"Wait, you flew to Brazil for surgery? That must have been so expensive!" This is the reaction most patients get when they mention medical tourism. But here's the reality: even after paying for flights, accommodation, and all travel expenses, patients save an average of $10,000-$15,000 compared to US surgery costs.
Let's break down the real numbers—no hidden fees, no surprises—and show you exactly why thousands of Americans are choosing Brazil for their top surgery.
The Hidden Costs of US Top Surgery
What US surgeons don't tell you upfront
Typical US Cost Breakdown:
Surgeon's Fee
Base surgical fee only
$10,000 - $15,000
Liposuction (Add-on)
Usually charged separately
+ $3,500 - $4,500
Anesthesia
Separate anesthesiologist fee
+ $1,500 - $2,500
Facility Fee
Operating room and recovery
+ $2,000 - $3,500
Pre-Op Consultations
Multiple visits required
+ $300 - $800
Post-Op Supplies
Compression garments, medications
+ $400 - $700
Revision (if needed)
10-15% of patients need revisions
+ $3,000 - $8,000
TOTAL US COST:
$17,700 - $35,000
Real Patient Experience:
"I was quoted $12,000 for surgery. Then they said liposuction was an extra $4,000. Then facility fees. Then anesthesia. My final bill was $21,500—and that didn't include the compression vest or pain medications."
— Taylor M., Los Angeles, 2025
Insurance Reality Check:
- •Average deductible: $3,000-$5,000 before insurance pays anything
- •Co-insurance: You still pay 10-30% after deductible
- •Out-of-network: Many top surgeons don't accept insurance
- •Denial rate: 40% of gender-affirming surgery claims initially denied
- •Final out-of-pocket: $8,000-$15,000 even with "good" insurance
Brazil All-Inclusive Package: Complete Transparency
One price. Everything included. No surprises.
Dr. Cornélio's All-Inclusive Package:
Complete Surgical Procedure
3D Chest Sculpting Protocol™
Included
Liposuction
Always included, never extra
Included
Hospital Fees
Santa Casa Hospital (ONA Level III)
Included
Anesthesia
Board-certified anesthesiologist
Included
7-10 Nights Accommodation
Hotel or luxury loft options
Included
All Transportation
Airport pickup, hospital transfers
Included
All Medications
Pain management, antibiotics, supplies
Included
Compression Garments
Professional-grade post-op vest
Included
Post-Op Care
Follow-ups, drain removal, monitoring
Included
24/7 English Support
Coordinator available entire stay
Included
TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE:
$6,000 - $8,000
What Patients Say:
"I paid $7,500 total. That included EVERYTHING. Surgery, hospital, a week in a beautiful loft, all my meds, transportation—everything. My friend paid $19,000 in Miami and had to buy his own compression vest."
— James K., First US solo patient, 2024
Adding Travel Costs: The Complete Picture
Let's include flights, food, and everything else
Your Additional Expenses:
Round-Trip Flight
From major US cities to Porto Alegre
$600 - $1,200
Meals (7-10 days)
Restaurants, delivery, groceries
$250 - $500
Incidentals
Snacks, tips, personal items
$150 - $300
Travel Insurance (Optional)
Medical travel coverage
$100 - $200
TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS:
$1,100 - $2,200
Pro Tips to Save Even More:
- ✈️Book flights early: 2-3 months advance = $600-800 flights from Miami/Houston
- 🍽️Eat local: Brazilian restaurants are delicious and affordable ($8-15/meal)
- 💳Use credit card points: Many patients fly for free using rewards
- 🏠Bring a companion: Accommodation included, they just pay their flight
The Final Comparison: Side by Side
Here's what you actually pay
🇺🇸 United States
🇧🇷 Brazil
💰 YOU SAVE:
$12,200 - $22,400
That's 55-70% savings even after international travel!
What Could You Do With $15,000 in Savings?
Payment Options & Financing
Making your surgery affordable and accessible
How to Pay:
Bank Transfer
Direct international wire transfer
Credit Card
Earn points on your surgery
Payment Plans
Split payments available
Medical Financing
Third-party financing options
Smart Financing Strategy:
Many patients use medical credit cards or personal loans for the $7,500 Brazil package instead of the $20,000+ US cost. Same monthly payment, but you're debt-free 2-3x faster.
Example:
$20,000 US surgery at 8% APR = $400/month for 5 years ($24,000 total)
$7,500 Brazil surgery at 8% APR = $400/month for 20 months ($8,000 total)
Save $16,000 and be debt-free 40 months sooner!
The Bottom Line on Cost
Flying to Brazil for top surgery isn't just cheaper—it's dramatically cheaper. Even after paying for international flights, accommodation, and all travel expenses, you save $12,000-$22,000 compared to US surgery costs.
But here's what makes it truly worth it:
- ✓Superior technique: 3D Chest Sculpting Protocol™ with liposuction always included
- ✓Hospital setting: ONA Level III accredited facility, not a clinic
- ✓No wait times: Surgery in 2-4 weeks vs. 18-24 months in the US
- ✓Complete transparency: One price, everything included, no surprise bills
- ✓Political safety: Healthcare without discrimination or legal uncertainty
You're not choosing Brazil to save money on a lesser procedure. You're getting world-class care at a fair price—and keeping $15,000 in your pocket to build your future.
Cost Comparisons by State
See specific pricing and savings for surgeons in your area:
Get Your Personalized Quote
Schedule a free consultation to get exact pricing for your specific case and learn about payment options