Cosmetic surgery performed on international patients at a Colombian surgical center showed complication rates comparable to US benchmarks, with an overall rate of 6% per patient and 2% per procedure among 1,363 patients undergoing 4,244 procedures between 2020 and 2024.
Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 2,324 international patients who underwent 7,141 cosmetic procedures at a private practice in Cartagena, Colombia, from 2013 to 2024. Most patients (76%) traveled from the United States, with an additional 13% from Canada. Women comprised 83% of the cohort, and 84% were aged 25 to 59 years. The study was published in PRS Global Open.
Combination procedures were common, with 79% of patients undergoing multiple surgeries averaging three procedures each. Body contouring accounted for 57% of procedures, facial cosmetics 25%, and breast procedures 18%.
Among patients treated from 2020 to 2024, local surgical complications occurred in 6% of patients, while systemic complications affected less than 1%. Local complications included hematoma, wound disruption, infection, seroma, and implant loss. Systemic events included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, spontaneous pneumothorax, blood transfusion, and atrial fibrillation. All systemic complications required hospitalization, and all patients recovered fully. Surgical reintervention was required in 5% of patients with complications.
Procedure-specific complication rates were 15% for thigh lift, 7% for posterior body lift, 7% for arm lift, 6% for abdominoplasty, 5% for breast lift, 3% for face and neck lift, 1% for breast augmentation, and less than 1% for liposuction. No complications were reported in buttock augmentation, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty.
When compared with U.S. data from the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons registry, abdominoplasty (6% vs. 10%) and liposuction (less than 1% vs. 6%) showed statistically significant differences, while rates for breast procedures did not differ.
“We attribute these outcomes to our dedication to a center of excellence in plastic surgery, upheld by strict standards and safety protocols,” wrote lead study author Alex Campbell, MD, of Premium Care Plastic Surgery, Cartagena, Colombia, and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, and colleagues.
Safety protocols were standardized across all procedures. Operative times were kept under six hours, and complex combination surgeries were performed by two surgeons. Preoperative teleconsultations and structured follow-ups occurred at one, two, six, and twelve months to monitor recovery.
Patient demographics and procedure patterns aligned with International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2023 global statistics. Most patients were well-educated professionals and managers. Patients traveled from 49 countries across 6 continents, with US patients representing 48 states and the District of Columbia.
Study limitations included its retrospective, single-practice design, which may not represent broader patient populations or practices. Because data relied on institutional records, minor complications treated elsewhere may have been underreported. Comparisons with U.S. data may also be influenced by patient selection and procedural variations.
The researchers reported no financial conflicts of interest.
Source: PRS Global Open
