Travel is transformative—for the mind, the soul, and, with the latest growing trend in tourism, for the body too. The rather sinister-sounding “Cosmetic Tourism” (or the friendlier-sounding “Medical Tourism”) combines the perfect vacation with beauty treatments or surgery, ranging from teeth veneers and hair implants to plastic surgery and tummy tucks.

Having “Turkey Teeth” has become synonymous with having a Hollywood smile, leading Turkey to rise in the ranks of Europe’s most popular destinations. Istanbul and Antalya alone welcome over 1.2 million tourists every year who are seeking to turn their vacation into a beautification. And you can bet your hard-earned dollars that LGBTQ+ tourists make up a sizable portion of that number. It’s not just Turkey either—Colombia, Thailand, and South Korea are just some of the countries holding their own in the increasingly popular world of cosmetic tourism.

But is there anything really wrong with killing two birds with one immaculately curated stone? Beauty treatments are expensive, and the truth is, you just can’t beat the prices offered abroad. The combined cost of a package holiday—often including hotels, flights, and the cosmetic enhancement of choice—totals far less than the surgery alone would elsewhere, certainly in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

As for whether the effects of cosmetic tourism on a country are good or bad, it’s a hotly debated topic, but it undeniably pumps money into their economies—in Turkey’s case, around the equivalent of over $2 billion every year. So, if you’re looking to combine some TLC with a little glow-up, these are the top four destinations to get your fix… so to speak!

Turkey – Istanbul or Antalya

The undisputed king of hair transplants and dental makeovers, clinics in both Istanbul and Antalya have rapidly become well-oiled machines, attracting clients worldwide for their expertise and affordability. Common procedures include hair transplants, teeth whitening, dental veneers, crowns, orthodontics, and dental implants, among others. Some clinics—especially in Antalya—offer all-inclusive deals made up of airport pickups, hotel stays, pre-op consultations, and aftercare.

For example, veneer treatments can take around 3–6 days—more than enough time to explore the culturally rich, “East Meets West” city of Istanbul, or enjoy the golden beaches and ancient ruins of Antalya between treatments. Sadly, Turkey is not the most gay-friendly country in the world—Grindr is blocked, for example—but there is a surprisingly active gay nightlife scene in Istanbul to show off your luscious new hair or set of choppers.

South Korea – Seoul

Turkey may be the rising starlet, but South Korea is the original cosmetic surgery diva—especially its capital city. Seoul’s beauty industry is legendary, setting global trends with its natural-looking, “untouched” aesthetic. Many visitors come for budget-friendly surgeries like rhinoplasty, jawline contouring, and tummy tucks, in addition to teeth and hair treatments.

Just as in Turkey, holiday packages exist within many clinics, adding cultural tours as part of their deals, including tucking in (excuse the pun) to Seoul’s food market scene or visiting its many temples and palaces. Bear in mind that bigger procedures tend to take a week or two to recover from, so culturally based activities are a much wiser choice than hitting up Seoul’s modest gay scene—although you could certainly do that a few days before.

Thailand – Bangkok

Bangkok is well known as an affordable destination for Westerners, and its beauty treatments are also budget-friendly—even more so than those in South Korea. These prices might make some dubious, but Thailand's cosmetic industry is also known for its professionalism, with clinics specializing in everything from body sculpting to facial enhancements.

That’s not to say there aren’t any bad eggs out there, so visitors should be careful to choose their clinics from reputable areas like Sukhumvit. Botox, fillers, and liposuction are some of the most common procedures performed in Thailand, with package holidays including the usual airport pickups, hotels, and sometimes flights. Luxurious options may also add complimentary post-procedure spa treatments and unique experiences such as Chao Phraya River dinner cruises and guided shopping trips.

The wild side of Bangkok has its temptations, with a legendary gay nightlife scene centered around Silom Soi 2, but a better choice post-procedure might be a trip down the coast to paradisiacal beaches like Hua Hin.

Colombia – Medellín

Medellín in Colombia is known for its own impressive makeover. Once governed by drug cartels and gang violence, it is now seen as a global role model for urban innovation and the most popular tourist destination in Colombia.

It’s also Latin America’s rising beauty haven, offering top-notch cosmetic procedures at unbeatable prices on that side of the Atlantic. Colombian surgeons are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail in liposuction, body sculpting, and non-invasive facial treatments like microneedling and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy.

Medellín also offers the perfect setting for recuperation, being nestled beautifully in the Andes mountains, surrounded by tropical greenery, and having an all-year spring climate. Medellín’s LGBTQ+ credentials are good, with a visible community and laws in place to protect them.

Travel packages to Medellín often throw in cultural experiences like salsa dance classes and city tours. Pure Colombian culture can be discovered in Medellín through bohemian areas like Comuna 13—be sure to ride the huge outdoor escalator running through its center—and the famous Guatapé rock is an easy day trip away. However, refrain from climbing its crisscrossing stairs after any major surgeries.

Cosmetic Tourism Tips

After deciding on your procedure and location of choice, the next step is finding the right clinic and package. As with everything these days, research is key. Research the top clinics online, read reviews, and verify credentials. Stick to clinics with international accreditation for peace of mind, from organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI).

Most clinics offer all-inclusive packages that take care of everything from accommodations to post-op care. Compare deals to get the best value. You could also just book the procedure and plan your own holiday arrangements if you prefer. Schedule virtual consultations to discuss your goals and ensure your chosen clinic is a good fit. A reputable clinic will answer all your questions—no matter how detailed.

Most importantly, allocate extra vacation days for downtime, whether on the beach, taking slow walks in local parks, or enjoying Netflix marathons in your hotel room. Be realistic: you probably won’t be hitting the clubs after a major operation!

From the mountains of Colombia to the temples of Bangkok, beauty is found everywhere in the world—and, of course, it’s completely subjective. But when it comes to ourselves, what matters most is that we feel beautiful in the world. There’s nothing wrong with giving nature a helping hand from time to time. Whether that’s through crafting a Hollywood smile or getting a nose job, so be it—and all the better if it comes on a budget with a vacation attached.

Featured image by Triggermouse from Pixabay