Top 5 Plastic Surgery Procedures in the Dominican Republic
Quick Answer:
International patients most often travel to the Dominican Republic for BBL, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, lipo 360, or facelift procedures. These surgeries are typically more affordable than in the U.S. or Canada due to lower overhead and bundled pricing at accredited clinics. According to the CDC, patients should still always prioritize medical clearance and verified surgeons when planning procedures abroad.
Updated November 2025
What Should You Know About Surgical Risk Before Choosing a Clinic?
All surgeries carry risks—whether performed locally or abroad. Complications such as blood clots, infection, anesthesia reactions, poor healing, and fluid accumulation are possible with any procedure. The CDC emphasizes that medical tourism adds additional considerations such as flight timing, pre-travel clearance, and access to accredited facilities.
- Ensure you receive full medical clearance before traveling.
- Disclose your complete medical history honestly.
- Follow your surgeon’s travel, rest, and post-op instructions carefully.
- Use this guide as informational only—not medical advice.
For BBL specifically, multiple surgical societies, such as the ASPS Multi Society , warn that it carries higher inherent risk due to fat-embolism potential. Modern safety protocols—such as ultrasound-guided, superficial-plane injection—are strongly recommended.
Why Do Patients Choose the Dominican Republic for Cosmetic Surgery?
What Makes Pricing More Affordable in the Dominican Republic?
Procedures cost less because of lower overhead, cost of living, and bundled pricing models. Clinics commonly include surgeon fees, anesthesia, garments, medications, and follow-ups in a single package.
How Do Accredited Clinics and Surgeon Credentials Improve Safety?
Patients often look for surgeons affiliated with:
- SODOCIPRE – Dominican plastic surgery society
- ISAPS – global society for board-certified aesthetic surgeons
- FILACP – Latin American plastic surgery federation
Accredited clinics typically use hospital-grade operating rooms, maintain ICU access, and follow recognized safety protocols.
How Does Travel Convenience Support Medical Tourism?
Direct flights from major North American cities make the Dominican Republic accessible for a 7–14 day stay, depending on the procedure.
How Does Climate Influence Recovery?
A warm climate supports early mobility, lighter clothing, and comfort during healing while patients attend follow-ups and rest.
1. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Overview, Costs, and Recovery
What Does a BBL Involve?
A BBL uses liposuction to remove fat, purify it, and transfer it to the buttocks. Many surgeons estimate 60–70% retention, though results vary. Because BBL carries higher inherent risk, ultrasound-guided injections are now recommended by global surgical societies.
What Is the Typical BBL Cost in the Dominican Republic?
Most clinics bundle anesthesia, surgeon fees, garments, medications, and lymphatic massages.
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | ~$6,000–$7,500 |
| Canada | ~$8,000–$10,000+ |
| Dominican Republic | ~$3,500–$4,800 |
What Is BBL Recovery Like?
Swelling peaks in the first week, sitting is restricted for 2–3 weeks, and garments are worn 4–6 weeks. Many surgeons allow travel home after 7–10 days.
2. Breast Augmentation: Overview, Costs, and Recovery
What Are Your Implant or Fat Transfer Options?
Breast augmentation may use silicone implants, saline implants, or autologous fat transfer.
What Is the Typical Cost?
Packages often include implants, anesthesia, garments, and medications.
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | ~$6,000–$12,000 |
| Canada | ~$6,000–$12,000+ |
| Dominican Republic | ~$3,000–$5,500 |
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Light activity usually resumes within two weeks. Most patients fly home 5–7 days after surgery.
3. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Overview, Costs, and Recovery
Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
According to the ASPS, a full tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes excess skin across the entire abdomen; a mini focuses on the lower area.
Typical Costs
Packages may include drains, garments, lymphatic massages, and overnight monitoring.
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | ~$7,700–$8,500 |
| Canada | ~$8,000–$12,000 |
| Dominican Republic | ~$5,000–$6,500 |
What Is Recovery Like?
Garments are worn 4–6 weeks, lymphatic massages aid healing, and most patients return home 10–14 days post-op.
4. Liposuction 360: Overview, Costs, and Recovery
Traditional vs. High-Definition Lipo
Lipo 360 contours the entire midsection; HD lipo creates muscular definition in the right candidates.
Typical Costs
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | ~$5,000–$15,000 |
| Canada | ~$6,000–$12,000+ |
| Dominican Republic | ~$4,000–$6,500 |
What Is Recovery Like?
Swelling lasts 2–3 months. Garments are worn 4–6 weeks, and most patients receive 6–10 lymphatic massages for contour refinement.
5. Facelift: Overview, Costs, and Recovery
SMAS vs. Mini Facelift
A SMAS facelift lifts deeper structures for longer-lasting results; a mini facelift targets the lower face.
Typical Costs
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | ~$9,500–$12,000+ |
| Canada | ~$10,000–$15,000 |
| Dominican Republic | ~$6,000–$7,500 |
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Scars typically fade over 6–12 months. Silicone treatments and strict sun protection help improve appearance during healing.
How Can You Verify a Board-Certified Surgeon in the Dominican Republic?
Check for affiliations with SODOCIPRE, ISAPS, or FILACP
Also confirm:
- Hospital privileges
- ICU access
- Emergency protocols
- Before-and-after photos for similar cases
These steps align with CDC and ASPS guidance for safe surgical planning.
How Can You Pay Securely and Coordinate Care as an International Patient?
International patients often pay via cash, bank transfers, or installment plans. The CDC advises caution with unverified or informal payment channels.
Platforms like heva centralize payments through secure, trackable methods and enable remote follow-up through messaging, video check-ins, and photo uploads. This helps avoid miscommunication and ensures all instructions remain documented.
- Post-op instructions
- Emergency contact information
- Red-flag symptoms
- Optional U.S.-based follow-up when available
Are You Considering Plastic Surgery in the Dominican Republic?
Contact a board certified plastic surgeon here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I stay in the Dominican Republic after surgery?
Most procedures require staying 7–10 days for initial healing, drain removal (when applicable), and post-operative check-ups before flying home. Complex procedures like tummy tuck or combination surgeries may require 10–14 days. Your surgeon will provide specific clearance based on your healing progress and flight duration.
Can I combine multiple procedures in one trip?
Many patients combine procedures—such as tummy tuck with liposuction, or breast augmentation with BBL—to maximize results and reduce overall cost. Your surgeon determines safe combinations based on your health, procedure complexity, and anesthesia duration.
Will language create barriers during consultations?
Most Dominican plastic surgeons who serve international patients speak English or provide professional translators. heva also offers multilingual support and AI-powered translation to eliminate communication barriers throughout your journey.
What happens to my deposit if I fail medical clearance?
Reputable clinics have clear refund policies for patients who fail medical clearance through no fault of their own. Review cancellation and refund terms before making any deposit, and ask whether pre-operative lab work can be completed at home to reduce risk. Some clinics offer partial refunds or credits, while others retain administrative fees.
Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about medical tourism safety considerations. It is not medical advice. heva is a healthcare coordination platform connecting patients with providers—we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical and travel decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
Safety Information: Safety recommendations are based on best practices and expert guidelines. Individual circumstances may require additional precautions. Patients should continue to conduct their own research and verification of providers and facilities for good measure. heva facilitates connections but does not guarantee results or safety outcomes.
Insurance Information: Insurance recommendations are general guidance only. Specific coverage needs vary by individual circumstances and procedures. Patients should consult with insurance professionals to determine appropriate coverage levels and providers.
International Healthcare: International medical care involves inherent risks and additional considerations including emergency protocols, legal differences, and care coordination. Patients should thoroughly research all aspects and maintain realistic expectations about cross-border healthcare.