Why consider Venezuela, the Caribbean for cosmetic surgery?

With miles of Caribbean coastline and a pleasant year-round temperature Venezuela is an idyllic destination to combine cosmetic surgery with an exotic holiday.  Located in the northeast corner of South America, Venezuela lies just above the equator with the Caribbean Sea bordering the north, the Atlantic Ocean and the Republic of Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south and Colombia to the west.  The country is made up of four regions; the Venezuelan Highlands in the west, the Maracaibo Lowlands in the north, the central plain of the Llanos around the Orinoco and the Guiana Highlands, which make up almost half of the country.

 

Venezuela is in the top three countries in the world for plastic surgery procedures per capita.  Looking and feeling beautiful is big business in Venezuela and after intensive study and training, which typically lasts between 12 and 14 years, the plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons pride themselves on their skill and expertise and have a particularly good reputation for buttocks augmentations.  All clinics and hospitals are supervised by the Venezuelan National Health Department and private clinics are equipped with modern technology. 

 

Venezuela is a popular international medical tourism location, not least because of the competitive prices.  The favourable exchange rate means that cosmetic surgery is available for one third, or even as much as half of the cost in UK private hospitals and clinics.  At Surgical Services International (SSI) clinic in Margarita Island for example, a face lift costs £2,390 where as in a UK private hospital you are likely to pay between £4,300 up to £6,000.  Breast augmentation costs £1,700 at SSI but in a UK private hospital this will typically cost between £3,500 and £5,000 and all-inclusive-packages are available which include accommodation, travel assistance, surgery and pre and post op support. 

 

Venezuela (literally meaning “Little Venice”) boasts paradise-like coasts and islands with crystal clear water and white sand beaches, breathtaking mountains, the Amazon rain forest and the world's highest waterfall - the Angel Falls - within the Gran Sabana National Park.  Those in search of top beaches should head to Paria Peninsula in eastern Venezuela, especially Medina Beach with its many coconut trees and desert-island ambience, while snorkelling and diving enthusiasts should visit the Morrocoy National Park in the Falcón state for its gorgeous stretches of white sand and coralline ecosystem.

 

Meanwhile, urban enthusiasts will enjoy the bustling, sophisticated capital city of Caracas, featuring modern architecture contrasting colonial buildings, great restaurants, a vibrant night life and excellent shopping.  Caracas is surrounded by the Avila Mountains and a top tourist attraction is to take the cable car to the summit of Avila, which stands at 7,000 feet tall.  Margarita Island, which is just 30 minutes from Caracas, is one of the country’s most celebrated tourist destinations boasting beautiful beaches, mountains and rivers, an international airport and a booming real estate industry, as well as being home to many cosmetic surgeries and clinics.

 

Venezuela has a tropical climate with dry and rainy seasons.  The dry season is from December to May while the rainy season lasts the rest of the year.  September to early April is considered the best time to go as flights around Christmas, New Year and Easter tend to be more expensive.  There are direct flights from England to Margarita Island with First Choice for as little as £420 return or alternatively scheduled flights to Caracas with Air France from £430 return.

 

Spanish is the official language but English, French, German and Portuguese are also spoken (in addition to over 25 Indian languages around the country).  All things considered Venezuela is a great country for the medical tourist with warm and friendly Venezuelan people, a fabulous climate, endless beaches, lively city centres, and one of the highest medical standards in South America, coupled with the time-proven fact that relaxing warm locations are very conducive for patients. 

We provide an enquiry service for information or quotations from up to three hospitals abroad for people interested in cosmetic surgery abroad.