Turkey, the beauty surgical procedure capital of the world. The title alone makes cosmetic surgery lovers mild up like freshly botoxed foreheads. Itâs inexpensive, well-known and for South Africans, visa free. However what if you need one thing totally different? Whether or not youâre on the lookout for a less expensive value, effectivity or simply trying to stand out from the herd, there are many international locations that concentrate on medical tourism with expert surgeons, top quality procedures and fashionable amenities. There are such a lot of different international locations for cosmetic surgery in addition to Turkey.
Why is Turkey well-known/identified for cosmetic surgery
Turkey is known for cosmetic surgery because of inexpensive costs, top-tier expert surgeons and luxurious restoration packages, having recorded over 553,000 aesthetic/beauty surgical procedures in 2023 alone. Many clinics supply a âmedical tripâ expertise, combining procedures with VIP stays and sightseeing. So mainly a change and a vacation? No surprise South African celebs like Khanyi Mbau canât cease raving about it.
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Listed here are the prime 10 international locations for cosmetic surgery which can be simply pretty much as good as (if not higher than) Turkey.Â
Nations for Plastic Surgical procedure in South East Asia

10. Malaysia
Malaysia is a rising star in medical tourism, providing fashionable amenities, extremely skilled surgeons and a extra relaxed restoration expertise. Kuala Lumpur is dwelling to internationally accredited facilities that almost all concentrate on breast augmentations (boob jobs), rhinoplasty (nostril jobs) and liposuctions.
- Why select Malaysia? Reasonably priced, glorious medical infrastructure and low ready occasions. Not many individuals contemplate it, making it a candy spot for offers.Â
- Is Visa-free for South Africans? Sure, 90 days for South Africans.
- Easy methods to get there? Fly into Kuala Lumpur Worldwide Airport. Lots of the hospitals are only a brief drive away from the airport.
Nations for Plastic Surgical procedure within the Caribbean

9. Colombia
Colombia has constructed a robust fame for extra than simply snow. Excessive-quality procedures at aggressive costs. MedellÃn and Bogotá are hotspots for BBLs, tummy tucks and liposuction.
- Why select Colombia? Reasonably priced, high-end clinics and a few of the greatest physique sculpting outcomes.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans want a visa.
Easy methods to get there?Fly to Bogotá, the place many clinics supply packages together with lodging.
8. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a hotspot for inexpensive, high-quality BBLs, liposuction and breast augmentations. Itâs significantly well-liked with Individuals however South Africans are catching on (canât preserve us away from a great deal).
- Why select the Dominican Republic? Aggressive costs, skilled surgeons and well-equipped clinics.
- Is the Dominican Visa-free for South Africans? No, South Africans want a visa.
- Easy methods to get there? E-book a flight to the Dominican Republic
Nations for Plastic Surgical procedure within the Americas

7. Brazil
Brazil has a robust cultural emphasis on magnificence and that reveals within the Brazilian aesthetic (have you ever seen these jawlines?). However nonetheless stunning the faces are, Brazilians are additionally identified for his or her plump rear views, sure their butts. So itâs no surprise that everybodyâs go to gluteal augmentation surgical procedure (wager you didnât know the medical time period for a BBL) was named after Brazil. It stays one of many prime well-liked locations for medical tourism. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have a few of the greatest expert surgeons on the planet.Â
Why is Brazil identified for cosmetic surgery?Â
Plastic Surgical procedure in Brazil was largely influenced by famend surgeon Ivo Pitanguy who championed the âproper to magnificenceâ motion believing that beauty surgical procedure is a way of enhancing your self picture and esteem. And with that Brazilian Butt lifts (BBL) have lifted the spirits of many individuals the world over and even on dwelling soil as native celebrities like Cyan Boujee be part of the frenzy.Â
- Is Brazil Visa-free for South Africans? Sure, South Africans donât want a visa.
- Easy methods to get there? Fly to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro
6. Mexico
Mexico isnât only for tacos and tequila, itâs quietly changing into a worldwide hotspot for nips and tucks too. Tijuana, Cancun, and Mexico Metropolis are dwelling to top-tier surgeons working their magic on the whole lot from nostril jobs to breast augmentations.
Why is Mexico identified for cosmetic surgery?
Easy: world-class outcomes with out the jaw-dropping price ticket. Mexicoâs fashionable hospitals and extremely skilled docs make it a go-to for medical tourism, particularly for North Individuals. However the secretâs out, and the remainder of the world is catching on, once more, South Africans.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans want a visa.
- Easy methods to get there? Fly into Mexico Metropolis. Enjoyable reality, many clinics there prepare transportation for his or her sufferers.
Nations for Plastic Surgical procedure in Europe

5. Spain
Spain is a best choice for cosmetic surgery due to its inexpensive costs, world-class surgeons, and dreamy restoration spots. With fashionable clinics, brief wait occasions, and a sun-soaked backdrop, you will get a glow-up and a getaway in a single, as a result of why not heal in type?
- Why select Spain? Excessive security requirements, well-regulated clinics, and professional surgeons.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans want a Schengen visa.
Easy methods to get there? Fly to Madrid or Barcelona and luxuriate in just a little tapas earlier than surgical procedure.
Nations for Plastic Surgical procedure within the Center East
4. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a rising hotspot for cosmetic surgery, providing world-class clinics, professional surgeons and luxurious restoration choices. With cutting-edge tech, minimal wait occasions and a contact of five-star hospitality, you’ll be able to improve your look and unwind in final type.
- Why select UAE? Excessive-end clinics, personalised service, and nil ready lists.
- Is the UAE Visa-free for South Africans? No, South Africans want a visa.
- Easy methods to get there? Fly into Dubai and head straight to a premium clinic.
Nations for Plastic Surgical procedure in Asia

3. India
India has turn out to be a well-liked vacation spot for medical tourism, with many worldwide sufferers (together with South Africans) in search of therapies like cosmetic surgery (amongst different issues) as a result of mixture of affordability and high quality. Plus who doesnât need to get well whereas a view of the Taj Mahal with a mouthful of butter hen curry?Â
- Why select India? Reasonably priced, extremely expert surgeons, and a few of the greatest rhinoplasty outcomes globally.
- Is India Visa-free for South Africans? No, however South Africans can apply for an e-visa.
- Easy methods to get there? Direct flights to Mumbai or Delhi.
 2. ThailandÂ
Thailand is a medical tourism hotspot, providing aggressive costs and state-of-the-art hospitals. Bangkok and Phuket are the principle hubs, with hundreds of sufferers flying in for the whole lot from facelifts to full-body makeovers.
- Why select Thailand? Reasonably priced, internationally skilled docs, and glorious restoration resorts.
- Visa-free? Sure, 30 days for South Africans.
- Easy methods to get there? Fly to Bangkok or Phuket, the place many clinics supply airport pick-up companies.
Now for the nation youâve been ready for! Drum roll pleaseâ¦
No 1 Nation for Plastic Surgical procedure
1. South Korea
No nation does beauty surgical procedure like South Korea. Seoul is filled with expert surgeons, cutting-edge strategies, and a society that views beauty tweaks as completely regular. In the event youâre after precision and a natural-looking transformation, that is the place.
- Why select South Korea? Superior strategies, excessive success charges, and the perfect facial surgical procedures within the sport.
- Visa-free? No, South Africans want a visa.
- Easy methods to get there? Fly into Seoul and head straight to the world-famous Gangnam district.
BONUS â Greatest Surprising Nation for Plastic Surgical procedure
In addition to the worldwide beauty surgical procedure international locations like Turkey and South Korea, there may be one other underrated nation that appears to be rising within the ranks of medical tourism, South Africa.Â
Yep, not solely is native lekker, however native makes stunning! From the excessive finish clinics in Sandton to those in Cape Cityâs Atlantic seaboard, South Africa can also be nipping and tucking throughout.Â