Americans are taking trips to Mexico for cosmetic treatments, even as potential risks remain

Key points

• Some Americans travel to Tijuana, Mexico, for discounted cosmetic treatments.
• A comparison shows CO2 laser at $220 in Tijuana versus about $1,800 in the U.S.
• Experts warn that medical procedures abroad carry risks, as in the U.S.

As healthcare and living costs strain many household budgets, some Americans are traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, for cosmetic treatments they say they cannot afford at home. A growing number of medical tourists are seeking discounted procedures such as Botox injections and laser treatments, and for some, even airfare and hotel costs do not erase the savings.

CBS California Investigates accompanied a group of women from Mississippi, South Carolina and Southern California to Lipo Tijuana VIP, a medical spa that attracts patients from across the United States. Dr. Pedro Cota of the clinic said about 70% of his clientele comes from the U.S.

Price differences and savings

A comparison of treatments at Lipo Tijuana VIP and prices in the Los Angeles area showed substantial differences. Alisha Thornlimb, who organizes group trips for people seeking beauty treatments in Mexico, said CO2 fractional laser treatment for the face, neck and chest that might cost about $1,800 where she lives was available in Tijuana for $220. Botox costs about $5 to $6 per unit in Tijuana, compared with $10 to $12 per unit in the U.S.

Other cited prices included Sculptra at $585 per vial in Tijuana versus an estimated $800 to $950 in Los Angeles, and Dysport at $250 for 50 units in Tijuana versus as much as $450 in Los Angeles. Dr. Cota attributed much of the difference to lower labor costs, saying the product and quality standard are the same.

The product is the same, the quality standard and everything is the same. The only thing that changes is the labor because here the income is less, so the labor is cheaper.

— Dr. Pedro Cota

Risks and patient experiences

Experts caution that cosmetic procedures performed abroad carry risks, just as they do in the U.S. Stephanie Lopez said she developed painful bumps on her forehead after receiving Botox at a different medical spa in Tijuana. The bumps eventually disappeared, but she said the experience changed her perspective, adding, “You just never know.”

Elizabeth Ziemba, president of Medical Tourism Training Inc., said patients should understand the risks before any medical procedure. A 2022 CDC study found that of more than 93,000 medical tourists surveyed, 5% reported complications. Ziemba advised patients to verify licensure and credentialing and ask many questions.