Many surgical treatments performed in medical tourism locations are a fraction of the cost of similar operations performed in other countries.

In Tijuana, for example, a gastric bypass procedure that costs $23,000 USD may cost only $5,000 USD. According to COTUCO, 1.8 million individuals would visit Tijuana in 2020 to have some form of medical procedure, generating more than $1 billion in income.

What is the difference between Health Tourism and Medical Tourism? 

The main difference between health and medical tourism is that health tourism does not entail any medical treatment or procedure. Health tourists usually go to other countries to seek alternative treatments for conditions that cannot be treated in their home country. 

Medical tourism, on the other hand, comprises traveling to another country for medical treatment or therapies. Medical tourists typically travel to countries where medical care is less expensive than it is in their home country. They may also travel to countries with better medical facilities and more experienced doctors.

Where are most medical tourists from?

According to Deloitte’s 2019 report about medical tourism in the state of Baja California  “While we know that around 77 percent of medical tourists are from the border and originate in the southern states of the United States, we lack specific statistics on the origin of the other 23 percent. Google trends, however, indicate that, in addition to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and Malaysia are the nations with the most searched for procedures in Mexico.”

What do patients look for?

In 2013, the government of Baja California surveyed 100 medical tourists and found that pricing, quality, and cleanliness were their biggest concerns.

VIDA Wellness and Beauty provides high-quality, affordable treatments including IV treatments and recovery boutique following surgery.

Is it safe to have surgical procedures in Mexico?

Yes, Mexico is a safe place for surgery. Nevertheless, regardless of location, every operation carries potential issues. You can reduce the likelihood of complications during surgery by doing the following:

• Choose doctors with extensive training and expertise in specialized treatments with caution.
• Check for credentials and facilities accreditations of the physician/dentist/surgeon.
• Work collaboratively with accredited institutions that comply with the highest standards of international patient care.

What makes Tijuana one of the best places in the world for surgery? 

Firstly, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico, focusing mainly on education, health care, economics, and politics. Patients can travel to San Diego and receive quality medical care from specialists at a lower cost thanks to the city’s proximity to San Diego. The success of Tijuana makes it a popular hub that attracts patients seeking different medical procedures.

Tijuana has responded to the sudden growth by being fully equipped with the latest in medical technology. That is why so many people recognize it as a reputable place for things like plastic and bariatric surgery. In fact, it’s currently the top spot for medical tourism in North America. Many individuals from the U.S. and Canada cross the Mexico border every day specifically to have surgery performed in Tijuana. One of the biggest reasons why people come to Tijuana for bariatric surgery is to save time and money.  We already touched on the fact that this type of surgery in the U.S. could cost over $20,000. In Tijuana, a bariatric procedure costs almost a fourth of that, at just around $5,000 The service is not substandard or you should be concerned about anything. Undoubtedly, you will hear plenty of stereotypes and “risks” from friends and family before deciding to come to Tijuana for surgery. Most of those stories, however, are myths. Reading reviews is also a great way to gain insight into what you can expect from your surgery. Professionals performing surgery in Tijuana adhere to the same safety standards as those in other countries.

Why are certifications and credentials important?

An accredited surgical board certification is a good way to tell if a surgeon is qualified because it means that they have been approved by an advisory board. Choosing the right surgeon might be the most significant choice you ever make.

What types of certifications does VIDA have?

The surgical center was the first in the country to be accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), demonstrating a commitment to providing high-quality care. Among the requirements for AAAASF certification are onsite examinations and satisfaction or surpassing the AAAASF’s strict standards.

The strict AAAASF requirements include instructions on

• Qualifications for medical staff and board certification
• Administration of anesthesia
• Fluids and drugs are administered intravenously (IV).
• Surgical and medical supplies
• General facility security and emergency response methods
• Policy, atmosphere, and procedures in the operating room (including guidelines regarding safety, infection control, hazardous waste disposal, and emergency protocols)
• The recovery room’s atmosphere, policy, and procedures

What type of certifications do the Doctors at VIDA Wellness and Beauty have?

The certification process is an effective means for patients to ensure the doctors they choose to adhere to specific criteria; however, not all certificates are created equal. Board certification is a rigorous technique for demonstrating a physician’s skill in the medical field.  The doctors at VIDA Wellness and Beauty are all board-certified and have a variety of national and international certifications. 

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of our doctors and their member associations:

At VIDA You’ll be able to find a wide variety of procedures including

1. Bariatric surgery
2. Cosmetic dentistry
3. Dermatology
4. Gynecology
5. Hormone replacement therapy
6. Injectables
7. IV therapy
8. Plastic surgery
9. Urology

When looking for a clinic in Mexico, make sure the doctors are board-certified and have their licenses. It is critical to question the surgeon’s credentials before making an appointment. Surgeons in Mexico are frequently recognized for their expertise in specialized fields of surgery. 

Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to schedule a procedure with VIDA Wellness and Beauty. We look forward to helping you achieve your desired results while combining your medical treatment with an enjoyable holiday; all you need is a passport, paperwork, and luggage.