What you Should Know

SURGERY ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. Citizens (who are not also Colombian citizens) must show a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of 60 days or less. U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen in Colombia must obtain a new passport and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration office in Bogotá to obtain permission to depart.


• An exit tax (if you stay over 60 days in country) must be paid at the airport when departing Colombia. If you are from another country other than the U.S. please check with your local embassy on visa requirements for entering Colombia or you may visit
  http://www.colombiaemb.org/opencms/opencms/consulates/tourist.html.


• For further information regarding entry and customs requirements, travelers should contact the Colombian Embassy at 2118 Leroy Place, N. W., Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-8338; Internet web site - http://www.colombiaemb.org; or the Colombian consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan P.R.

ALTITUDE / WEATHER

• Travelers may require some time to adjust to the altitude, which can affect blood pressure, digestion, and energy level. Persons with medical conditions related to the circulatory or respiratory system should ask their physician if travel to Bogotá or other high-altitude locations is advisable.

• The entire country offers a variety of different climate types. On average, there is a wet and dry season. It rains heavily through October-November and April-June. The dry season can be observed from December-March. The average temperature falls between 50-70 degrees throughout the year.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Crime and violence by narcotics traffickers and guerrilla groups is at its lowest. The little that is left is in the jungles far away from the big cities. Travel to Bogotá is very safe — approximately 2.9 million people visit Bogotá each year for business and pleasure.

CURRENCY / EXCHANGE RATE

• Colombia Peso (COP) can be found in bills ranging from 1.000 to 50.000 denominations. Peso coins are available in 100, 200 and 500. The exchange rate fluctuates frequently; however, on average 1 USD = 2,387 COP.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) Is Depression Common Following Cosmetic Surgery?

Yes, depression following surgery is common. There are several factors that contribute to post-operative depression, including:

• The anticipation and stress of preparing for surgery can have a rebound effect.
• The medications, anesthesia and trauma of the surgery have physical effects that will affect your emotional well-being.
• Stress and fear regarding complications and disfigurement.
• Refraining from exercise can make you feel tired, blue, and out of sorts.
• Adjusting to your new look.
• Dealing with family and friends reactions to your surgery.
• Financial stress.
• Feeling guilty about having the procedure.

2) Should I Base My Decision on The Cost of The Cosmetic Surgery?

• 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 accutely 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!

3) What Are The Risks of Cosmetic Surgery?

• Cosmetic surgery, like any procedure, carries with it some degree of risk. Complications are rare, but they do occur. Modern procedures have greatly diminished most risks. However, these complications might be enhanced if you have certain health conditions, such as:
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • A bleeding disorder
  • Heart or lung disease
  • Obesity
  • Severe allergies
  • High cholesterol
  • Arthritis
  • Depression

4) Your Health and How It Affects Cosmetic Surgery?

Smokers: At Cosmetic Harmony we insist that smokers quit for two to four weeks prior to surgery and remain smoke-free for two to four weeks after surgery. If you feel that you cannot stop, postpone your surgery until you address this issues. It is impossible to hide your smoking habit from your plastic surgeon — the medical exams conducted before surgery will reveal your smoking habit.

Drinkers: Alcohol is a mild blood thinner, and caffeine can slightly raise blood pressure, so cutting back one month before surgery is a smart choice — for both!

If you suffer from any of the health problems stated above, or smoke or consume alcohol excessively, you may face a higher risk of complications. Putting your life in danger is not a smart decision.

Be sure you give your surgeon a complete medical history, including medications such as aspirin, vitamins, hormones (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement) and herbal compounds and supplements. These products can interfere with blood clotting or other medications used during surgery.

5) For additional questions, go to our FAQ page.