Top 11 Plastic Surgeons in Mexico

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism, especially in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Its proximity to the U.S., lower costs compared to many Western countries, and a growing number of high-quality, board-certified plastic surgeons draw patients from around the world. However, with rising demand also comes risk: not all providers are equal in skill, safety, ethics, or outcomes.

In this article, we highlight 11 notable plastic surgeons in Mexico (in no strict rank order) based on reputational standing, patient reviews, professional associations, specialization, and visible track record. We also provide guidance on how to choose a surgeon, what questions to ask, and key safety tips. Use this as a guide, but always perform your own due diligence.

Top 11 Plastic Surgeons in Mexico

Here are 11 plastic surgeons in Mexico who stand out in the current landscape (2025). For each, you’ll find background, areas of expertise, notable points, and cautions or caveats (if any known).

1. Dr. Rafael Arenas, MD (Zapopan / Guadalajara)

Background & Credentials

• Board-certified plastic surgeon (#1360) in Mexico.

• Completed residency at Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente; fellowship training in facial / body contouring.

• Trained additionally in the U.S. (Marin County) and Europe.

• Member of Mexican and international plastic surgery societies.

Areas of Expertise

• Breast augmentation, breast lift, breast revision

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), mommy makeovers

• Liposculpture / lipo 360, fat transfer / Brazilian Butt Lift

• Facial surgeries: rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts

• Body contouring post weight-loss

Reputation & Reviews

• On RealSelf, he holds a 4.9 rating from ~328 reviews.

• Multiple patient testimonials highlight professional, communicative approach, satisfactory outcomes.

• Has become a “go-to” surgeon for international patients, especially via medical tourism agencies.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: Balanced skill set, strong reviews, visible portfolio, fellowship background, cross-border appeal.
Cautions: As always, patient should personally verify before/after images, hospital accreditation, and whether he will be personally performing (versus assistants). No major negative reports surfaced in my research.

2. Dr. Carmina Cardenas, MD (Tijuana)

Background & Credentials

• Board-certified in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery.

• Long experience; over 23 years of practice.

• Member of Mexican plastic surgery associations and ISAPS.

Areas of Expertise

• Body contouring after massive weight loss (body lifts)

• Tummy tuck, abdominoplasty

• Breast lifts, revisions

• Facelifts, neck lifts, facial rejuvenation

• Skin tightening and reconstructive aspects

Reputation & Reviews

• Rated 4.8/372 on RealSelf.

• Numerous positive patient testimonials praising empathy, attention to detail, recovery support.

• Clinics advertise all-inclusive support (transport, recovery house, etc.) for medical tourists.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: Strong niche in body reconstruction post weight loss, good patient rapport, transparency in credentialing.
Cautions: Even for experienced surgeons, contouring after massive loss is complex — outcomes depend heavily on patient health and realistic expectations.

3. Dr. Joaquin Ayala del Muro

Background & Credentials

• Board certified and in practice for about 32 years.

• Fellowship in Brazil under Ivy Pitanguy (a legendary plastic surgeon) cited.

• No recorded lawsuits or mortality claims in the publicly cited listing.

• Commonly performs abdominoplasty, thigh lift, etc.

• General aesthetics and reconstructive work

Reputation & Caveats

• While the listing is positive, details (before/after, hospital, facility) are less widely documented compared to others.

• As with any older practice, confirm current active clinical status, whether he still operates regularly, and inspect recent patient outcomes.

4. Dr. Manuel Gutierrez Romero (Tijuana)

Background & Credentials

• Over 25 years practicing plastic surgery.

• Executed more than 20,000 procedures.

• Heads a cosmetic and bariatric surgery center in Tijuana’s Blue Medical Hospital, which meets hygiene and safety standards claimed by the facility.

Areas of Expertise

• Breast augmentation, lifts

• Facial procedures

• Body contouring (liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL)

• Reconstructive plastic surgery

Reputation & Reviews

• Multiple patient reviews praise professionalism, friendliness, and results.

• The clinic advertises significant cost savings compared to U.S. pricing.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: High-volume experience, strong local infrastructure, recognized facilities.
Cautions: High volume can sometimes trade off on attention to individual detail. Inspect how many surgeries he personally performs versus delegating.

5. Dr. Jorge Echeagaray, MD (Guadalajara)

Background & Credentials

• Mexican board-certified plastic surgeon.

• Regular participant in U.S. and Mexican aesthetic societies.

• Among the first in Latin America to adopt advanced technologies such as INMODE (BodyTite, FaceTite, Morpheus8) for skin tightening and contouring.

Areas of Expertise

• Body contouring

• Breast surgery

• Facial rejuvenation and skin tightening

• Minimally invasive technologies (radiofrequency, energy-based)

Reputation & Review Presence

• The clinic website shows an active gallery and promotion of advanced technique usage.

• Though external third-party independent reviews are less abundant, the advanced technology adoption is a positive signal.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: Emphasis on newer technologies, strong local presence in Guadalajara (a major medical hub).
Cautions: Newer technologies can have learning curve; ensure the surgeon’s experience with the specific device used for your region/skin type.

6 & 7. Dr. Franco Reyes Jácome & Dr. Bernardo Gutierrez (Clínica del Rey, Matamoros)

Background & Credentials

• Clinica del Rey features Dr. Franco Reyes Jácome and Dr. Bernardo Gutierrez as their leading surgeons.

• Dr. Reyes has over 25 years of experience and has trained internationally (Brazil, New York, Beverly Hills) in plastic / cosmetic surgery.

• Dr. Gutierrez complements the practice with broad cosmetic procedure offerings.

Areas of Expertise

• Breast augmentation/lift

• Tummy tuck / abdominoplasty

• Liposuction, BBL

• Facial procedures (facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery)

Reputation & Reviews

• Clinic emphasizes safety, accreditation, patient testimonials, and transparency.

• Their web presence is strong, though independent third-party reviews are somewhat fewer.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: Good combination of surgeons in one clinic offering a comprehensive service set; accessible location for U.S. / border patients (Matamoros).
Cautions: As always, verify that procedure-specific outcomes are good (e.g. does Dr. Reyes personally perform the procedure you want).

8. Dr. Rafael Camberos (Tijuana)

Background & Credentials

• Board-certified plastic surgeon.

• Member of AMCPER (Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery) and international affiliations (such as ASPS).

• Breast augmentation, lifts, reconstruction

• Abdominoplasty, liposuction, BBL

• Facial rejuvenation: facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery

• Transparency in pricing and patient consent is emphasized on website.

Reputation & Reviews

• Clinic (Plastiks) highlights transparency about costs and no hidden fees.

• Because Tijuana is a major hub for U.S. / Mexico cross-border medical tourism, his practice is visible online.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: Clear communication strategy, cost transparency, strong local reputation.
Cautions: Be cautious of overly low quotes — verify what’s included (hospital, anesthesia, follow-up care).

9. Dr. Luis Suárez Avalos (Tijuana region)

Background & Credentials

• Marketed as a premier body lift / full transformation / high-end plastic surgeon in Tijuana.

• The promotional content emphasizes personalized care and transformations.

Areas of Expertise

• Body lifts, contouring

• Plastic & aesthetic procedures broadly

Reputation & Review Presence

• The publicly available information is more promotional, with less independent verification visible.

• Not as much third-party scrutiny or patient review data as others in this list.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: If the surgeon is truly as described, he could be a hidden gem for body transformations.
Cautions: Lack of strong external reviews or independent verification means you must dig deeper: ask for recent patient references, before/after pictures, complication rates, facility accreditation, etc.

10. Dr. Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD (Tijuana)

Background & Credentials

• Over 41 years of experience.

• Active on RealSelf with multiple reviews.

Areas of Expertise

• Deep plane facelift, CO₂ laser resurfacing

• Other facial aesthetic procedures

Reputation & Reviews

• Some recent patient accounts describe good early healing with relatively little bruising/swelling.

• He is a known name in Tijuana’s plastic surgery circles.

Strengths & Cautions
Strengths: Long experience, reputable in the region, visible patient feedback.
Cautions: As with any facial surgeon, results depend heavily on tissue quality, surgical judgment, and patient health. Ask to see long-term results (1 year+).

11. (Alternate listing) Dr. Rafael Arenas via ASPS / Finder listings

Because Dr. Rafael Arenas appears in multiple professional listings (e.g. ASPS’s “Find a Plastic Surgeon”) as an international member, he has an extended reach beyond his local base. This underscores his recognition and credentials, adding backing to the profile above.

How to Evaluate & Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Mexico

Choosing a plastic surgeon—especially as an international patient—is a life-impacting decision. Below is a checklist and criteria to guide you through evaluation, questions to ask, and red flags to watch out for.

Key Criteria to Evaluate

1. Board Certification & Professional Memberships

   • Ensure the surgeon is certified by a recognized Mexican plastic surgery board (e.g. CMCPER)

   • Membership or affiliation with international bodies (e.g. ISAPS, ASPS) is a bonus, though not a guarantee

2. Hospital or Clinic Accreditation & Facility Standards

   • The operating facility should meet high medical safety standards (sterile operating rooms, anesthesia standards, ICU backup)

   • Inquire whether the facility is accredited or internationally vetted

3. Surgeon Experience in Your Specific Procedure

   • Not all surgeons are equally skilled in every procedure (e.g. body lifts are different from rhinoplasty)

   • Ask how many times they’ve done your specific operation in the past year

4. Before/After Photographs & Patient Testimonials

   • Ask to see a gallery of past results (ideally by patients with similar anatomy and goals)

   • Request direct references or reviews

5. Patient Safety & Complication Data

   • Ask the surgeon about their complication rates, how they manage complications, and revision policy

   • Confirm whether they carry medical liability insurance

6. Personal Consultation & Communication

   • The surgeon should communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and be responsive

   • You should feel comfortable asking questions

7. Cost Transparency & Inclusions

   • Understand exactly what the quoted price covers: surgeon fee, anesthesia, OR, hospital stay, medications, follow-ups

   • Be wary of low-cost “packages” unless every detail is transparent

8. Postoperative Care & Follow-up

   • The surgeon’s clinic should have a solid follow-up plan, with local support and contingency for complications

   • Inquire whether they offer remote follow-up if you return to your home country early

9. Travel & Medical Tourism Logistics

   • For international patients, a reliable clinic will often assist with travel logistics, accommodation, and local ground transport

   • Check visa requirements, variations in legal recourse, and whether the clinic offers a “recovery house” or support

10. Red Flags to Watch

    • Surgeons who don’t want to show real before/after photos

    • Clinics pushing “fast results” or guaranteeing outcomes

    • Demands for full payment upfront before you even see the operating facility

    • Surgeons who are not fully involved in your care (e.g. cases heavily delegated)

    • Poor reviews about communication or aftercare

Sample Checklist Questions to Ask the Surgeon or Clinic

• Are you board certified in plastic surgery? Which board?

• How many times have you performed my specific procedure in the past year?

• Will you personally perform the procedure (or will parts be delegated)?

• Can I see before/after photos of patients with similar body type or goals?

• What is your complication rate? How do you manage complications?

• Is the operating facility accredited? What safety protocols do you follow?

• What exactly is included in the quoted cost (surgeon, anesthesiologist, hospital, meds, follow-up)?

• Do you provide support for international patients (transport, stay, recovery)?

• What is your revision or guarantee policy?

• How often will follow-up visits be scheduled?

• If complications occur after I return home, how do we handle that?

• Do you have medical liability insurance?

Comparative Summary & Recommendations

• If your priority is extensive portfolio, high reviews, broad procedure range, Dr. Rafael Arenas is a strong contender.

• If you’re seeking post-weight-loss reconstruction or body lift work, Dr. Carmina Cardenas is highly specialized in that niche.

• Dr. Gutierrez Romero offers the advantage of a well-established surgery center in Tijuana, which is a major access point for U.S. patients.

• Dr. Echeagaray is a tech-forward option in Guadalajara, useful if you’re seeking newer skin-tightening/contouring modalities.

• For border region convenience, Dr. Camberos, Dr. Quiroz, and Dr. Ayala are top choices in Tijuana / Mexicali.

• Clínica del Rey (Dr. Reyes Jácome + Dr. Bernardo Gutierrez) may be appealing for patients wanting a full-service clinic experience in a lower-cost border locale.

• Dr. Luis Suárez may be considered as an emerging option, but demands deeper investigation and recent case evidence.

Your ideal choice depends on which procedure(s) you are considering, where you are comfortable traveling, your budget, and the surgeon’s specialization in those procedures.

FAQs

Q1. Is plastic surgery in Mexico safe?
A1. Yes—provided you select a qualified, board-certified surgeon operating in an accredited facility with proper safety standards. Many Mexican clinics treat international medical tourists under standards comparable to the U.S. Always verify facility licensing, surgeon credentials, complication policies, and patient reviews before proceeding.

Q2. How much can I expect to save by getting plastic surgery in Mexico?
A2. Savings vary by procedure, but many patients report 30–60% lower cost compared to the U.S. or Canada, depending on exchange rate, surgeon, facility, and scope. However, the cost difference should not be your only criterion—safety and outcome matter most.

Q3. Will the surgeon personally perform all parts of my surgery?
A3. A reputable surgeon should perform the critical portions. Some assistants or residents may help with closure, drains, or certain steps, but you should clarify with the surgeon who is doing each phase.

Q4. What complications should I be aware of?
A4. Common risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, asymmetry, anesthesia complications, blood clots, seroma, unsatisfactory aesthetic result, and the need for revision surgery. The surgeon should explain risk mitigation and their approach to handling complications.

Q5. How long should I stay in Mexico after surgery?
A5. This depends on the procedure. For many body surgeries (abdominoplasty, BBL), 5–7 nights is common; for more complex or high-risk surgeries, longer may be recommended. Your surgeon should specify tailored aftercare and monitoring.

Q6. What happens if I develop complications after returning home?
A6. This is one of the major risks of medical tourism. Ensure the surgeon offers a contingency plan (remote follow-up, coordination with local doctors, readmission support). Also, confirm which country’s legal recourse or liability applies to your contract.

Q7. Are revisions or touch-ups included?
A7. Some surgeons include minor tweaks, but many consider revisions separately. Confirm if any revision clause is included in your initial agreement, under which terms, and whether you must return to Mexico for it.

Q8. How do I coordinate travel, lodging, and recovery support?
A8. Many clinics offer “all-inclusive” packages: transport from airport, hotel stay, ground transfer, nursing recovery care. Ask your clinic to provide detailed logistic support so you can relax during your stay.

Q9. Should I use a medical tourism broker or agent?
A9. Brokers can help with coordination, communication, and package deals, but they also introduce intermediaries. If you use a broker, ensure they are reputable and transparent, and that you still independently verify surgeon credentials and clinic standards.

Q10. How far in advance should I plan my surgery?
A10. Ideally 2–4 months ahead. This gives time for consultations, imaging, labs, travel planning, and possibly visa or documentation if needed. Some sought-after surgeons might have waiting lists, so contacting early is wise.

Conclusion & Final Advice

Mexico offers many excellent Plastic Surgeons in Mexico with international credentials and advanced techniques. The Top 11 listed above are among the most frequently referenced in 2025 sources—but that does not guarantee they are the absolute best for your particular procedure. The right choice depends on matching your aesthetic goal, health status, budget, and comfort with travel.