Last fact-checked: 18 November 2020

Make substantial savings on plastic surgery in Tijuana, as well as a range of other cosmetic, beauty, and medical treatments. Travel just south over the US-Mexico border and discover quality-checked surgeons performing procedures for up to 70% less. 

Find out more about medical tourism in Tijuana, including a destination overview, price comparisons, tips, and advice for when you’re there—and how to book your free appointment with Medical Departures.

Tijuana: Destination Overview

Tijuana is the largest city in Baja California, a Mexican state that shares a long border with the US. It is a bustling industrial and financial center and a popular manufacturing hub for large companies in the U.S. It is also known as a medical device manufacturing capital thanks to the lower cost of living and cheaper labor expenses. 

Tijuana is easily accessible by air from the U.S. and Canada thanks to the Tijuana International Airport and nearby San Diego Airport, just over the Border. Large numbers of travelers in the region (Southern California, Arizona, Nevada) regularly make the trip by road from over the Border.

The city boasts numerous hospitals and clinics that attract medical tourists who come by the thousands every year for excellent medical care at affordable rates.

For the holidaymaker, Tijuana has a vibrant nightlife with bars, restaurants, and clubs, endless shopping options, and many cultural attractions. It is also noted for its music and you can see Mariachi bands at many spots. It hosts music festivals like the Hispano American Guitar Festival and the Bi-national Mozart Festival for music lovers.

Only 20 minutes away from downtown are the fabulous beaches of Rosarito. With numerous plazas and cultural centers, Tijuana offers something for all tourists.

Where Is Tijuana?

Tijuana is in Mexico and is located at the west of Mexicali, close to the Tijuana River. It is bordered by Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and Otay Mesa, California.

Among the reasons for undergoing plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures in Tijuana are:

Low Cost:

Unless carried out due to disease or accident, plastic surgery is not covered by any form of insurance. Such elective surgeries carried out for aesthetic reasons are notoriously expensive in Canada and the US, so heading to a reliable medical tourism destination like Tijuana which offers specialized plastic surgery at affordable rates makes sense. Even when including the added cost of travel and hotel nights, patients are still able to save several thousand dollars compared to having the same work back home. 

Complex procedures like breast implants, nose jobs, tummy tucks, and liposuction present the chance to make huge cost savings, as shown below:

Breast enlargement in Tijuana average cost: USD 4,000;
compared to USD 7,500-12,000 in the US and CAD 15,000 in Canada.

Facelift in Tijuana average cost: USD 4,500; 
compared to USD 10,000 -15,000 in the US and CAD 12,000-15,000 in Canada.

Tummy tuck in Tijuana average cost: USD 4,500; 
compared to USD 7,000-12,000 in the US and CAD 10,000-12,000 in Canada.

High-Quality Medical Facilities:

Tijuana boasts excellent hospitals and clinics that compare favorably with the best in the US and Canada. We have partnered with scores of hospitals and clinics that offer high patient safety standards and internationally recognized patient services.

Additionally, doctors here are well-trained and highly experienced. Many of them have completed all or part of their training in Western countries including the U.S., Canada, or the EU. As they see many patients from these countries, they are well-versed in dealing with them and are fluent in English as well.

Doctor Training and Qualifications:

In Mexico, medical studies start straight after school unlike in the U.S., where medical education begins only after graduation. However, studies can last up to eight years and subsequently, the student must complete one year of training in a rural area or government-supported network that serves the underprivileged. After that, the doctor can then study further for a specialty or opt for general practice. 

For plastic surgery, specialized training is compulsory. If the surgeon is a member of reputed boards in America or International Boards, then you can be sure that they have the required training and certifications.

What Kinds of Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Available in Tijuana?

Whether you're seeking minor or major plastic surgery, you will be able to find a doctor in Tijuana that’s right for you when looking through our listings. 

Popular procedures in Tijuana include: 

• Breast surgeries (augmentation, lift, reduction, etc.)
• Facelift surgery
• Rhinoplasty (nose job)
• Tummy tucks
• Body contouring
• Bariatric surgeries for weight loss
• Corrective eye surgeries
• Hair transplants

You’ll also find that cosmetic and beauty treatments are widely available, like Botox®, dermal fillers, hair removal, and laser skin resurfacing. Diagnostic tests, blood work, and imaging tests are also carried out for less in this city.

Tourist Locations for Pre and Post-op Recovery

Tijuana offers a wide range of accommodation options ranging from branded chain hotels and luxury resorts to smaller, budget accommodations and self-catering. Hyatt, Holiday Inn, and Marriott are some of the well-known brands you will find throughout the city.

Smaller two and three-star hotels, as well as short-term rental accommodation, are available all over Tijuana. You will want to select a place that is close to your hospital or clinic, particularly if you have to make a few visits there. Check out the amenities offered, the distance from the airport, or other transport options before making your booking.

Tijuana sometimes gets a bad rap, but just like any other city, if you avoid trouble and don’t hand out in the less savory parts of town then your time here should pass incident-free. Don’t flaunt your wealth or expensive goods, be aware of your surroundings and use your common sense. Follow the rules of the travel road and you will be assured of a safe journey.

If your doctor is board-certified or otherwise well-qualified, then you are minimizing your risk. As long as you feel that your doctor has taken a comprehensive medical history, ordered all the required diagnostic tests, and is competent, nothing should go wrong.

All doctors have completed their medical studies before getting their degrees as well as their required practical work or internship. Additionally, plastic surgeons should have finished their specialized training and be certified. Many doctors may be ex-pats or local doctors and may have completed part of their training in the US, Canada, or the EU. Some hospitals in Tijuana are JCI accredited, testifying to the high standard of care available.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Do Tijuana Doctors Provide Warranties or Guarantees?

We are all unique and our bodies respond differently to treatment; due to this very fact, things do, on very rare occasions, go wrong—no matter where in the world you are.

If you want to ease your apprehensions, you can purchase extra insurance for an additional small charge. In the unlikely event you have to return to your surgeon and you do incur extra accommodation, travel, and other expenses, you will be covered so that you are not left out of pocket.

Do Doctors Speak English?

Most people speak capable English in Mexico’s tourist destinations and major cities; you’ll also find that in most towns along the Border, service staff in your hotel or restaurant usually speak English.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Tijuana?

All international credit and debit cards are accepted in Tijuana. You can also use other payment methods for pre-payments like wire transfer if accepted. Many places in Tijuana will also accept U.S. dollars. However, you should keep pesos with you for small payments like flea markets, roadside shopping, and street foods as well as tips.

When you book through Medical Departures, you can be confident that your treatment will be performed by a fully qualified surgeon or doctor with the necessary experience at a clinic or hospital with a great reputation. This is because we carry out our own investigations, which include:

-Checking the background and education of the doctors we work with

-Looking into their qualifications, experience and training

-Verifying professional memberships and affiliations

-Checking the amenities at the hospitals and clinics we list on our site to ensure they meet international standards in all aspects.

-Interviewing past patients and collating online reviews

Take a look at some of our most popular partner providers in Tijuana now; click through to see surgeon profiles, photos, price comparisons, location maps, patient reviews, and more:

-Alice Beauty Clinic

-Dr. Arturo Munoz

Don’t forget, when you book through our site, you can take advantage of our Best Price Guarantee, change or cancel your appointment at any time, and use our Customer Care Team if you need any assistance, day or night. 

If you have made up your mind to have plastic surgery in another country, then you should be mentally and emotionally prepared for the experience. You will be in an unfamiliar place and you may not have a comfort level with the doctors and other staff. Thus, there must be a high degree of trust involved and you should have an open line of communication with the doctor and other staff.

If you are having major surgery, it’s advisable to take someone with you (your partner, a sibling, a friend, or even adult children) to help out after your procedure. You will also want to allocate time to rest and recuperate and get your needs attended to. 

There is so much to see and do in this city where something is always happening. Tijuana is a renowned party destination with restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and bars. There are many live shows that are on at any time.

You can also check out tourist sites like the Wax Museum and the Tijuana Cultural Center, which is a hub of activities like exhibitions, plays, recitals, opera, and ballet. There is also the Morelos State Park that - an ecological reserve with a lake, garden, playground, and other attractions. Don’t miss a visit to Revolution Avenue (popularly called La Revo) which showcases the best of Mexican culture and food for tourists. Head to the Hipodromo Caliente where you can bet on live greyhound racing and other sports. 

The beaches at Rosarito are another big tourist attraction and have been the site of many famous movies including Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean. It is also home to many real estate complexes for expats. While there are many commercial bars, Tijuana is also known for its local and craft beers. You can even learn how to make beer at some establishments.

Shopping is another activity you can indulge in and local boutiques have good and reasonably priced clothing. You can also go to malls and local flea markets for bargain shopping.

Tijuana has its own international airport, General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, also known as Tijuana International Airport. It is a gateway in and out of other areas of Mexico. Tijuana is also serviced by San Diego International Airport that’s only 35 kilometers away.

Visa Requirements

From the US and many Western countries, you only need your passport to enter Tijuana and stay for up to 180 days. For other nationalities, do remember to check online about visa requirements.

When Is the Best Time to Visit for Plastic Surgery in Tijuana?

All hospitals and clinics are open throughout the year, but you need to check out weather conditions before making your booking. Usually, July to September may be somewhat hot and humid, but not uncomfortable. The rest of the year should be okay to visit. On the whole, Tijuana is warmer than many states in North America and Canada and you won’t find any hostile weather or extreme temperatures. In November to January, the weather is relatively cool, but not chilly. In fact, you can usually enjoy the sunshine even during winter days.

Local Transport

You can use inexpensive local transport in the form of buses but do note that these are manned by Spanish-speaking drivers. You can also get local taxis, usually, Yellow Taxis and Taxi Libre, which are quite affordable, use a taxi app or rent a car yourself. 

Flight Times (approx.) from Other Destinations to Tijuana:

• Los Angeles – 45 minutes (2 hours, 40 minutes by road)
• New York – 10 hours
• Toronto – 10 hours 25 minutes
• Ottawa – 12 hours 40 minutes
• London – 22 hours

Flight times will vary and depend on the airlines, the number of stopovers, and the waiting time to catch another flight.

You can begin by browsing our complete list of verified clinics and hospitals in Tijuana here.

Medical Departures can help you book affordable treatment at a top-quality clinic or hospital. Our Customer Care Team is on hand 24/7 to answer all your questions and guide you with the booking process. You can also complete your free booking directly through our site and be on your way in just a few clicks.

Sources:

15 Best Things to Do in Tijuana (Mexico). The Crazy Tourist. 2019. https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-tijuana-mexico/

Murray, Don. Mexican Healthcare Is Excellent and Affordable. International Living. 2018. https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/health-care/

Getting to Mexico. Rough Guides. Website accessed: 14 February 2020. https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/north-america/mexico/getting

Mexico: among the Top 6 countries with the Best Healthcare in the world. The Yucatan Times. 20 June 2019. 
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2019/07/mexico-among-the-top-6-countries-with-the-best-healthcare-in-the-world/

Tijuana. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 14 February 2020. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/baja-california/tijuana

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 17 November 2020. https://www.isaps.org/

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 17 November 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/procedure

Norling, Hannah. Wrinkles: What to Expect at 20, 30 and Beyond. Real Simple. 27 March 2018. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/types-of-wrinkles

Mexico. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 14 February 2020. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico