Cosmetic surgery can come at a high cost in Colombia

Americas Now

Colombia is one of the cosmetic surgery capitals of the world. But the procedures aren’t always risk-free. Correspondent Michelle Begue reports from Bogota on some plastic surgeries that have gone wrong.

The pressure to attain the perfect face or body has led to a booming plastic surgery industry. Latin America has two of the leading destinations for these operations. Brazil and Colombia were among the top 10 countries in the world for performing the medical procedures in 2016. That’s according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. But because the industry isn’t regulated, the surgeries aren’t always safe.

According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc., a business consulting firm, the global cosmetic surgery market will continue to grow because of technological developments, the growing use of social media and increasing disposable incomes. The market is expected to reach $44 billion by 2025.

Check out Michelle Begue’s report here.