The Dominican Republic has become one of the world’s most popular destinations for cosmetic surgery — and for good reason. Direct flights from major US cities, significant cost savings compared to American prices, and a growing infrastructure of recovery facilities have made Santo Domingo a hub for medical tourism.
But popularity alone doesn’t guarantee safety. That’s why choosing the right surgeon matters more than choosing the right destination. With Dr. Jose Mora, you get the benefits of Dominican Republic’s medical tourism industry with the safety protocols and ethical standards you deserve.
Direct flights from most major US cities
Compared to US prices for same procedures
CIPLA surgical center with full protocols
24/7 nursing care at recovery houses
Your journey begins with our comprehensive online evaluation form. You'll provide your medical history including current medications, previous surgeries, and any chronic conditions. We'll need your current weight and height so we can calculate your BMI automatically. You'll also submit photos from multiple angles — front, back, left side, right side, and sitting — along with a description of your aesthetic goals.
4-8 weeks before travel
Once approved, you'll schedule a WhatsApp video call with Dr. Mora, typically lasting 45-60 minutes. During this call, you'll discuss your specific surgical plan in detail, set realistic expectations, review the recovery timeline and requirements, and have all your questions answered. This is also when we confirm your quote and discuss deposit requirements to secure your surgery date.
After evaluation approval, before booking travel
Before you travel, you'll complete medical clearances in your home country. This includes a blood work panel with CBC, metabolic panel, and coagulation studies. You'll also need cardiac evaluation including an EKG and cardiologist clearance for surgical risk. For tummy tuck patients, we require pulmonary evaluation with pulmonologist clearance.
2-4 weeks before travel
You'll fly into Las Américas International Airport (SDQ). Most patients are met by recovery house transportation and taken directly to their accommodations. Within 24-48 hours of arrival, you'll have your in-person consultation with Dr. Mora at CIPLA, which includes a physical examination, your first body mapping session where Dr. Mora marks your body to plan incisions and treatment areas, fresh blood work at a local laboratory, and final confirmation of your surgical plan.
1-2 days before surgery
On surgery day, you'll arrive at CIPLA early morning. Dr. Mora performs a second body mapping session to confirm markings with you standing — this two-step approach ensures precision. Procedures are performed under general anesthesia with board-certified anesthesiologists, typically lasting 3-6 hours for comprehensive body contouring. After surgery, you'll recover at the facility before being transported to your recovery house with nursing accompaniment.
This is where your transformation happens. Recovery house care includes 24/7 nursing supervision, medication management, meals designed for post-surgical healing, lymphatic drainage massages (typically 5-10 sessions), hyperbaric oxygen chamber sessions if recommended, drain care and monitoring, and transportation to follow-up appointments. Dr. Mora visits recovery house patients regularly and is available via WhatsApp for any concerns.
14-21 days depending on procedure
Before you leave, Dr. Mora performs a final examination to ensure you're safe to travel. You'll receive detailed written aftercare instructions, prescription medications for the journey home, compression garments and care supplies, and direct WhatsApp access to Dr. Mora for ongoing questions. Many patients report that Dr. Mora continues checking in weeks and months after surgery — your relationship with your surgeon doesn't end when you board your flight home.
Airport: Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), Santo Domingo. US citizens receive a tourist card on arrival — no advance visa needed. USD is widely accepted throughout the country.
|
City
|
Flight Time
|
Airlines
|
|---|---|---|
|
Miami, FL |
2 hours |
American, JetBlue, Spirit |
|
New York JFK |
3.5 hours |
JetBlue, Delta, American |
|
Atlanta, GA |
3.5 hours |
Delta |
|
Houston, TX |
4 hours |
United |
|
Los Angeles, CA |
6 hours |
JetBlue (connecting) |
|
Procedure
|
Minimum Stay
|
Why
|
|---|---|---|
|
BBL / Liposuction only |
14 days |
Drain removal + initial healing |
|
Tummy Tuck |
21 days |
Longer drains + more healing time |
|
Mommy Makeover |
21 days |
Multiple procedures require extended recovery |
|
Breast surgery only |
10-14 days |
Shorter recovery, no drains typically |
We work with established recovery houses in Santo Domingo that specialize in post-surgical care for plastic surgery patients. These facilities provide private or semi-private rooms, 24/7 nursing staff trained in post-surgical care, post-operative meals designed for healing, transportation to and from CIPLA for all appointments, lymphatic drainage massage sessions, hyperbaric oxygen chamber access, and comfortable common areas.
We can recommend trusted recovery houses based on your budget and preferences, or you can arrange your own accommodations. However, if choosing your own, ensure they have experience with surgical recovery patients. A regular hotel is NOT appropriate for the first week post-op — you need nursing care, not room service.
|
Procedure
|
Dr. Mora (USD)
|
US Price Range
|
Saving
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
$8,000 - $15,000 |
40-60% |
|
Liposuction (multiple areas) |
$2,500 - $5,000 |
$4,000 - $10,000 |
40-50% |
|
Tummy Tuck |
$5,000 - $7,500 |
$8,000 - $15,000 |
40-50% |
|
Mommy Makeover |
$7,500 - $12,000 |
$15,000 - $30,000 |
50-60% |
|
Breast Augmentation |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
$6,000 - $12,000 |
40-55% |
*Prices are estimates and vary based on individual factors. Final pricing provided after consultation.
While not strictly required if staying at a full-service recovery house, we strongly recommend having a companion for emotional support, help with communication, and assistance with basic needs while you're limited in mobility.
Safety depends entirely on your surgeon — not the country. The Dominican Republic has highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons and modern facilities. However, it also has practitioners who cut corners. The key is choosing a SODOCIPRE-certified surgeon who operates in accredited facilities and maintains strict safety protocols. Our patients consistently report feeling safer with Dr. Mora than expected, specifically because of his willingness to refuse high-risk cases.
You can fly home once Dr. Mora clears you — typically after all drains are removed and initial healing is confirmed. This is usually 14 days for most procedures and 21 days for abdominoplasty. Flying too soon increases risk of blood clots and complications.
Dr. Mora remains accessible via WhatsApp after you return home — indefinitely. For minor concerns, he can advise remotely. For serious issues, he will coordinate with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area or advise you to seek emergency care if needed.
A deposit of 25-50% is required to secure your surgery date, with the balance due before surgery. We accept wire transfers, credit cards, and cash (USD). We do not offer in-house financing, but many patients use CareCredit or personal loans arranged in their home country.
Submit your evaluation form and receive a personalized surgical plan within 48-72 hours.
SODOCIPRE-certified plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo specializing in body contouring, breast surgery, and facial procedures with a commitment to patient safety and natural results.
CIPLA - Centro Internacional de Cirugía Plástica Avanzada Av. Pedro Henríquez Ureña #137, Suite 209 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
© 2026 Dr. José Mora. All rights reserved. Created by Zagirova
