
Whether you are a local or international patient, choosing Tijuana for your plastic surgery is one of the most reliable decisions you can make. The city is recognized worldwide as the mecca of medical tourism, home to some of Mexico's finest specialists and board-certified plastic surgeons.
Tijuana stands out nationally and internationally for its exceptional expertise in procedures such as:
For patients traveling from the United States or Canada, the geographic location is unmatched. The city offers excellent connectivity thanks to its strategic proximity to Tijuana International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making for a comfortable, direct transfer.
As healthcare professionals, we believe it is essential to speak with complete transparency about what many clinics or individuals leave out. In some cases, malpractice by unqualified individuals has led to complications and unfortunate headlines. It is completely understandable that this causes fear or uncertainty, making many patients hesitant to move forward.
To restore your peace of mind, here are the key points to protect your health and your investment:
The training required of a certified plastic surgeon in Mexico is extremely rigorous and mandatory:
General Surgery
Requires at least 2 years of prior specialization in general surgery, performing a minimum of 150 surgeries per year in public and private hospitals accredited by the Ministry of Health.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Following general surgery, they must complete a mandatory 4-year postgraduate program.
Official Board Certification
Upon completion, the physician must pass a rigorous certification exam administered by the Mexican Council of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery (CMCPER).
We want to make this especially clear: a general practitioner with a master's degree in aesthetics does NOT have the formal training or authorization to operate in any public or private hospital.
Vital tip: Make sure to verify your doctor's general medicine license and their plastic surgery specialty license. This information should be displayed in their office, on their social media, or provided immediately upon request.
If a complication arises in the operating room, a physician without the official specialty does not have the credentials or training to save a life.
Likewise, if the facility does not display visible or publicly accessible permits, it is most likely an unauthorized clandestine clinic not approved by COFEPRIS (or COEPRIS at the state level).
The key to choosing the right specialist does not lie in how "beautiful" the clinic looks, but in the surgeon's level of training, the team's preparedness for any emergency, and the use of top-tier facilities operating under the strict safety protocols of a hospital operating room.

Liposuction, body contouring, tummy tuck and mommy makeover with experts in Tijuana
Your surgeon and their clinical team should convey confidence and complete transparency from the very first contact. A human-centered approach means answering each of your questions with respect and clarity, no matter how small they may seem.
During this stage, managing your recovery is key. Your doctor will guide you and may suggest a recovery house. It is essential that the chosen facility holds all current health permits and is supervised by certified doctors and nurses — not by auxiliary staff. Once all details are clarified and the surgery date is set, it is standard to spend an initial stay at the hospital to ensure your immediate progress is perfect.
Most plastic surgeons offer "all-inclusive" packages. When choosing a package that already includes a recovery house, make sure it strictly complies with hygiene, health, and expert monitoring protocols.
A complete and safe package typically includes:
Your surgical procedure does not end when you leave the operating room — it concludes successfully once you receive your final discharge.
During your stay at Palmas Recovery, we offer all-inclusive packages meticulously designed to ensure your overall well-being and mitigate the most common risks:
Infections
We perform daily monitoring and wound care under strict hygiene standards.
Pain
On-site doctors and nurses administer and manage your medication continuously to ensure your progress remains comfortable.
Anxiety
Our medical and nursing team is available to listen and support you 24 hours a day. You can also book your stay with a companion, receive daily visits from family or friends, and choose between private or shared rooms to foster a sense of community and accompaniment.
Complications
We achieve early detection and maintain rapid action and direct communication with your plastic surgeon.
Procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or reduction, and facelift require precise wound care, mobility assistance, and meticulous clinical follow-up to prevent serious complications such as thrombosis, fibrosis, or infection.
Our services at Palmas Recovery include:

First-class facilities in the safest areas of Tijuana for your post-operative care
Have your surgery with board-certified plastic surgeons and experience your post-operative recovery with certified doctors and care specialists.
Contact Us Today