Nip, Tuck, Takeoff: Why More American Men Are Flying Abroad for Cosmetic Procedures

Beauty tourism has long been framed as a women’s trend, but new research suggests men are now leading the way.

According to a new study from travel search engine KAYAK, American men are outpacing women when it comes to cosmetic travel: 27 percent say they’ve already traveled abroad for a cosmetic procedure, compared to 18 percent of women. Another 25 percent of men say they’re actively considering a trip built around a cosmetic procedure, versus 19 percent of women.

The data points to a broader change in how—and where—people are approaching aesthetic treatments. Interest in global beauty hubs is climbing fast, with KAYAK flight search data showing year-over-year increases in searches to South Korea (+13 percent), long known for skin-care innovation and cosmetic dermatology; Brazil (+9 percent), a longtime leader in plastic surgery; and Vietnam (+16 percent), an emerging destination for affordable cosmetic and wellness procedures.

Cost is clearly part of the appeal. KAYAK search data for travel through early 2027 shows some of the most accessible entry points are close to home: Mexico ($499 average round-trip airfare), Colombia ($522), the Dominican Republic ($568) and Costa Rica ($588). On the ground, nightly hotel rates stay under $150 in several destinations known for aesthetic treatments, including Vietnam ($75), Thailand ($85), Brazil ($122) and South Korea ($134)—making the full trip, procedure included, far more attainable than many assume.

But it’s not just about getting a good deal on a procedure. Travelers are increasingly thinking about the entire experience around it. When asked what they’d want from a beauty travel loyalty program, Americans ranked hotel room upgrades (43 percent) and airline miles (43 percent) just as highly as discounts on the procedures themselves (36 percent)—a sign that beauty tourism is being planned with the same expectations as any other vacation.

“Beauty tourism is increasingly being planned like any other leisure trip, with travelers comparing airfare, accommodations and other travel costs while looking for ways to get more value from the overall experience,” says Kayla DeLoache, KAYAK travel trends expert. “That shift reinforces how closely travel planning and consumer wellness trends are becoming intertwined.”

The numbers reflect a real cultural change, one practitioners are seeing in their own offices. Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, MD has seen the shift firsthand, even if she can’t independently verify the survey numbers. “Men are becoming more proactive about skin health, hair restoration, injectables and cosmetic procedures, and there is much less stigma surrounding these treatments than there was a decade ago,” she says. “I think this reflects a broader cultural shift. Aesthetic medicine has become more mainstream for both men and women, and more recently many men view cosmetic procedures as an extension of overall wellness and self-care.”

Not everyone is convinced the savings are worth the risk. “We hear from patients about their friends who are considering hair replacement or body-contouring procedures in other countries. It’s almost always a matter of wanting to pay as little possible,” says Encino, CA plastic surgeon George Sanders, MD. “Obviously, people are trying to minimize the total cost so that better rates on flights, lodging and other necessities play a role in their decision.”

The bigger concern, Sanders adds, is the aftermath. “Many of our patients express concern over what happens when one has surgery abroad and there is a complication. It’s tough to manage those when they’ve returned home to the United States. There’s also concern about severe complications that could lead to disfigurement or even death.”

Dr. Houshmand cautions against choosing a destination based on price alone. “The physician’s training, experience, safety standards and the ability to provide appropriate follow-up care are far more important than the travel destination itself,” she says. Her advice for anyone considering treatment abroad: Vet, vet and vet again. “Verify their credentials, specialty training and experience performing the specific procedure you’re considering. Ask to see before-and-after photos of their own patients, understand exactly what products or devices will be used and make sure the facility follows appropriate safety standards.”

She also recommends having a clear post-operative care plan prior to packing your passport. “Know who will manage your care if something unexpected happens, understand what follow-up is required and avoid booking flights home immediately after a procedure if recovery or monitoring is recommended.” As for hubs like South Korea, she notes the country’s reputation for innovation is well-earned, but “the quality of care varies by physician and facility. The key is choosing the right clinician, not simply the destination.”

Echoing similar risks, New York dermatologist Jody A. Levine, MD (who is in practice with her husband, plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD) says she isn’t necessarily surprised by the stats showing that men are leading the trend.

“Men are generally more likely to do things that are a little more rash or risky, and may be more willing to gamble on their health to get a better deal,” she says. “That’s one reason why the medical tourism industry for hair transplantation in Turkey, for example, has grown so much. There are people who get great results abroad, and there are also people who have disaster scenarios.”

The patients who tend to skip the risk altogether, Dr. Levine says, are the ones doing the most homework. “On the other side of that, our experience has been that when you’re dealing with discerning, high-end patients who research their surgeon, and care more about the result than simply the cost, those are often the patients who choose to stay stateside.” She points to reputation and accountability as the draw for her own international patients. “Many of our patients come in because they’ve heard about us through word of mouth or have seen a friend or family member’s results firsthand.”

Her advice for anyone tempted to sync surgery with a vacation is, quite simply, skip it. “It sounds very attractive to turn your facelift or tummy tuck into a vacation, or save some money, but the patients who tend to be happiest long term are the ones who focus on healing and safety. Recover from your facelift or tummy tuck properly, and then three months, six months or further down the line, enjoy a trip and take advantage of your results.”