Medical tourism in Mexico for U.S. patients

Mexico is the closest medical tourism destination for most Americans, and the border cities of Baja California are the easiest to reach: Tijuana is next to San Diego. xcuro's partner clinics in Mexico are VIDA Wellness and Beauty Center in Tijuana, Hospital VELMAR in Ensenada, and Sani Dental Group.

What Americans travel to Mexico for

Breast augmentation, tummy tuck and mommy makeover
Liposuction and Brazilian butt lift
Facelift, rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery
Dental implants, crowns and veneers

Our procedure guides compare each listed clinic's quoted price with sourced U.S. prices, and add the cost of getting there.

Checking a surgeon in Mexico

Plastic surgeons in Mexico are certified by the Consejo Mexicano de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva (CMCPER), which keeps a public directory. Every doctor also needs a professional license (cédula profesional), which you can look up in the government registry. VIDA's Tijuana facility is accredited by QUAD A, a U.S. accreditation body for surgery centers.

Getting there and how long to stay

Most patients fly into San Diego and cross by car or on foot, or fly into Tijuana and use the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport. U.S. visitors do not need a visa; immigration decides how many days you can stay, up to 180. To return by land, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license or trusted-traveler card. Plan on about a week for most cosmetic surgery and up to two weeks for a facelift or a combined procedure.

Since May 29, 2026 the State Department rates Mexico as a whole Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution”, and asks U.S. citizens to follow the same rules as U.S. government employees, such as no travel between cities after dark. It also rates each state: Baja California, home to Tijuana, Mexicali and Los Algodones, is Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, while Quintana Roo (Cancún) is “Exercise increased caution”. Read the advisory for your state before you book.

Whatever the destination, the CDC recommends seeing a travel-medicine provider before you go, bringing copies of your medical records, arranging follow-up care at home before surgery, and waiting 10 to 14 days before flying after major surgery. Complications treated after you return may not be covered by U.S. insurance.

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