Medical tourism is the term used when a patient travels to another country to undergo surgery. Brazil has established itself as one of the preferred destinations for medical tourism, attracting international patients seeking high-quality and cost-effective treatments.
According to the website Pan Rotas, between 21 and 26 million people crossed international borders in 2019, according to the specialized consultancy Patient Beyond Borders, and according to the American Medical Tourism Association, the medical tourism market in Latin America was estimated at US$ 7 billion in 2022.
According to plastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), Humberto Pinto, this phenomenon has grown significantly due to the combination of advanced infrastructure, highly qualified professionals, and more affordable costs compared to other countries. “Currently, we can compete on equal footing with other countries, and we also have qualified and certified professionals and services in the country,” he says.
According to the doctor, among the most sought-after surgeries are liposuction, breast and buttock implants, lipolaser, lipoHD, abdominoplasty, and mastoplasty. “The wide range of medical specialties offered, from plastic surgeries to aesthetic treatments to complex procedures such as transplants and cancer treatments, makes the country a versatile choice for various types of treatment,” he explains.
Humberto emphasizes that, in addition, this tourism is also reinforced by Brazilians living abroad. “Many Brazilians living in Portugal, the United States, Italy, Canada, among others, seek us out during their vacation periods there and take the opportunity to have surgeries here, due to accessibility and the opportunity to see loved ones,” he points out.
With the continuous expansion and improvements in the medical field, it is expected that Brazil will maintain and even expand its position as one of the leading global destinations for medical treatments.
Participe da conversa