The ultimate guide to Tummy Tuck in Cancun

Last face-checked: 10 November 2020

Looking for an affordable tummy tuck? In Cancun, you can save a small fortune compared to the prices you might expect to pay at home—plus get to enjoy a holiday at the same time in this beautiful part of the world. That is the beauty of medical tourism in a nutshell. 

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty in medical terms)  may be something to consider if your stomach is looking flabby despite years of diet and exercise. It may be caused by excessive weight gain/loss or through pregnancy, which has caused the muscles to stretch and you’re left with what can only be described as an unsightly "apron" effect.

Medical Departures can help match you with a world-class facility in Cancun where you can undergo tummy tuck surgery for at least 50% less than in the US or Canada.

Why Should I Get a Tummy Tuck in Cancun?

The overwhelming reason patients from the US and other parts of the world schedule tummy tucks in Cancun is the cost. Although a relatively popular procedure, surgery is still fairly expensive. South of the border in Cancun, Mexico you can undergo this same procedure for thousands less without having to compromise on quality. Even when factoring the cost of a holiday, you should still be able to return home with savings of three digits.

Cancun’s popularity as a vacation destination has made it the number one choice for many medical tourists. They know they can rely on the healthcare and travel infrastructure–there’s plenty of services and amenities on your doorstep for a comfortable stay, including a vast choice of accommodation options, fantastic restaurants and beautiful scenery. This all makes Cancun an ideal location for a laid-back break before surgery; and if you are recovering afterward in your hotel, you’ll easily be able to get all the services you need.

What to Know Before I Book?

Cancun’s medical facilities are top-notch, with modern, state-of-the-art clinics and hospitals, skilled surgeons and amenable ancillary staff. You will want to conduct some research before you go to ensure you book with a reputable clinic and surgeon. Be sure to educate yourself on your procedure. What qualifications or professional memberships does your surgeon have? What is their experience? Are they prepared to answer your questions confidently and without any fuss?

Booking with Medical Departures will help give you this peace-of-mind. We conduct our own background checks on surgeon qualifications, professional memberships and clinic facilities. We also do onsite visits, taking photographs that are published on our site, as well as publishing patient testimonials. This gives you an all-round picture of the reliability of the clinics we have listed, and if they aren’t up-to-scratch we don’t promote them.

To get started, take a look at these three leading clinics in Cancun that offer tummy tuck to international patients:

• Dr. Carlos Alejos Mex
• Panama Plastic Surgery
• Dr. David Estrada

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure and How Long Does It Take?

Cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks often follow different techniques that your surgeon will use to achieve the best results–it’s very much a matter of personal preference and needs as to what method is used. Your surgeon will discuss this in greater detail about where incisions will be made which are used to pull the excess skin taut before removing it and tightening the underlying muscles.

Most tummy tuck procedures take between one and three hours to complete, although you will need to wait for a few hours at your chosen hospital or clinic before heading back to your hotel in Cancun.

After surgery, you will need a few days' bed rest, as you will feel stiff and sore. You will be encouraged to move around as soon as you can as this helps the healing process. Stitches will be removed several days after surgery, and you will need to take things slowly after that... you will be surprised how much you actually use your abdominal muscles!

Over the next few weeks, you will gradually return to your old self, but while gentle exercise is encouraged, strenuous activity is not recommended for six weeks. If you are thinking about returning to work, most people are back between one and two weeks, although this will depend on how long your surgeon advises you to stay in Cancun before heading home. 

What Is the Cost Comparison of a Tummy Tuck in Cancun?

The average cost of a tummy tuck in Cancun is around $4,000 - $5,000, compared to $10,000 in the United States.

[Please note: these prices are approximate estimates based on international data, calculated at the time of writing.]

Getting Started with Medical Departures

First, compare prices at our quality-checked clinics. Get in touch with our Customer Care Team via our toll-free number; they are on standby 24/7 to give you advice, provide a no-obligation quote or help you book your tummy tuck surgery in Cancun. 

Sources:

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 10 November 2020.  https://www.plasticsurgery.org

Tummy Tuck. WebMD. 26 July 2018.  https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-tummy-tuck#1

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 10 November 2020. https://www.isaps.org/

Cancun. Visit Mexico. Website accessed: 21 February 2020. https://www.visitmexico.com/en/main-destinations/quintana-roo/cancun

(Image by Bruno Girin)