The ultimate guide to Liposuction in Tijuana

Last fact-checked: 1 February 2023

A growing number of North Americans are traveling to Tijuana for safe and effective liposuction—one the world's most popular cosmetic procedures that's used to remove stubborn pockets of fat from specific areas such as the arms, hips, thighs, and belly.

If you've hit a plateau following diet and exercise, or want to shape things up after childbirth, you may well be a suitable candidate for getting liposuction abroad. And when looking through Medical Departures' network of board-certified, experienced plastic surgeons in Tijuana, it's possible to achieve your desired body shape while saving up to 70% compared to prices back home.

Use our site to book an appointment in a matter of minutes—after you’ve made sure liposuction is right for you with this guide as a reference.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Tijuana?

The average cost of liposuction in Tijuana is around $2,000 USD per site treated. 

In comparison, you can expect to pay at least three times that in the United States with many clinics charging more than $6,000 USD for the same treatment.

How Much Can I Save on Liposuction in Tijuana Compared to the United States?

The table below shows average price comparisons between the cost of liposuction in Tijuana vs the United States:

The above prices are approximate estimates. Please check our current prices for your selected clinic for up-to-date figures.

As an elective procedure usually carried out for cosmetic reasons, liposuction is almost never covered by insurance companies or national health service providers, such as Canadian Medicare in Canada, or NHS in the UK.

As such, patients won’t be reimbursed for any expenses–and this can often include additional charges (particularly in the USA) such as doctor’s fees, anesthesia, in-patient care and medication–bringing the final total even higher.

Ultimately, patients booking through Medical Departures can expect to save at least 50% compared to prices in the USA, Canada, the UK and the EU. In some cases, this may be as high as 70%, although liposuction prices do depend on quite a number of factors, as outlined below.

What Determines Liposuction Prices in Tijuana?

The cost of liposuction in Tijuana will depend on:

• The amount of fat removed: this is measured in cubic centimeters (1,000 cc's is roughly 1 liter)

• The technique used (scroll down for more general information about liposuction methods)

• The area of the body being treated, such as your tummy, breasts, thighs, upper arms, etc.

• The number of areas (or sites) being treated

• Whether a procedure to remove excess skin, such as a breast lift, body lift or tummy tuck, is being combined with liposuction (as the removal of fat can result in sagging skin).

> Related Article: Tummy Tucks in Tijuana

Other factors patients should take into consideration include:

• Your body shape and BMI

• The reputation of the clinic and surgeon

• If an overnight stay is required (normally only applicable for extensive liposuction combined with a body lift)

• The location of the clinic (eg. downtown Tijuana vs suburbs)

• The duration of the surgery
  

Are There Any Hidden Costs to Getting Liposuction Abroad?

There are no hidden expenses when booking liposuction through Medical Departures, whether that’s in Tijuana, another city in Mexico or anywhere else offering safe, affordable care–with our network of over 1,000 verified clinics spread across five continents worldwide. 

Scheduling an appointment is completely free and our Customer Care Team agents endeavor to provide transparent price quotes at all times, including doctor's fees, in-patient care, post-operative compression garments, and medication, if applicable. 

Medical Departures also offers a Best Price Guarantee so you’ll never pay more than you have to. If you find a better price for the same treatment with the same surgeon on the same day, we'll match it. 

Finally, there’s no need to worry about being charged if you happen to change your mind or run into any problems before traveling; it won’t cost you anything to cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before your scheduled meeting with the doctor in Tijuana.

Why Choose Tijuana for Liposuction?

Over the last few decades, the number of people heading across the US-Mexico border into Tijuana for medical purposes has increased significantly, making this once-infamous town next to the Pacific Ocean emerge as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism. 

Popular treatments include plastic surgery, dental care, IVF, regenerative medicine, hair transplants and inexpensive pharmaceuticals. 

The rapid growth of Tijuana’s medical and health tourism sector has coincided with ever-improving standards of care, stricter safety regulations, more transparent information about doctors’ qualifications and professional licenses, as well as positive patient outcomes–all boosting the “word of mouth” effect among international patients–especially those from the United States and Canada seeking more affordable treatment compared to back home.

Five Good Reasons to Consider Tijuana for Liposuction:

Cost Savings: Medical procedures all across Mexico are, on average, significantly cheaper compared to the United States and other developed countries–with up to 70% to be saved on liposuction compared to top clinics in New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Convenient Location: Millions of Americans live within practical driving distance from Tijuana, particularly those based in Southern California or Arizona; the city is right on the US-Mexico border, with the trip from San Diego taking less than an hour. You will find several border crossings between the States and Tijuana, including the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Border Crossings.

There are several flights from US cities to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), which is located a few miles from the city center. Another more convenient option for those based a little further afield might be to fly into San Diego’s international airport, which receives direct flights from dozens of major cities across North America and now as far as Europe.

Quality of Care: Mexico offers an array of highly-qualified plastic surgeons and medical professionals, many of whom have studied abroad and gained affiliations with international memberships, such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) and the American Medical Association.

What's more, the clinics and hospitals we partner with are modern, equipped with the latest technology and VIP rooms and services–helping to make international patients feel at home. There are also Joint International Commission (JCI)-accredited facilities to choose from, while many facilities follow the strict standards set out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Cultural Getaway: Tijuana has long been a popular tourist destination, drawing in thousands of visitors every day who come for the bargain shopping, variety of interesting cultural sights, diverse cuisine, exciting nightlife and beaches–a short drive out of town to the west. 

Privacy: For some patients, going to Mexico for liposuction can provide a greater degree of privacy (and confidentiality) away from prying eyes back home. While recovering, you can relax in the comfort of your hotel or explore the city on foot (but do take things easy) without having to worry about running into friends, family or colleagues–which can be a big advantage for many prospective patients.

Finding the Best Clinic and Surgeon for Liposuction in Tijuana

As with any medical procedure, we always maintain you should do a little homework yourself before making a decision. Although Tijuana boasts excellent clinics and well-qualified doctors, you want to ensure you get the best by choosing a facility that has reliable credentials. This is where Medical Departures can help.

How We Verify Clinics in Tijuana:

The Medical Departures team runs a number of background checks on all of the clinics and doctors we partner with. These include:

• Carrying out legal/criminal record checks

• Verifying qualifications 

• Gathering information about each clinic’s doctors, such as their educational background and professional memberships

• Interviewing past patients

• Speaking with clinic/hospital managers or head surgeons of each clinic

• Looking at success rates and patient satisfaction

We list all of this information on our individual Tijuana clinic listing pages, along with verified patient reviews, high-definition clinic photos, virtual video tours and other useful information. This helps you to get an overall picture and make an informed decision on what will work for you.

Other Reasons to Book Lipo in Tijuana with Medical Departures:

• Over the last 10 years, we’ve helped more than 100,000 patients obtain top medical care at quality-checked clinics overseas.

• We offer a Best Price Guarantee, so you'll never pay more than you need to.

• Transparent price list estimates on each of our listing pages

• Free access to exclusive Medical Departures promotions, available at select clinics

• No additional costs for using our platform

• 24/7 customer support via phone, email or live online chat

Top Liposuction Clinics and Surgeons in Tijuana, Recommended by MD

Get started with these top clinics that perform liposuction on international patients visiting Tijuana:

• Dr. Arturo Munoz

• Advanced Health Medical Center

• Ricardo Vega Montiel

• Dr. Benito Rodriguez

Other Destinations in Mexico for Liposuction:

Discover countless more clinics and hospitals elsewhere in the country with these guides:

• Ultimate Guide to Liposuction in Mexicali

• Ultimate Guide to Liposuction in Cancun

• Ultimate Guide to Liposuction in Mexico City

About Liposuction Surgery (General Information)

Which Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Liposuction?

Sometimes diet and exercise alone can only get you so far. Liposuction helps you achieve a slimmer look by removing fat from almost anywhere. It can be used on a single area of the body–but it’s often carried out concurrently on two or more sites, such as:

• Abdominal area (often combined with a tummy tuck)

• Arms (often combined with arm lift surgery)

• Breasts (often combined with breast lift surgery)

• Flanks

• Hips

• Buttocks

• Calves and ankles

• Back and chest

• Thighs

Facial liposuction is another option available in Tijuana that is used to remove a small amount of fat around the cheeks, jawline and/or under the chin.

What Are the Main Misconceptions About Liposuction?

It should be noted that liposuction is not a weight loss solution for obese patients who have the potential to lose weight by restricting calories. In fact, it isn’t classed as a weight-loss surgery in any scenario, but rather a cosmetic procedure carried out for aesthetic (and confidence-boosting) purposes.

This is one of several misconceptions about liposuction, including that it is effective in treating cellulite, and that it is the “only” answer to getting rid of that spare tire (both are untrue!)

How Is Liposuction Carried Out?

Different techniques can be used to dissolve the fat in your body. Most commonly:

• Tumescent liposuction, which involves a saline solution being injected through small incisions and used to liquefy the fat. 

• Ultrasound liposuction, which also liquefies fat but with ultrasound waves emitted from a specialty device. 

In both instances, the fat is removed with a suction device that is inserted into the body through a small incision. Once the procedure is complete, the incision(s) are stitched closed.

Other types of liposuction or terms you may see online include:

• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

• Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL) or SmartLipo

• VASER liposuction

• Lipo 360

Note: For more in-depth information about what liposuction treatment involves, check out Medical Departures main guide to getting liposuction abroad.

How Long Does Liposuction Normally Take?

Liposuction typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to carry out on one site.

If you are being treated across multiple areas of your body, the procedure can take several hours–and up to four or five in total when combined with a body lift to remove excess skin.

> Related Article: Ultimate Guide to Body Lifts in Tijuana

What Is the Recovery Process for Liposuction?

After the surgery, take note of the following:

• You may be given a compression garment to wear that helps expedite recovery and improve results. 

• You may feel bruised and tender for several days or weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure

• It is normal for fluid to leak from the wounds for a few days; tubes are typically used to drain away fluid–these can be removed during a follow-up visit to your surgeon before heading home. 

• Swelling and bruising are also normal and will be at their worst in the first 7 to 10 days, after which the discomfort will begin to subside. 

• You will gradually be able to resume your normal activities 

• You will need to avoid anything too strenuous or vigorous for around six weeks.

What Are the Risks of Getting Liposuction?

Liposuction is generally a very safe procedure–and has one of the highest success rates (and lowest chance of complications) of all common cosmetic surgeries.

However, as the human body is unique, we react differently following surgery, especially when it comes to one’s natural healing process and reactions to anesthesia.

Liposuction surgery risks include:

• Infection

• Prolonged swelling and numbness

• Alterations in skin sensitivity

• Anesthesia complications (read about the risks of general anesthesia here)

• Excessive bleeding during or after surgery

• Fluid imbalances

• Scarring (particularly with more extensive lipo surgery)

Always discuss any potential risks with your surgeon in Tijuana. To make things easier, Medical Departures can help arrange an online video consultation with a doctor before traveling to Mexico for surgery.

Read more about the risks of liposuction here.

About Traveling to Tijuana for Medical Care

Americans and Canadians are drawn to Tijuana for cosmetic procedures because it is convenient, with high-quality medical facilities and costs substantially lower than you might find back home.

Tijuana’s close proximity to the US-Mexico border means that it has always attracted North Americans. The cost of living is considerably less expensive here, and this goes for medical treatment as well as lodging, ground transportation, shopping and dining.

Medical tourism is a growth area throughout Mexico, and Tijuana has been quick to take advantage of this important new trend. The city offers safe, clean, hygienic facilities, as well as skilled surgeons who ply their trade a mere stone’s throw away from the US-Mexico border. 

Given that prices are at least 50% lower for liposuction in Tijuana, it’s little wonder that hundreds of thousands of North Americans now visit Tijuana every year for health and cosmetic treatments.

Things to Do in Tijuana

As well as looking forward to savings on plastic surgery, patients can make the most of their time while south of the border with these recommended activities in Tijuana:

• Visit the iconic Avenida Revolución, known for its colorful street art, vendors and sheep souvenir shops.

• Take a look around Tijuana Cultural Center, home to a museum, theater, and regular cultural events.

• Shop for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts at the popular Mercado Hidalgo (market).

• Explore the wealth of murals and street art dotted around the city, especially those found in the Zona Norte neighborhood.

• Go for some authentic Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, burritos and carne asada. For the region’s famous tequila… best to get your doctor’s advice before indulging.

• Relax at the nearby Rosarito Beach, which can be reached via a private taxi or rental car.

• Visit the Tijuana Zoo where you will discover more than 400 species of animals from around the globe.

What Are the Tijuana Entry Requirements for US Citizens?

To cross the border, all you’ll need is a valid passport (at least 6 months before expiration). US citizens need not obtain a visa for stays in Mexico of up to 180 days.

You may be asked to show proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket or travel itinerary–but rules and entry requirements are subject to change. We recommend checking the latest information from the US government site here.

Note: For more in-depth information about visiting Tijuana for medical care, check out our Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Tijuana here. 

Liposuction FAQs

Q. How long do you need to rest after liposuction?
A. Most patients will be advised to take a couple of days' rest before heading back home. For minor procedures, patients may be permitted to exit Mexico if traveling by car. 

Q. What are the do's and don'ts after liposuction?
A. Strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, should be avoided for several weeks. Follow your doctor's advice with respect to wearing compression garments, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol and sun exposure. Patients are advised to start doing some light walking as soon as possible as this increases blood flow, thus promoting healing and reducing the chances of clotting.

Q. What happens after 5 days of liposuction?
A. Expect any swelling and bruising to start to subside after 5 days, with results becoming more and more visible as time goes on. You will need to attend follow-up appointments as advised, although this can be done with a local doctor back home (rather than staying in Mexico for an extended period of time)

Q. How long does it take to see full results after liposuction?
A. Full results are typically visible after a few months, depending on the extent of the surgery. Most patients can expect to see noticeable improvements once the initial swelling has gone down after a few days.

Getting Started with Medical Departures

A good starting point would be to browse through our full list of quality-checked clinics in Tijuana for liposuction.

Below you’ll find some convenient ways to arrange your appointment, or if you’d prefer to talk with a real person, contact our Customer Care Team today at no charge to you.

Sources:

Abraham, T. Manoj. Liposuction of the Face and Neck. Medscape. 13 April 2016. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/842367-overview

International Organization for Standardization. Website accessed: 1 February 2023.  https://www.iso.org/home.html

International Society of Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.isaps.org/

Carmen, W (MD). Ten common misconceptions about liposuction. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 30 January 2018. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/ten-common-misconceptions-about-liposuction

General anesthesia. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/anesthesia/about/pac-20384568

Liposuction. Medline Plus. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002985.htm

Tijuana. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 1 February 2023.  https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/baja-california/tijuana

Mexico. Travel.State.Gov. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html

Liposuction. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586

Liposuction: What You Should Know. WebMD. Website accessed: 1 February 2023.  https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction

Da Silva, Chantal. Thousands Of Americans Are Crossing The Border Into Mexico Every Year To Get Affordable Medical Treatment. News Week. 18 May 2019. https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-americans-cross-border-mexico-affordable-medical-treatment-each-1426943