Marked chin before procedure illustrating how to avoid scams.

Surgery in Colombia: How to Avoid Scams and Stay Safe

December 17, 202511 min read

Protect Yourself When Traveling for Surgery

Every year, thousands of people travel to Colombia for cosmetic, bariatric, dental, and optical surgery. The prices are lower than in the United States or Europe, and many Colombian surgeons are well-trained and experienced. But along with legitimate clinics and trusted professionals, there are also fake agencies, unlicensed operators, and clinics that do not meet health standards. These plastic surgery scams target international patients who may not fully understand how the system works.

Before booking any procedure, it’s essential to research clinics thoroughly and check for proper certifications, licenses, and patient reviews. Always verify that the surgeons are board-certified and have a proven track record with the specific procedure you want. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, as they often carry hidden risks. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your surgery is safe, professional, and delivers the results you expect.

If you are considering traveling for surgery, you might be wondering, “Is plastic surgery safe?” Understanding how to avoid scams is the most important step in protecting both your health and your investment. By learning how to choose verified clinics and trusted professionals, you can make informed decisions every step of the way. This blog will guide you on what to watch for, how to verify real medical providers, and how to make safe choices before, during, and after your procedure, giving you confidence throughout your journey.


Why Learning How to Avoid Scams Matters

Plastic surgery scams are increasing worldwide. Colombia is no exception. Scammers often use fake Instagram pages, stolen photos, and low prices to lure patients. Some patients lose their deposits. Others end up in unsafe clinics without proper medical equipment. In the worst cases, unlicensed people perform surgeries.

Knowing how to avoid scams helps you:

  • Avoid losing money to fake providers

  • Stay away from unsafe clinics

  • Protect your health during and after surgery

  • Take legal action if something goes wrong

Legitimate clinics in Colombia work transparently. They share their surgeon’s full name, license number, and clinic address. They give you time to ask questions. Scammers rush you to make decisions. Colombian Curves Concierge ensures patients work only with trusted and board-certified surgeons and legitimate clinics that meet strict safety standards. Our team verifies credentials, provides transparent pricing, and guides you through each step of the process so you can feel confident and protected. With our support, patients can focus on their transformation without worrying about hidden risks or unreliable providers.


How to Avoid Scams: Spotting Red Flags Early

Before committing to any surgery abroad, it’s essential to know how to spot red flags early. Many plastic surgery scams can be avoided simply by paying attention to the details that unreliable clinics or fake agents try to hide. These warning signs often appear in the first stages of communication, making it easier to protect your health, safety, and investment from the very beginning. Prioritizing safe surgery starts with research, awareness, and choosing only verified professionals.

Watch for Unprofessional Communication

Most plastic surgery scams show warning signs from the very beginning. If a clinic or agency only communicates through WhatsApp, has no official website, or can’t provide a verifiable business address, that’s a major red flag. Legitimate providers offer multiple ways to contact them and are transparent about their location and credentials.

Verify Credentials and Licenses

A trustworthy surgeon should have no problem sharing their credentials, license numbers, and clinic information. In Colombia, all legitimate plastic surgeons must be registered with the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva (SCCP). You can verify their license for free through the SCCP website or Colombia’s National Health Registry (RETHUS), ensuring you’re dealing with a real medical professional. Taking this extra step is one of the best ways to ensure safe surgery and peace of mind before traveling.

Be Cautious of Unrealistic Offers

Scammers often use tactics like stolen before-and-after photos, no contracts, unclear payment methods, or prices far below market rates to lure patients. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Licensed clinics in Colombia are also registered with the Secretaría de Salud and undergo regular inspections, something fake clinics cannot provide.

Colombian Curves Concierge helps you easily find safe and trusted medical providers in Colombia. Our team carefully vet every surgeon, clinic, and recovery house to ensure all partners are fully licensed, board-certified, and meet national health standards. We also provide transparent pricing, written contracts, and verified clinic information, giving patients complete clarity before making any decisions. By handling the research and verification process for you, Colombian Curves Concierge helps protect you from scams and unsafe operators. With our trusted network and personalized guidance, you can focus on your transformation with confidence, knowing your health and safety are always the top priority.

Close-up of facial injection demonstrating how to avoid scams.

Is Surgery Safe in Colombia?

Many people ask: is surgery safe in Colombia? The honest answer is yes, but only if you work with licensed professionals in approved facilities. Colombia has many excellent surgeons who trained locally and abroad. Colombia is also known for its advanced clinics. But the industry is not perfectly regulated, and fake operators exist. That’s why it’s important to research carefully and choose verified clinics and experienced surgeons. Taking these steps helps protect your health and ensures the best possible results from your surgery.

Real clinics will:

  • Give you a written quote with itemized pricing

  • Schedule virtual or in-person consultations before taking payment

  • Use accredited hospitals or surgical centers

  • Offer pre-operative testing and medical clearance

  • Provide post-operative care and emergency support

Safe surgery in Colombia is absolutely possible when patients choose the right medical team and facilities. Many people considering procedures abroad often ask, “Is surgery safe in Colombia?” The answer is yes. Colombian Curves Concierge plays a key role in this by connecting patients only with licensed surgeons and accredited clinics that meet strict safety standards. Our team verifies credentials, organizes pre- and post-operative care, and ensures patients receive transparent information at every step. By guiding you away from unsafe operators and toward trusted professionals, Colombian Curves Concierge helps make your surgical experience in Colombia secure, smooth, and worry-free.


How to Avoid Scams by Verifying Credentials

If you are serious about protecting yourself, verifying credentials is non-negotiable. Many patients assume that all clinics and surgeons meet the same standards, but the reality is more complicated. Unlicensed operators and unverified facilities can pose serious risks to your health and safety. Taking the time to confirm credentials helps you avoid scams, ensures proper care, and gives you confidence in the procedure you are planning.

Here’s what to do before sending any money:

1. Search the surgeon’s full name in SCCP and RETHUS

Confirm their license is active and matches the clinic.

2. Google the clinic’s address

Make sure it is a real, physical location. Look for reviews on Google Maps or Facebook.

3. Ask for a virtual consultation

Real surgeons want to evaluate your health and goals before surgery.

4. Request a written quote and contract

It should list what is included, refund policies, and recovery information.

5. Avoid paying to personal accounts

Always pay through the clinic or a registered medical concierge service.

Verifying credentials is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself from plastic surgery scams and unsafe clinics. Colombian Curves Concierge simplifies this process by thoroughly vetting every surgeon, clinic, and recovery house in their network. They confirm licenses through SCCP and RETHUS, check clinic registrations, and ensure patients receive written quotes and clear contracts before making any payment. By handling these critical verification steps for you, Colombian Curves Concierge helps ensure your surgical experience in Colombia is secure, transparent, and worry-free.


How to Avoid Scams During the Payment Process

Most scams occur during the payment stage, especially when patients send deposits before confirming the legitimacy of their provider. Many patients don’t realize how risky it can be to pay upfront without verification. Understanding the practices of trustworthy clinics can help you protect both your health and your money. Here is what legitimate clinics do:

They issue a formal invoice or quote

Legitimate clinics provide a detailed invoice or written quote before requesting any payment. This helps you understand exactly what services you’re paying for and protects you with official documentation. The invoice should include all procedures, medications, and any additional fees so there are no hidden costs. Having this record also makes it easier to compare clinics and make an informed decision.

They use bank transfers to official business accounts, not personal ones

Payments should always go to a registered business account linked to the clinic, not a personal bank account. This ensures your money is properly tracked and reduces the risk of fraud. Using official accounts also allows you to verify the clinic’s legitimacy with your bank if needed. It creates a clear paper trail, which is important for your security and peace of mind.

They give receipts for all payments

Every payment made should come with an official receipt as proof of transaction. Keeping these receipts is important in case you need to confirm payments or request refunds. Receipts also serve as proof if any disputes arise or for insurance purposes. They provide transparency and accountability for both you and the clinic.

They offer clear refund policies

Trusted providers clearly explain their refund and cancellation policies upfront. Knowing these terms helps you understand your rights and the process if plans change. Clear policies also show that the clinic is professional and confident in the services they provide. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures you can handle unexpected situations with confidence.

By understanding these payment precautions, you can safeguard your investment and avoid falling victim to scams. Choosing a verified provider is one of the most important steps toward achieving safe surgery abroad. Colombian Curves Concierge ensures all financial transactions are transparent, secure, and handled through verified channels, giving you peace of mind throughout your surgical journey. With our expert guidance, your focus can remain on healing and transformation, knowing your safety and finances are protected every step of the way.

Nose exam before procedure highlighting how to avoid scams.

Is Plastic Surgery Safe If You Travel Alone?

Traveling alone is common but risky. Scammers often target solo travelers because they are easier to pressure. They might offer fake “packages” that include unsafe recovery houses with no nurses or emergency support. Real recovery houses in Colombia are licensed. They have trained nurses or nursing assistants on site. They provide post-op care, meals, and 24/7 support.

If you travel alone, you should have:

  • A local contact or concierge service

  • A verified recovery house

  • Transportation organized in advance

  • A post-operative care plan with the clinic

Traveling alone for plastic surgery in Colombia can increase risks, especially when facing unverified providers and unsafe recovery environments. Many patients also find themselves asking, “Is plastic surgery safe when traveling abroad?” But with Colombian Curves Concierge offers vital support for solo travelers by arranging verified recovery houses staffed with trained medical professionals, organizing transportation, and providing a reliable local contact throughout your journey. Our comprehensive care plan ensures you’re never alone during this critical time, helping you navigate the process safely and confidently from surgery to full recovery.

Safe Surgery with Colombian Curves Concierge

Colombian Curves Concierge prioritizes transparency, safety, and personalized care to make your surgical journey in Colombia as secure and comfortable as possible. Our dedicated team carefully selects only board-certified surgeons and fully licensed clinics that meet strict medical standards, ensuring you receive expert care from start to finish. By providing clear, upfront pricing and managing every detail, from initial consultations to post-operative recovery, we eliminate confusion and help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Many patients often ask, “Is plastic surgery safe in Colombia?” With Colombian Curves Concierge, the answer lies in our commitment to safety and professionalism. What truly sets us apart is their comprehensive support system. We coordinate your entire medical trip, including transportation, verified recovery houses staffed with trained professionals, and 24/7 assistance, so you’re never left navigating the process alone. Our experienced local team acts as your trusted advocate, bridging language gaps and addressing any concerns promptly, giving you peace of mind throughout your transformation.

If you’re considering surgery in Colombia, you might be asking yourself, “Is surgery safe abroad?” Partnering with Colombian Curves Concierge is the safest way to protect your health and investment. Our expert guidance helps you avoid plastic surgery scams, ensures you receive ethical and high-quality care, and supports your smooth recovery, making your journey successful and stress-free from beginning to end.


Ready to Start Your Safe Surgical Journey?

Contact Colombian Curves Concierge today to plan your safe surgery with confidence. Get real pricing, trusted surgeons, and full support before, during, and after your procedure. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your healing and transformation.


Jessica Echeverri is the founder of Colombian Curves Concierge, a trusted medical tourism service that connects patients with reputable surgeons in Colombia. Drawing on her expertise in trauma-informed care and nearly two decades of experience supporting diverse populations, Jessica ensures every patient feels safe, informed, and supported throughout their journey.

Passionate about ethical, compassionate, and personalized care, she has built Colombian Curves Concierge to not just facilitate surgeries, but to create a community of trust, confidence, and guidance for those seeking medical procedures abroad.

Jessica Echeverri

Jessica Echeverri is the founder of Colombian Curves Concierge, a trusted medical tourism service that connects patients with reputable surgeons in Colombia. Drawing on her expertise in trauma-informed care and nearly two decades of experience supporting diverse populations, Jessica ensures every patient feels safe, informed, and supported throughout their journey. Passionate about ethical, compassionate, and personalized care, she has built Colombian Curves Concierge to not just facilitate surgeries, but to create a community of trust, confidence, and guidance for those seeking medical procedures abroad.

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