The ultimate guide to Tummy Tuck in Tijuana

Last fact-checked: 2 February 2023

Tummy tuck surgery is widely sought by both men and women who want to get rid of loose, sagging skin around the abdomen. Also known as abdominoplasty, the procedure can be used in conjunction with liposuction, which also helps to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen by removing stubborn pockets of fat.

To reduce costs, which can be prohibitively expensive back home, more people than ever are traveling across the US-Mexico border for more affordable treatment–with tummy tuck prices up to 70% less in Tijuana.

Find out more about the procedure and discover fully-certified, background-checked plastic surgeons in Tijuana with this Medical Departures guide.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Tijuana vs. the United States?

Wherever you go for surgery, the cost of abdominoplasty depends on a number of factors (which you will discover in the following section). 

To get a rough idea as to how much you’ll save on your tummy tuck in Tijuana compared to average prices in the USA, see the table below:

Note: Please check with your Medical Departures representative or our clinic pages for the most up-to-date pricing.

What Factors Affect Abdominoplasty Prices in Tijuana?

How much you pay for your tummy tuck surgery in Tijuana will depend on the type of procedure sought by the patient and the surgeon’s recommendation.

Factors to discuss with your surgeon include:

• Whether it is a full, mini, partial or extended tuck.

• The type of incision(s) used: for example, a “standard” tuck uses one horizontal incision whereas a “fleur de lis” tuck uses two connected horizontal and vertical incisions creating a T-shape.

• Whether liposuction is being combined with skin removal, such as part of a “drainless” technique that eliminates the need for drains to be inserted following surgery.

• Whether a non-surgical method might be preferred–typically with the application of the FDA-approved, state-of-the-art DesoBody® solution, which is injected into the stomach to destroy the fat cells. 

Note: More details about what tummy tuck surgery entails (general medical information) can be found further down this page).

> Read More: Ultimate Guide to Liposuction in Mexico

How Much Will I Really Save When Considering Travel Expenses?

Most patients booking through Medical Departures are able to save several thousand dollars on their tummy tuck in Tijuana–even after factoring in all other expenses.

As well as the type of surgery you choose, the amount you save will ultimately depend on:

• Whether you plan to fly or have somebody drive you across the border.

• The duration of your stay in Tijuana (this will depend on the extent of your surgery; for longer procedures combined with liposuction, patients are often advised not to travel again for 5-10 days).

• Your chosen accommodation costs

• Whether you plan to fit in a vacation before surgery

• The reputation of your chosen clinic/surgeon

• Whether the price is part of a promotional package offered by the clinic; these often include free border transfers, accommodation and even gas/plane ticket rebates

Budget-conscious medical travelers will find that even a week’s stay in Tijuana shouldn’t break the bank. It’s a well-known fact that Mexico offers great value for money when it comes to things like hotels, food, shopping and getting around town.

What About the Hidden Costs of Getting Surgery in Mexico?

When using Medical Departures, there are no hidden costs, no booking charges and no cancellation fees–just as long as you let us know up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

It’s completely free to arrange a consultation with a surgeon in Tijuana through our site or via our Customer Care Team, and we won’t ask you for any credit card details upfront.

Another important factor to consider is that price quotes from clinics and hospitals in the United States often do not include additional costs, such as medical tests, doctor’s fees, inpatient care, postoperative garments, medication, and follow-up appointments. On the contrary, it is common practice for Mexican clinics (especially those that cater to international patients) to provide all-inclusive prices that do include such other essential treatment costs.

Why Consider Getting a Tummy Tuck in Tijuana?

Tijuana is a particularly convenient location for North Americans: close to the Southern US border, with two international airports within easy reach, prospective patients can either drive or fly here in a matter of hours.

A popular destination with tourists, especially day-trippers from north of the Border, it’s little wonder Tijuana is now a favored location for medical tourists. English is widely spoken, with a good mix of both new and well-established facilities catering specifically to international patients. 

Thanks to low-cost air travel, patients from much further afield are also traveling here to take advantage of the high-quality, more affordable care in still finding that they can make substantial savings.

As you shouldn't be in any rush to leave following surgery (you'll need time to rest), you can opt to stay in a comfortable three, four or five-star hotel in Tijuana, many of which cost well under $100 a night. Plus, you can expect all the necessary amenities you’d need for a comfortable stay while in recovery mode, such as on-site shops, restaurants and room service. 

Quality of Healthcare in Tijuana

As Northern Mexico’s medical tourism industry grows, so does the number of high-quality providers, eager to attract paying customers. In fact, healthcare in Mexico (overall) is described as excellent, with numerous top-class facilities throughout the region providing affordable services.

The country has its fair share of prestigious Joint Commission International-accredited establishments that offer superior quality, as well as modern, high-tech medical centers dedicated to welcoming international patients crossing the border in search of more affordable but ultimately safe, successful treatment.

Training for specialists is rigorous and many who now practice in Tijuana will have often undergone at least part of their training or residency in the USA, becoming members of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and American Medical Association, among other well-established specialist medical boards. This ensures that they stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and research within their respective specialist fields, as well as adhere to strict regulations on safety, hygiene and sterilization.

Finding the Best Clinic and Surgeon for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Tijuana

We always recommend that you do your homework before making a choice–and make sure you book your treatment at a quality provider whose credentials are available and satisfactory.

Medical Departures carries out a number of background checks on all providers before they are listed on our site. This includes onsite visits, checking legal/criminal records and meeting with head surgeons or clinic managers. 

We also confirm medical staff qualifications, their professional memberships and collate real patient testimonials–all of which are published on our site, along with clinic photos and virtual video tours. 

Put simply, we are a one-stop-shop for finding a trusted surgeon in Tijuana, as well as providing a platform for comparing prices and booking online at the best prices, guaranteed. 

Other Reasons to Book with Medical Departures:

• Unlimited access to our database of hundreds of clinics in Mexico, and more than 1,000 surgeons worldwide

• 24/7 customer service via live chat support, as well as a free-phone line, email and WhatsApp.

• Transparent price estimates on each of our clinic listings–so you will have a rough idea about how much your abdominoplasty surgery in Mexico will cost

• Exclusive promotions to help you save even more, such as plastic surgery packages inclusive of accommodation and transfers

• A free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before your appointment)

• Our Best Price Guarantee

• Free assistance with other aspects of your medical trip

Top Tummy Tuck Clinics & Surgeons in Tijuana Recommended by MD

Check out these top-rated clinics in Tijuana for your tummy tuck–with prices starting from just $2,800:

• Dr. Arturo Munoz

• Advanced Health Medical Center

• Molding Clinic Cosmetic Surgery Center

• Dr. Benito Rodriguez

Other Destinations in Mexico for Abdominoplasty:

Explore our network of partner clinics across the country with these other top Mexican destinations drawing in thousands of patients every year:

> All Tummy Tuck Clinics and Hospitals in Cancun

> All Tummy Tuck Clinics and Hospitals in Mexicali

> All Tummy Tuck Clinics and Hospitals in Mexico City

To see our full network of providers within the country, browse through all Tummy Tuck Clinics and Hospitals in Mexico here (country-wide).

Mexico Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

In addition to price lists, doctor profiles, clinic photos and patient reviews, our listings feature tummy tuck before and after photos–allowing you to compare real-life examples of what is possible in Mexico. 

Click on any of our clinic pages and scroll down to the “Photos” section–or if you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask our Customer Care Team for more information.

In Brief: About Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery

As one of the world’s most popular cosmetic surgeries, tummy tucks are sought by both men and women who want to achieve a flatter and firmer abdomen. 

When trying to get in shape, exercise and an improved diet should always be given priority over surgery; however, in many cases, even the most grueling of fitness regimes simply cannot get rid of excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat–particularly following previous weight loss and childbirth. 

In addition, skin loses its natural elasticity as we age–and no amount of time in the gym can fix this.

Successful tummy tucks should leave the abdomen in better proportion with your weight and body shape. Apart from the physical and aesthetic benefits, patients commonly report increased self-confidence after surgery; this, in turn, is shown to help people become less susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by various aspects of daily life, especially when it comes to looking after one’s mental and physical health.

Suitable Candidates for Abdominoplasty

Like any cosmetic surgery, abdominoplasty requires candidates to meet certain health requirements. Typically, good candidates should:

• Need to have maintained a stable weight for several months before surgery. 

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption in the weeks (but preferably months) before surgery.

• Have realistic expectations with respect to what the procedure can achieve, particularly understanding that a tummy tuck is not classified as weight-loss surgery.

• Have a BMI of below 30.

• Not have a history of clotting complications from previous surgery.

• Not still recovering from any prior surgery.

Your chosen surgeon in Tijuana can provide a provisional assessment via an online video consultation before your travel to Mexico–and then confirm your suitability once you meet in person. This will include a physical assessment and health tests. If you have any other doubts, a local doctor back home can also provide a second opinion.

What Tummy Tuck Options Are Available in Tijuana?

A number of different techniques may be used for tummy tuck surgery, and the particular type will also dictate where the incisions (and resulting scars) will be located. This can depend on your body shape, weight, cosmetic goals, and your surgeon’s preference.

The main types are:

• Full tuck: This involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area; tightening of the abdominal muscles is also used to create a firmer tummy.

• Mini tuck: A less invasive procedure focusing predominantly on the lower abdominal area. Usually, only a small incision is used, which also limits the amount of skin that can be removed.

• Extended tuck: This addresses both the tummy and hips (or "love handles"). A longer incision is used, allowing the surgeon to cut away more skin and remove a greater volume of fat via liposuction.

> Read more: Guide to Liposuction in Tijuana

What Does Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck Surgery Entail?

Once under anesthesia (this can be either local or general, depending on the length of the procedure), your surgeon will make a horizontally-oriented incision just below the belly button and above the pubic hairline. The length of the incision and its shape depends on how much extra skin there is to be removed. 

After the incision is made, the skin will be lifted to repair the weakened abdominal muscles. The surgeon may make another incision (around the navel) to remove extra skin in the upper belly.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down, the excess skin is cut off, and the remaining skin is joined together. A new opening for the belly button will be created. 

Along with sutures, the surgeon may use skin adhesives and specialized clips to seal the wound(s).

Find out more about what this procedure entails with Medical Departures’ global guide to getting abdominoplasty abroad.

About Traveling to Tijuana as a Medical Tourist

Tijuana is an especially convenient destination for North Americans–especially those who live in the US Southwest–and has long been a hotspot for medical, dental and cosmetic procedures thanks to the fact that visitors can rely on trusted, English-speaking surgeons who charge prices anywhere between 50% and 70% less than back in the States. 

How to Get to Tijuana?

Tijuana is located just south of San Diego in California and can be accessed via the San Ysidro border. If you are driving, it is generally recommended that you do not drive across the border, as having your car while in Tijuana is not a necessity for most people. The San Ysidro crossing is the busiest border crossing in North America and getting back into the US can take hours in a vehicle. Also, if you are renting a car, your rental agreement may prohibit you from taking your car across the border 

Instead, a great alternative for those making the drive south is to stop at one of the many secure parking lots on the US side (where costs start at around $20 a day). From there, it's easy (and much quicker) to walk across the border and grab a cheap taxi into town on the other side.

If you are coming from the airport and do not wish to rent a car, have a taxi take you from the airport or your hotel to the Old Town Transit Center for direct transportation to the border on the San Diego Trolley. The trolley is the fastest and cheapest way to get to Tijuana from San Diego for your tummy tuck. The site shows the routes, timetables, and travel information for the trolley.

Where to Stay in Tijuana?

While there are hotels in San Ysidro very close to the border, there are far more (and better) options in San Diego. Alternatively, you can stay in Tijuana if you wish to save a little money and avoid the hassle of multiple border crossings.

Find some of the top places to stay in Tijuana here or browse the ever-growing list of private rental properties on Airbnb here.

What Else Is There to Do in Tijuana?

For those with a little spare time on their hands before surgery, Tijuana offers a number of interesting things to do. Highlights include:

• Visit a cultural center or museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Tijuana Cultural Center, and the Museum of Popular Culture.

• Indulge in some authentic Mexican street eats, such as tacos, burritos, and other must-try specialties. 

• Walk down the lively Avenida Revolución, Tijuana’s most famous tourist street lined with shops, bars, and restaurants.

• Chill out at the Tijuana Estuary, a natural preserve home to a wide array of wildlife.

Get some more travel inspiration with these “18 incredible things to do in Tijuana”... although do make sure to follow your doctor’s advice as to what not to do following tummy tuck surgery, such as swimming and vigorous activity.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Q. Which type of anesthesia is used for tummy tucks?
A. In cases where only a small amount of skin is being removed, a tummy tuck can be performed under local anesthesia with deep sedation. General anesthesia is the preferred method for longer surgeries combined with liposuction.

Q. How long does a tummy tuck take?
A. The tummy tuck procedure typically takes between one and three hours, depending on how much skin needs to be removed. 

Q. What kind of scars will I have after a tummy tuck?
A. Scarring will depend on the particular technique used. For a full tummy tuck, the scar will run horizontally across the lower abdomen and potentially around the belly button. For a mini tummy tuck, the smaller incision in the lower abdominal area will leave a shorter, less noticeable scar.

Q. What should I expect after a tummy tuck?
A. Mild pain and discomfort are an inevitability; painkillers will help in this regard. Swelling and bruising are both normal and gradually subside after a few weeks. Drainage tubes may be used to help remove excess fluid from the tummy and are typically removed after a few days.

How Do I Get Started?

See what’s on offer at our verified tummy tuck clinics in Tijuana, checking out the latest prices, before & after photos, doctor profiles and patient reviews.

If you’re ready to book or have any questions about Tummy Tucks in Tijuana, see below for further details on how to get in touch with us. Our Customer Care Team can be reached 24 hours a day via the toll-free number provided, email or online chat. 

Sources:

Combined Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Offers Best of Both Procedures. American Society of Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/combined-liposuction-and-tummy-tuck-offers-best-of-both-procedures

Do Fat Dissolving Injections Work? Fox Pharma. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://foxpharma.co.uk/fat-dissolving-injections/

Mexican healthcare – the cost and quality. ITIJ. 1 March 2022. https://www.itij.com/latest/long-read/mexican-healthcare-cost-and-quality

Body Image: Effects and Representation. Centerstone. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://centerstone.org/our-resources/health-wellness/body-image-effects-and-representation

Trolley Transit Service. MTS. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.sdmts.com/transit-services/trolley

Best Hotels in Tijuana. U.S. News Today. 2023. https://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Tijuana_Mexico/

Houses for rent in Tijuana. Airbnb. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.airbnb.com/tijuana-mexico/stays

18 Incredible Things To Do In Tijuana, Mexico. Jack and Gab Explore. 18 October 2018. https://jackandgabexplore.com/18-incredible-things-to-do-in-tijuana-mexico/

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 1 February 2023.  https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/animation

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