Turkey, the cosmetic surgery capital of the world. The name alone makes plastic surgery lovers light up like freshly botoxed foreheads. It’s affordable, famous and for South Africans, visa free. But what if you want something different? Whether you’re looking for a cheaper price, efficiency or just looking to stand out from the herd, there are plenty of countries that specialise in medical tourism with skilled surgeons, high quality procedures and modern facilities. There are so many other countries for plastic surgery besides Turkey.
Why is Turkey famous/known for plastic surgery
Turkey is famous for plastic surgery due to affordable prices, top-tier skilled surgeons and luxury recovery packages, having recorded over 553,000 aesthetic/cosmetic surgeries in 2023 alone. Many clinics offer a “medical vacation” experience, combining procedures with VIP stays and sightseeing. So basically a transformation and a holiday? No wonder South African celebs like Khanyi Mbau can’t stop raving about it.
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Here are the top 10 countries for plastic surgery that are just as good as (if not better than) Turkey.
Countries for Plastic Surgery in South East Asia
10. Malaysia
Malaysia is a rising star in medical tourism, offering modern facilities, highly trained surgeons and a more relaxed recovery experience. Kuala Lumpur is home to internationally accredited centers that most specialise in breast augmentations (boob jobs), rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and liposuctions.
- Why choose Malaysia? Affordable, excellent medical infrastructure and low waiting times. Not many people consider it, making it a sweet spot for deals.
- Is Visa-free for South Africans? Yes, 90 days for South Africans.
- How to get there? Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Many of the hospitals are just a short drive away from the airport.
Countries for Plastic Surgery in the Caribbean
9. Colombia
Colombia has built a strong reputation for more than just snow. High-quality procedures at competitive prices. Medellín and Bogotá are hotspots for BBLs, tummy tucks and liposuction.
- Why choose Colombia? Affordable, high-end clinics and some of the best body sculpting results.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans need a visa.
How to get there?Fly to Bogotá, where many clinics offer packages including accommodation.
8. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a hotspot for affordable, high-quality BBLs, liposuction and breast augmentations. It’s particularly popular with Americans but South Africans are catching on (can’t keep us away from a good deal).
- Why choose the Dominican Republic? Competitive prices, experienced surgeons and well-equipped clinics.
- Is the Dominican Visa-free for South Africans? No, South Africans need a visa.
- How to get there? Book a flight to the Dominican Republic
Countries for Plastic Surgery in the Americas
7. Brazil
Brazil has a strong cultural emphasis on beauty and that shows in the Brazilian aesthetic (have you seen those jawlines?). But however beautiful the faces are, Brazilians are also known for their plump rear views, yes their butts. So it’s no wonder that everyone’s go to gluteal augmentation surgery (bet you didn’t know the medical term for a BBL) was named after Brazil. It remains one of the top popular destinations for medical tourism. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have some of the best skilled surgeons in the world.
Why is Brazil known for plastic surgery?
Plastic Surgery in Brazil was largely influenced by renowned surgeon Ivo Pitanguy who championed the “right to beauty” movement believing that cosmetic surgery is a means of improving your self image and esteem. And with that Brazilian Butt lifts (BBL) have lifted the spirits of many people across the world and even on home soil as local celebrities like Cyan Boujee join the frenzy.
- Is Brazil Visa-free for South Africans? Yes, South Africans don’t need a visa.
- How to get there? Fly to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro
6. Mexico
Mexico isn’t just for tacos and tequila, it’s quietly becoming a global hotspot for nips and tucks too. Tijuana, Cancun, and Mexico City are home to top-tier surgeons working their magic on everything from nose jobs to breast augmentations.
Why is Mexico known for plastic surgery?
Simple: world-class results without the jaw-dropping price tag. Mexico’s modern hospitals and highly trained doctors make it a go-to for medical tourism, especially for North Americans. But the secret’s out, and the rest of the world is catching on, again, looking at South Africans.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans need a visa.
- How to get there? Fly into Mexico City. Fun fact, many clinics there arrange transportation for their patients.
Countries for Plastic Surgery in Europe
5. Spain
Spain is a top choice for plastic surgery thanks to its affordable prices, world-class surgeons, and dreamy recovery spots. With modern clinics, short wait times, and a sun-soaked backdrop, you can get a glow-up and a getaway in one, because why not heal in style?
- Why choose Spain? High safety standards, well-regulated clinics, and expert surgeons.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans need a Schengen visa.
How to get there? Fly to Madrid or Barcelona and enjoy a little tapas before surgery.
Countries for Plastic Surgery in the Middle East
4. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a rising hotspot for plastic surgery, offering world-class clinics, expert surgeons and luxury recovery options. With cutting-edge tech, minimal wait times and a touch of five-star hospitality, you can upgrade your look and unwind in ultimate style.
- Why choose UAE? High-end clinics, personalised service, and zero waiting lists.
- Is the UAE Visa-free for South Africans? No, South Africans need a visa.
- How to get there? Fly into Dubai and head straight to a premium clinic.
Countries for Plastic Surgery in Asia
3. India
India has become a popular destination for medical tourism, with many international patients (including South Africans) seeking treatments like plastic surgery (among other things) due to the combination of affordability and quality. Plus who doesn’t want to recover while looking at a view of the Taj Mahal with a mouthful of butter chicken curry?
- Why choose India? Affordable, highly skilled surgeons, and some of the best rhinoplasty results globally.
- Is India Visa-free for South Africans? No, but South Africans can apply for an e-visa.
- How to get there? Direct flights to Mumbai or Delhi.
2. Thailand
Thailand is a medical tourism hotspot, offering competitive prices and state-of-the-art hospitals. Bangkok and Phuket are the main hubs, with thousands of patients flying in for everything from facelifts to full-body makeovers.
- Why choose Thailand? Affordable, internationally trained doctors, and excellent recovery resorts.
- Visa-free? Yes, 30 days for South Africans.
- How to get there? Fly to Bangkok or Phuket, where many clinics offer airport pick-up services.
Now for the country you’ve been waiting for! Drum roll please…
Number 1 Country for Plastic Surgery
1. South Korea
No country does cosmetic surgery like South Korea. Seoul is packed with skilled surgeons, cutting-edge techniques, and a society that views cosmetic tweaks as totally normal. If you’re after precision and a natural-looking transformation, this is the place.
- Why choose South Korea? Advanced techniques, high success rates, and the best facial surgeries in the game.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans need a visa.
- How to get there? Fly into Seoul and head straight to the world-famous Gangnam district.
BONUS – Best Unexpected Country for Plastic Surgery
Besides the global cosmetic surgery countries like Turkey and South Korea, there is another underrated country that seems to be rising in the ranks of medical tourism, South Africa.
Yep, not only is local lekker, but local makes beautiful! From the high end clinics in Sandton to the ones in Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, South Africa is also nipping and tucking all around.
