The ultimate guide to Rhinoplasty in Tijuana

Last fact-checked: 26 January 2023

Pay up to 70% less for nose surgery by heading over the US-Mexico border, with prices for rhinoplasty in Tijuana starting at under $3,000.

With Medical Departures, you can find and book treatment at a quality-checked, fully certified clinic that caters to international patients. Our dedicated Customer Care Team is on standby now to provide a free, personalized quote for a range of different medical and cosmetic procedures in Mexico.

Find out more about traveling to Tijuana for a nose job; this guide includes price and booking information, recommended surgeons, details about different nose surgery techniques and travel tips.

Costs of Rhinoplasty in Tijuana vs. US/Canada

The table below shows the average rhinoplasty price in Tijuana (Mexico) compared to the USA (procedure only):

Please note: Prices are based on estimates provided by Medical Departures’ partner clinics at the time of writing.

How Much Can I Expect to Save Overall in Mexico?

Patients booking through Medical Departures can expect to pay between 50% and 70% less for plastic surgery in Mexico compared to prices in the USA and Canada.

For a standard nose alteration procedure, this price difference makes it possible to save several thousand dollars.

Of course, travel expenses will eat into those net savings, although traveling to Tijuana for a mini-medical vacation can easily be done on a tight budget: flights from across the USA start from as little as $200, while accommodation and food are much more affordable in Mexico.

What Factors Affect Rhinoplasty Price in Tijuana?

How much you pay for a nose job in Tijuana will depend on:

• The technique used: open (invasive) vs closed (minimally invasive)

• Type of anesthesia used: local vs general anesthesia

• Duration of the procedure

• Whether an overnight stay in hospital/in-patient facility is required

• The reputation of your chosen clinic and surgeon

• The number of medical tests and evaluations required before surgery

• Whether additional fees are included, such as doctor’s fees, medication and post-surgery garments

Are There Any Hidden Costs for Nose Jobs in Tijuana?

There are no hidden costs to using Medical Departures to find and book treatment abroad. In fact, when using our site, we don’t ask for any credit card details upfront–meaning you can arrange an initial consultation with a surgeon in Tijuana at no cost, without having to worry about cancellation fees (up to 24 hours before your appointment).

We also offer a Best Price Guarantee pledge, so if you find a better price online for the same surgery with the same surgeon, we’ll match it.

It should also be noted that average price figures in the USA usually do not include additional expenses, such as anesthesia or operating room facilities, whereas clinics in Mexico usually provide all-in price quotes for international patients. As a result, patients often find that they can save even more compared to getting work done back home.

Why Choose Tijuana for Rhinoplasty?

Quality of Care: Rhinoplasty surgery is performed by a specialist and is often seen as a combination of art and science, requiring a highly-skilled plastic surgeon to have an artistic eye as well as high-grade medical skills. As such, it's imperative that you choose a specialist with the right medical expertise. Fortunately, Tijuana has more than its fair share of world-class plastic surgeons–making it a popular destination for cosmetic surgery, especially for North Americans.

Today, at the best clinics and hospitals, there is very little difference in medical training throughout the world–as successful new technologies and techniques are disseminated quickly around the globe. Cross-border training is now the norm, and it won’t be unusual to find your surgeon has also trained in the US or the EU or is certified by American boards, as well as affiliations with international professional organizations such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

Location: Tijuana is convenient to reach, with an international airport in Tijuana and another just over the US-Mexico border in San Diego. 

Many people also choose to travel by car from the southern states, either driving straight into Mexico or parking up on the US side and traveling by shuttle. Many of our clinics also offer pick-up services from the airport, border crossing or your hotel.

Low Prices: As highlighted above, a significant factor for Tijuana’s popularity when it comes to both medical and dental care is the cost: savings of around 60% are not unusual for rhinoplasty in Tijuana, making this the number one reason why more and more Americans, Canadians and even Europeans are flocking here every year.

Overall, it’s this attention to detail coupled with superb customer service and low prices that entice patients to return to Tijuana time and time again.

Why Is Rhinoplasty Cheaper in Tijuana Compared to the US/Canada?

Classified by the World Bank as an “upper-middle-income country”, Mexico has a much lower cost of living compared to the United States and Canada; this is the main reason why plastic surgery prices can stay surprisingly low compared to its neighbors.

Lower overheads for all types of businesses in Tijuana make it less expensive to operate, and thus prices for numerous commodities and services (especially healthcare) simply don’t need to cost as much for business owners to make a profit.

Is it Safe to Get Rhinoplasty in Tijuana?

Yes, so long as you research your clinic and surgeon before you go. As we look at in the following section, Medical Departures does much of this work for you–ensuring that all healthcare professionals we work with have the right qualifications, certifications and experience.

As with any medical procedure, there are always risks involved and so it’s important to understand potential complications before making a decision. 

Find out more about the risks of getting a nose job here.

Finding the Best Clinic & Surgeon for Rhinoplasty in Tijuana

Any kind of surgery requires careful consideration, especially when it's being carried out on such a prominent feature of the face. If the shape or size of your nose is something that has been bothering you for a while, and you’ve decided that surgery is the best option for you, then you will want to ensure that you find a surgeon and clinic with credentials you can trust.

When using Medical Departures, you can have confidence in knowing that all our listings have been quality-checked, with our team verifying all clinic safety records, doctor licenses and qualifications. If we find something that’s not right–or wouldn’t be happy with getting treatment there ourselves–you won’t find their name listed on this site. 

How We Verify Clinics

Our verification process includes:

• Gathering real patient reviews and publishing them on our site

• Inspecting the legal background and reviewing any past criminal proceedings

• Verifying doctors’ qualifications, including university education, diplomas and specialist training courses

• Confirming professional memberships

• Meeting with clinic/hospital managers and inspecting facilities

Once successfully vetted, we publish all of our findings on Medical Departures with high-definition clinic photos, allowing you to search and find a reliable surgeon, with the minimum of fuss.

Take a look now at our full list of verified clinics and hospitals in Tijuana here.

Reasons to Book with Medical Departures

• Live, 24/7 chat support available throughout the duration of your medical trip abroad

• Aftercare: if anything goes wrong in the days, weeks or months following your treatment, we’ll be ready to help rectify the problem, thanks to our close communication channels with our network of clinics

• No additional costs for using our platform

• Get a free quote with no upfront costs for booking an initial consultation

• Best price guarantee

• Free access to our database of more than 1,000 clinics across the world, with listing pages including transparent price tables, photos, reviews, maps and doctor information

Top Rhinoplasty Clinics & Surgeons in Mexico, Recommended by MD

To see examples of rhinoplasty before & after photos in Tijuana, as well as price estimates, clinic photos and reviews, check out these top-rated clinics:

• Advanced Health Medical Center

• Ricardo Vega Montiel

• Molding Clinic Cosmetic Surgery Center

• Dr. Benito Rodriguez

• Dr. Victor Gutierrez Uribe

Related Destinations for Nose Jobs in Mexico

For more options, see our full list of rhinoplasty providers in Mexico – or look at these popular alternative destinations for plastic surgery in the country:

• Clinics & Hospitals for Rhinoplasty in Mexicali

• Clinics & Hospitals for Rhinoplasty in Cancun

• Clinics & Hospitals for Rhinoplasty in Quintana Roo

• Clinics & Hospitals for Rhinoplasty in Jalisco

Info About the Rhinoplasty Surgery & Techniques

Note: For a more detailed description about what to expect when undergoing rhinoplasty surgery abroad, please see Medical Departures’ global rhinoplasty guide.

How Can Rhinoplasty Help Me?

Rhinoplasty is a very personalized procedure and is thus different for each patient. One individual may just want to lengthen their nose and improve symmetry (typically in the case of “ethnic rhinoplasty”), while others may want a reduction in size to better complement their facial features. 

Some procedures are quick, focusing only on adjusting the tip or taking out a bump on the bridge, while some patients may seek reconstructive work to correct a medical condition or injury.

Your surgeon will help give you a clear idea of what’s needed in your individual case.

Types of Rhinoplasty Available in Mexico:

• Nose Reduction: Rhinoplasty can modify the size, shape and overall appearance of the nose by removing some of the cartilage and bone and thus modifying your overall look.

• Tip Plasty: Modifies the structure of the nasal tip (a pair of arched cartilage structures). In some cases, tip surgery is performed to restore breathing function when the sides of the nose collapse inwards with deep breaths.

• Septoplasty: A surgical procedure to correct a deviated nasal septum, improving airflow through your nose.

• Ethnic Rhinoplasty: An increasingly popular choice typically sought by non-Caucasian patients who want to preserve the distinctive features of their ethnic heritage while subtly modifying the appearance of their nose (eg. increasing dorsal height, adjusting the tip, and reducing nostril size.

• Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty: Also increasing in popularity, this method involves the use of piezo-electric instruments that emit high-frequency sound waves to cut bone without breaking it. This method results in less trauma, and therefore less bleeding, bruising and swelling. This, in turn, can help speed up recovery times for patients.

Rhinoplasty Techniques (Open & Closed)

Most nose job procedures are relatively quick, with surgeons using a “closed” technique (minimally invasive) after administering the patient local anesthesia to completely numb the affected area. Many clinics also offer oral sedation, such as Valium, to help patients feel relaxed.

For more complex treatment, patients may be put to sleep with general anesthesia; in these cases, the surgeon may use larger incisions as part of an “open” (invasive) rhinoplasty technique.

A nose job can take anywhere from one hour up to six hours; thus, it's best to not have anything planned for the entire day of your treatment and take things easy over the following days.

Filler Nose Jobs (Non-Surgical)

It is possible to alter the appearance of the nose without surgery in what may be referred to as a “filler nose job” or “liquid nose job”.

This type of non-surgical rhinoplasty uses dermal fillers to temporarily alter the shape of the nose, with results lasting up to 6 months. Although effects are subtle, this technique can be used to smooth out bumps or improve symmetry.

How Long Will I Need to Stay in Tijuana?

While some international patients do travel back home on the same day of surgery (especially if another person is driving), you will be advised to get plenty of rest; your doctor will require you to stay out of the sun for at least two weeks.

Doctors may recommend that you stay for a few nights locally so that you can return to the same clinic in Tijuana for a postoperative evaluation before leaving the country.

What Is the Recovery Time for Rhinoplasty – When Can I Return to Work?

The recovery period varies from patient to patient–usually between one and two weeks. Please also note that:

• You should keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping during this time.

• Your nose will feel sore, bruised and swollen; these symptoms will slowly improve during the recovery period.

• Most people return to work once the swelling has subsided and gentle exercise can begin after three weeks.

• You may be given a protective device or splint to wear to protect the nose and promote healing. 

• It is important to remember that it could take up to a year for your nose to look and feel healed.

About Traveling to Tijuana

No longer a sleepy border stopover for souvenir seekers and partygoers, Tijuana has grown over the past two decades into Northern Mexico’s second-largest city and one of Mexico’s most important commercial centers. 

As the world’s busiest border crossing, it’s no surprise that thousands of Americans visit Tijuana every year to take advantage of lower-priced plastic surgery rates here, as well as dental treatments and to purchase important medical supplies.

Some 20 million people in Southern California live within a four-hour drive from Tijuana, making it an easy decision to undergo affordable medical care. Patients based further away in the States, Canada, or across the pond in the UK or Europe, can fly into San Diego International Airport, only 40 minutes from the border. 

Many clinics and hospitals offer free shuttles from both San Diego International and Tijuana International, or from the border if you traveled by car, making it an ideal choice for patients in California seeking affordable nose jobs.

Check out some of the interesting things to do as a tourist in Tijuana here.

Note: For more detailed information about undergoing plastic surgery in Tijuana, please see Medical Departures’ main destination guide here.

Getting Across the Border

During rush hours, queues at the San Ysidro border can be long. To beat the long lines, one option is a "FastPass," which can often be obtained from hotels, clinics and hospitals in the area (before traveling). 

Some patients also opt to park their cars on the US side of the border and simply walk–which takes a matter of minutes (rather than potentially hours waiting in the car). From the point of entry to Mexico, you take a taxi, or take advantage of your chosen clinic or hospital’s shuttle service, which can take just 5-10 minutes to reach the downtown area.

> Related Article: Getting a Mexicali Medical Lane Pass and Other Dental Tips

Driving Distance to Tijuana from Major Metropolitan Areas:

• San Diego to Tijuana: 16 miles (27 km), 32 minutes

• Los Angeles to Tijuana: 134 miles (218 km), 2.5 hours

• Las Vegas to Tijuana: 341 miles (548 km), 5.5 hours

• Phoenix to Tijuana: 354 miles (595 km), 6 hours 

• Palm Springs to Tijuana: 137 miles (221 km), 2.5 hours

• Yuma to Tijuana, 182 miles (294 km), 3 hours

FAQs About Nose Surgery in Tijuana

Q. How long do you have to be careful with your nose after rhinoplasty?
A. In most cases, special care is required for at least 6 weeks, allowing for bones and cartilage to properly heal following surgery. This includes avoiding strenuous activities that may cause heavy breathing, and taking baths rather than showers while bandages are still on.

Q. How long does it take for rhinoplasty to settle in?
A. Initial results will be noticeable relatively quickly–once swelling has subsided. However, it can take more than a year for the nose to fully settle into its new, final form.

Q. How uncomfortable is rhinoplasty recovery?
Depending on the extent of work carried out on the nose, most patients will only experience mild discomfort over the first few days following surgery. Postoperative nasal congestion can often cause more discomfort rather than any extreme pain.

Q. Where is the best place for rhinoplasty in Mexico?
A. Medical Departures partners with only the best surgeons in Mexico who are highly experienced in carrying out all kinds of nose alteration procedures for international patients. Popular destinations include Tijuana, Mexicali, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Q. Can I travel back home on the same day of surgery?
A. Patients are advised not to fly immediately following surgery; in some cases, it may be possible to head back across the US-Mexico border (via road) on the same day. Always consult your surgeon about travel plans following rhinoplasty surgery abroad.

How Do I Get Started?

Find out more and see what’s available at our quality-checked clinics in Tijuana that offer rhinoplasty (nose job) surgery.

Browse our list of clinics, compare prices and book directly through our site—it's free and cancellable. You can also get in touch with our Customer Care Team if you have any questions about rhinoplasty in Tijuana.

Sources:

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 7 January 2023. https://www.isaps.org/

Rhinoplasty. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 7 January 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532

Ethnic rhinoplasty differs from other nose surgeries. AA Turkey. 26 June 2022. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/ethnic-rhinoplasty-differs-from-other-nose-surgeries/2622740

The Orange County Register. Here’s how much traffic crosses the U.S.-Mexico border. Website Accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.ocregister.com/2019/04/05/heres-how-much-traffic-crosses-the-u-s-mexico-border/

Cross the U.S. Border Faster 2022. Baja Bound. Website Accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.bajabound.com/before/returning/fastbordercrossing

An emerging economy of great contrasts. BMZ. 2023. https://www.bmz.de/en/countries/mexico

Cosmetic Surgery for the Nose. WebMD. Website accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-nose-job-rhinoplasty

The Rhinoplasty Society. Website accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.rhinoplastysociety.org/

Tijuana. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/baja-california/tijuana