What public health data shows
- Dominican Republic: the CDC counted 93 deaths of U.S. citizens after cosmetic surgery from 2009 to 2022. The yearly average rose from about 4 to 13 after 2019. Among the cases with autopsy reports reviewed, most deaths were from fat embolism or blood clots in the lungs. Liposuction was done in every reviewed case and gluteal fat transfer in most. Several procedures in one operation, and overweight or obesity, were common. The CDC also documented clusters of hard-to-treat mycobacterial infections after surgery there.
- Mexico: in 2023, a fungal meningitis outbreak was linked to epidural anesthesia given at two clinics in Matamoros. Several U.S. patients died and the clinics were closed.
- Colombia: health authorities in Antioquia have reported deaths and serious complications from cosmetic procedures done illegally in homes and unlicensed clinics in Medellín.
- Across destinations: a 2026 CDC review of travel-related cosmetic surgery problems among U.S. residents found infections, often with mycobacteria, were the most common issue, and liposuction and tummy tucks were the most common procedures involved.
These numbers show real risks. They don't show that one country is safer than another, because no one knows how many patients travel to each place. Miami has had its own BBL deaths, which is why Florida changed its law. Is a BBL safe in Miami?
What actually differs
| Question | Miami / Florida | Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Can I verify the surgeon's license and discipline? | Yes, on the Florida Department of Health portal | Varies by country; harder from the U.S. |
| Are there BBL-specific legal standards? | Yes, § 458.328 (ultrasound, above-muscle only, 1:1 surgeon ratio) | Varies |
| Follow-up if something goes wrong after I'm home | Still a flight away for out-of-state patients | An international flight away; local doctors may be reluctant |
| Legal recourse | U.S. courts and Florida regulators | Foreign legal systems |
The celebrity surgeon
A famous name or a celebrity client list can mean a long waitlist and a higher price. It doesn't change what keeps you safe. Ask in writing who will perform each part of your operation, whether the surgeon will examine you in person before surgery day, and who provides anesthesia. Compare the answers with a less famous surgeon who meets the same checks. The 15-minute check
If you decide to go abroad
CDC advice for medical travel includes:
- See your own doctor or a travel medicine clinic 4 to 6 weeks before the trip.
- Verify the clinician's credentials and the facility's accreditation. Accreditation doesn't guarantee a good outcome.
- Buy travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the U.S.
- Get copies of your records before you fly home, and arrange follow-up care at home in advance.
- Ask your surgeon when it is safe to fly; flying after surgery raises the risk of blood clots.
Questions for any destination
- Who will operate on me, and can I verify their license and training?
- Where will the surgery happen, and is the facility licensed or accredited?
- How many procedures will be done in one operation, and how long will it take?
- Who will follow up with me after I fly home, and who pays if I need more treatment?
Traveling to Miami for surgery · What surgery in Miami costs · BMI limits
Sources: CDC MMWR (2024), Deaths of U.S. Citizens Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery — Dominican Republic, 2009–2022; CDC MMWR (2018), Nontuberculous mycobacteria infections in U.S. medical tourists — Dominican Republic; CDC, Emerging Infectious Diseases (June 2026), adverse outcomes of travel-related cosmetic procedures; CDC, Medical tourism; news reports on the 2023 Matamoros meningitis outbreak and 2024 Antioquia health authority figures. General education, not medical advice.