time you'll need in Medellín and what support is available afterward.
A responsible consultation should also determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for surgery. Sometimes, postponing a procedure or recommending a different approach is the most appropriate medical decision.
Where will your surgery take place, and who will care for you afterward?
Your surgeon’s credentials and the surgical facility’s authorization are two separate things.
In Colombia, healthcare providers and their authorized services can be checked through the Registro Especial de Prestadores de Servicios de Salud (REPS), the country’s official registry of healthcare providers.
Before surgery, I recommend confirming that the facility is authorized to provide the services required for your procedure. You should also ask about the anesthesia team, emergency protocols, and arrangements for managing complications.
Before Confirming Your Surgery
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Why Trust Dr. David Delgado for Plastic Surgery in Medellín?
As a Full Member of the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society (SCCP) and an International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), I value professional standards, continued learning, and transparent patient care. These memberships reflect my professional affiliations, although they are not guarantees of surgical outcomes or equivalent to U.S. board certification.
My practice is located in the Oviedo Medical Tower in Medellín, and I welcome international patients in English. Through a virtual consultation, we can discuss your goals, review your medical history, and explore your surgical options before you travel. My priority is helping you make an informed decision and feel supported throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society
1. What is the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society (SCCP)?
The Colombian Plastic Surgery Society (SCCP) is a scientific and professional organization that brings together plastic surgeons in Colombia. Its purpose includes promoting medical education, scientific research, and professional development in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery. For international patients, it provides an additional reference when researching a surgeon’s professional background and qualifications.
2. Is the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society a certification board?
No. The Colombian Plastic Surgery Society is a professional scientific association, not a medical certification board equivalent to the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Membership reflects admission to the society under its established requirements, while specialist qualifications and authorization to practice are verified through Colombia’s educational and healthcare systems.
3. What is the Colombian board of plastic surgery?
The term Colombian board of plastic surgery is commonly used by international patients looking for a credential similar to U.S. board certification. However, Colombia does not use the same system. Surgeons must have appropriate medical qualifications and authorization to practice, while organizations such as the SCCP provide professional affiliations rather than replacing official specialist registration.
4. How can I verify if my plastic surgeon is an SCCP member?
You can visit the official Colombian Plastic Surgery Society website and consult its surgeon directory. Search using the physician’s full professional name and confirm their membership information. If you cannot locate their profile, you can contact the society directly to request verification. I recommend doing this before making financial commitments or scheduling surgery.
5. Can a plastic surgeon practice in Colombia without being an SCCP member?
Yes. SCCP membership is not a legal requirement to practice plastic surgery in Colombia. A qualified surgeon may practice without belonging to society, provided they meet the applicable professional and regulatory requirements. Patients should independently verify their medical qualifications, registered specialty, and authorization to practice rather than assuming membership alone determines professional competence.
6. What does be a Full Member (Miembro de Número) of the SCCP mean?
A Miembro de Número is a Full Member who has met the society’s admission criteria, including documented specialist qualifications, professional practice requirements, and an established application and approval process. This designation represents a recognized category within the SCCP, but it does not guarantee surgical outcomes or eliminate the possibility of complications.
7. Does SCCP membership guarantee a safe plastic surgery procedure?
No professional membership can guarantee a complication-free procedure. Every surgery involves potential risks, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, and healing problems. SCCP membership is one credential worth considering, but your safety also depends on appropriate patient selection, medical evaluation, qualified surgical teams, authorized facilities, and postoperative care.
8. How can I check whether a plastic surgeon is legally qualified in Colombia?
Start with ReTHUS, Colombia’s official healthcare workforce registry, available through the SISPRO platform. It allows patients to review professional registration information. You should also confirm the physician’s specialist qualifications and check the surgical facility’s authorized services through the REPS registry. These checks help distinguish independently verifiable credentials from advertising claims.
9. Is Dr. David Delgado a member of the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society and the ASPS?
Yes. I am a Full Member of the Colombian Plastic Surgery Society (SCCP) and an International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These professional affiliations are part of my background as a plastic surgeon in Medellín. ASPS international membership is distinct from American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. I encourage patients to verify professional affiliations directly with the respective organizations.
10. Can I schedule a consultation with Dr. David Delgado before traveling to Colombia?
Absolutely. You can begin with a virtual consultation before traveling to Medellín. During our conversation, we can discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, surgical options, and questions about recovery. My practice is located in the Oviedo Medical Tower, and I offer consultations in English for international patients. A virtual assessment helps us plan your next steps, although an in-person examination is still necessary before confirming surgery.
References
- Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica (SCCP)
- Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica Estética y Reconstructiva. (s. f.). Cómo ser un miembro de la SCCP.
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery. (s. f.). What is certification?
- Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social. (s. f.). ReTHUS: Registro Único Nacional del Talento Humano en Salud.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (s. f.). International membership process.
