Brazilians flock to crisis-hit Venezuela for affordable plastic surgery

Global Business

The downturn in Venezuela’s economy has led many from neighboring Brazil to flock to Puerto Ordaz for discounts on plastic surgery.

CCTV America’s Stephen Gibbs reports.

Venezuelan Plastic surgeon Marina Belandria is well aware that her practice is one of the few in her country that is prospering right now.

“Everyone has been coming to Venezuela for plastic surgery,” she said. “The main reason is that prices are low, owing to the value of our currency. For visitors an operation here in Venezuela is less than half the price, of what it can cost there.”

Puerto Ordaz is 21 hours by bus from the nearest large Brazilian city, Manaus. Getting there from Brazil is a long and sometimes uncomfortable journey. But many of those we spoke to said they feel beauty is worth a bit of suffering.

Belandria, who was trained in Brazil, said the last two years have been busier than ever.

Breast augmentation is the most common procedure she performs. While many things are in short supply right now in Venezuela, that doesn’t appear to include silicone implants.