FAQ

Decisions about cosmetic surgery should not be based solely on cost. A cheap procedure could entail a quick and incomplete surgery. Five years after your cosmetic surgery, you probably will not remember the exact amount you paid for the surgery, but you will be acutely aware of the quality of the results for the rest of your life. It is more reasonable to base your decision about cosmetic surgery on the surgeon's reputation; the surgeon's expertise and skill; and the surgeon's ability to communicate with you in a manner that is professional, sincere, comfortable and unhurried. The most common source of disappointment following plastic surgery is dissatisfaction with the degree of improvement ("it looks as if nothing was done") or unhappiness with uneven "lumpy-bumpy" results. The cost of cosmetic surgery should not be the main basis for your choice of surgeon. Do not put your body on the bargain rack!

Please be sure to get up-to-date information on your phone service's coverage and options. You could also purchase a compatible SIM card for your existing phone (for around $15.00 US). The phone must be unlocked for this to work so contact your service provider. Once you are sure, inform Cosmetic Harmony that you will need a SIM card during your stay in Colombia. Cosmetic Harmony will help you to get a phone number in Colombia before you fly so your family will have a contact number during your stay.

This decision is based solely on the discretion of your plastic surgeon. He will advise you on post-operative aftercare. Based on the rate of your recovery, he will recommend when it is safe to go sightseeing. It could be possible on the 5th day of your recovery; however, it varies for each patient.

People who don't have the following health conditions are good candidates for plastic surgery: diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, emphysema, malnourished, severely depressed, obese and/or smokers. All types of surgeries, including plastic surgery, have inherent risks, but if you have the above stated health problems it could cause complications during and after your surgery. A good candidate also accepts the disadvantages of plastic surgery, which are: the cost, inconvenience, discomfort and medical risk.

Smokers who do choose to have surgery and want a healthy recovery must quit for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and remain smoke-free 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Smokers have a higher rate of infection, skin separation, skin death, and anesthesia complications. One major study found that the risk of losing a significant area of skin (also called necrosis, or skin death) due to poor oxygen supply with a facelift is increased by 150% in active smokers. Individuals who are close to their ideal weight (within 30%), non-smokers, emotionally stable, and have low stress levels, are ideal candidates for plastic surgery.

If you do not meet each criteria, it does not mean you won't be a good candidate for plastic surgery. If you meet none of them, it's more likely your doctor may want you to make some lifestyle changes before surgery.

Any and all health conditions should be discussed openly with your cosmetic surgeon so they can help you make an informed decision. It is important to let your doctor know your complete medical history including:

• medications as well as aspirin and vitamins
• hormones (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement)
• herbal medications

These products can interfere with blood clotting or interact with medications used during surgery and could increase your surgical risk.

Ask yourself:

• Are your expectations realistic?
• How will you handle unexpected results?
• Do you feel fully informed about the risks and the specific considerations for the procedure?
• Will the cost of the procedure add too much financial stress to your life?
• Are you hiding your plans from friends and family? This can create added stress.
• Are you having cosmetic surgery to please yourself or someone else?
• Do you have the time in your schedule for proper recovery time?
• Can you afford the cost of plastic surgery?

Yes, Arnica — a medicinal plant belonging to the sunflower family — helps reduce swelling and bruising as detailed below. It is also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort.

Description: Arnica Montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1-to-2 feet high, bearing orange/yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.

Arnica Montana has been used in Europe for centuries to treat swelling, soreness and bruising. This product is often misunderstood when confused with ingesting the arnica plant in its raw form. When properly prepared, Arnica may significantly decrease the healing time or the appearance of such. There are many formulations from different companies. Sublingual (under the tongue) or in lotion types are the most often recommended for plastic surgery.

Warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed.

In Colombia you will find highly qualified physicians and medical facilities equipped with the most modern technology. Colombia offers the equivalent, if not better care, than the USA for approximately 1/3 of the price. By going to Colombia for surgery, the only thing different than getting surgery in the USA is the cost. The facilities are kept with the utmost cleanliness, as well as equipped with the latest technology as offered in the USA. More on medical treatment in Colombia.

Colombia is located between Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil. Cosmetic Harmony is located in Bogotá, the capital of the Colombia. Bogotá is a beautiful city that offers a great variety of options for tourists: sightseeing, 80 shopping malls, shows and restaurants, spas, among many others. More on Colombia.

Cosmetic Harmony offers medical treatments, plastic surgery and cosmetic dentistry. In each of the sections listed on our site, you will find a detailed list of surgeries and specializations available to you. If there is something you do not see, please send us an inquiry; we may be able to accommodate your request.

The prices listed for surgery on our site include everything listed here. There are no hidden costs or extra fees. Prices include (transportation to and from the airport, doctors' appointments, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and English speaking nurses/guides) as well as the costs of the compulsory pre-surgical exams. Read more about Cosmetic Harmony.

Cosmetic Harmony only works with the best board-certified physicians in the country. They are subjected to a very strict recruitment process based on extensive background checks, as well as interviews with previous patients and Cosmetic Surgery Boards in Colombia. The patient is welcome to review the CV / resume of the physician. To see the list of surgeons according to specialization, visit our section: Our Professionals.

All the medical packages Cosmetic Harmony offers include a bilingual assistant. One of our English speaking assistants will accompany you to every medical consultation and to the clinic on the day of the surgery. The assistant will be your personal interpreter and, at the same time, will answer all your questions regarding medical treatments.

The assistants we provide are not exclusive, they are assigned accordingly. For example, one assistant may receive you at the airport and another one will go with you to the medical consultation.

If the patient must postpone the trip due to personal reasons after the deposit was made, he/she may ask for a reschedule. Cosmetic Harmony will honor the original price for 30 days after the date in which the trip was postponed. However, once that period passes, Cosmetic Harmony reserves the right to modify the price if needed. The deposit will be held and considered as payment on account. More information, visit cancellation/refund policy.

Cosmetic Harmony recommends sending all your photos and medical tests to our offices before making reservations for your travel to Colombia. This includes sending in all photos requested by the doctor, as well as being 100% honest with any pre-existing conditions you may have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Having pre-existing conditions does not necessarily mean you will not be able to have surgery, it just means that you may need special treatments and/or medication. We strongly recommend getting all tests and blood work done in your home country to avoid having an issue arise in Colombia. However, if you prefer, we can take care of all your blood work in Colombia — which is included in our price.

If after you arrive to Colombia, the doctor decides there is a condition that will not allow you to undergo surgery, the procedure is cancelled and we will honor our cancellation policy. More information, visit cancellation/refund policy.

In Colombia, the law requires all patients to sign an agreement to state that he/she will undergo surgery on his/her own free will.

If any problems arise and the treatment needs to be changed, the physician will inform you of your options so you will be able to make the best decision. If for some reason you are not able to make a decision, the physician will discuss the matter with the person you have assigned as your guardian.

You will be kept informed at all times and, if necessary, Cosmetic Harmony will offer you the possibility of asking for a second opinion from another professional. Although complications are rare, they are possible and it is very important you are abreast on all complications and side effects. At Cosmetic Harmony, we strive to avoid any and all complications. However, in the event of something, please know that we will do everything possible to eliminate the complication to the best of our ability.

The surgery packages encompass sufficient time for a full recovery. However, if you feel that you need extra time to recover, we do offer additional time in our facilities to recuperate at a rate of $100.00 USD per day. This does not include additional medication or doctor(s) appointments if necessary. Depending on what the doctor recommends, you may need additional medication or office visits which will be provided to you at your expense. All of our surgeries include the recommended time for recovery and medication.

If you wish to extend the services of the nurse beyond the 24 hours Cosmetic Harmony includes in the surgical care package (SCP), you may do so for $75.00 USD for every 8 hour period.

The physician decides the minimum time that the patient will need to stay in Colombia in order to recover favorably. Cosmetic Harmony stands behind doctors' medical recommendations and all departure approval dates to return home. If the patient decides to leave on their own, Cosmetic Harmony will not be held responsible for the decisions made by the patient.

If you wish to stay longer in Bogotá or Colombia, Cosmetic Harmony will be happy to help you make amendments to your travel itinerary in order to extend your stay.

Please note, any changes made to your airline ticket could cost approximately $150.00 USD. Additionally, the cost of your flight may increase.

It all depends on your lifestyle, eating and shopping habits. To give you an idea: food court meals in any of the local malls are about $5.00 USD. A nice meal at a fine restaurant is about $10-15.00 USD. Since your apartment suite or hotel room is equipped with a kitchen and microwave, you may choose to go grocery shopping (walking distance) and cook your own meals. This way you can save costs on meals. Also, make sure to bring enough clothing in order to save costs on your laundry bill. Laundry services will be offered, but at a minimum charge.

Yes, you can come with a relative or friend. The Hotel Suites or Apartments are furnished with a queen size bed or 2 single beds in case you decide to come with a friend or relative. (For an additional person add $25 US per night).

The weather for most of the year ranges from 60-70 Fahrenheit.