Plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic: is it safe?

The CDC counted deaths recorded by the U.S. Embassy: about 4 per year in 2009–2018 and about 13 per year in 2019–2022, with a peak of 17 in 2020. The CDC does not report how many Americans had surgery there in total, so this is a count, not a death rate.[1]

All 24 patients had liposuction, 22 (92%) had gluteal fat transfer and 14 (58%) a tummy tuck, with an average of three procedures in the same operation. 22 of 23 with data had overweight or obesity. Of 20 autopsies, 18 found embolism (11 fat embolism, 7 blood clots in the lungs). 14 (58%) died within 24 hours of surgery. Nine clinics were involved.[1]

In 2019 the Dominican Ministry of Public Health recommended cardiac and pulmonary evaluations before surgery and no more than two major procedures per operation. The CDC asks patients to talk about the risks with their own doctor, to see a travel-medicine specialist at least a month before, to leave enough time between surgery and flights, and to consider travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.[1]

In 2013–2014 the CDC reported 19 women in five states with rapidly growing mycobacterial wound infections after liposuction, tummy tucks or breast implants in the D.R.; 14 (74%) were hospitalized in the U.S. and needed further surgery and long antibiotic treatment. No deaths were reported.[2]

Step 1 · License (exequátur). The state license to practice medicine, published by the Ministry of Public Health as an open dataset (63,634 records, 1922–2026).[6] Check a name for free →

Step 2 · Specialty society. Membership in SODOCIPRE, the Dominican Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.[7] All 307 members have a public record here. See the member list →

Step 3 · Medical college. Registration with the Colegio Médico Dominicano (CMD). Ask the surgeon for the number; we confirm it when the surgeon claims the record.

Step 4 · Facility and recovery. The exact facility where you will be operated and where you will spend the first nights. Surgeons by clinic → · Recovery houses →

When to fly. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says waiting five to seven days after body procedures and seven to ten days after facial procedures is advisable before flying.[5] The CDC notes that flying after surgery increases the risk of blood clots and suggests delaying air travel 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery.[4] Your surgeon should give you a written clearance date.

What to avoid while you heal. No sunbathing, alcohol, swimming or snorkeling, water sports, long walking or bus tours, or exercise, according to ASPS.[5]

Before you go home. Ask for your medical records in English, and make sure you can get follow-up care in the U.S.; treating a complication at home can be long and expensive, and insurance may not cover it.[3][4]

It can be, and it can also go very wrong. The CDC counted 93 U.S. citizens who died after cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic between 2009 and 2022, and the deaths it reviewed shared clear risk factors: several major procedures in one operation, gluteal fat transfer (BBL), and blood-clot risk that was not managed. What you can control: a verified surgeon (Ministry of Public Health license and SODOCIPRE membership), an accredited facility, a written clot-prevention plan, no more than two major procedures in one operation, and enough time before flying home.

According to the CDC (MMWR, January 2024), 93 U.S. citizens died after cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic from 2009 to 2022, based on deaths recorded by the U.S. Embassy. Deaths averaged about 4 per year in 2009–2018 and about 13 per year in 2019–2022. The CDC does not report how many Americans had surgery there in total, so these figures are not a death rate.

In the 20 deaths with an autopsy reviewed by the CDC (2019–2020), 18 were due to embolism: 11 fat embolism and 7 blood clots in the lungs. All 24 reviewed patients had liposuction, 92% had gluteal fat transfer, and they had an average of three procedures in the same operation. 58% died within 24 hours of surgery.

Check three public records: the exequátur (the state license to practice medicine, published by the Ministry of Public Health), membership in SODOCIPRE (the Dominican plastic surgery society), and registration with the Colegio Médico Dominicano. WhitePageMedic cross-checks the first two for all 307 SODOCIPRE members and shows them on each surgeon's public record, free for patients.

Ask your surgeon for a written clearance date. As general guidance, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says waiting five to seven days after body procedures (like liposuction or breast augmentation) and seven to ten days after facial procedures is advisable before flying, and the CDC notes that flying after surgery increases the risk of blood clots and suggests delaying air travel 10–14 days after major surgery, particularly chest surgery.

Instagram is marketing, not verification. Before paying any deposit, check the license and SODOCIPRE membership, ask for the exact facility where you will be operated, and ask how many procedures they plan in one operation. If any answer is vague, walk away.

Indicative sector ranges we publish: liposculpture US$3,500–5,500, tummy tuck US$4,000–6,500, breast augmentation US$3,800–5,200, mommy makeover US$7,500–10,500. They are not one surgeon's price: no serious surgeon quotes without an evaluation. A price far below these ranges is a reason to ask more questions, not a deal.