CDC Warns of Infection and Safety Risks in Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

A new CDC study highlights the serious and sometimes fatal risks of travel-related cosmetic procedures, urging patients to weigh potential complications before seeking surgery abroad or even domestically. The findings, published June 2, 2026 in CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, reveal a troubling pattern of infections and deaths linked to cosmetic surgeries—including liposuction, breast augmentation, and gluteal augmentation—performed at both international and domestic facilities.

The study analyzed 2,162 CDC consultations from 2014 to 2024, identifying 34 cases where U.S. Residents traveled specifically for cosmetic procedures. Of these, 21 consultations involved approximately 145 patients who experienced adverse outcomes, with postsurgical infections reported in 20 cases. Twelve of those infections were suspected or confirmed to be caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria, a group of bacteria that can cause severe, hard-to-treat infections. Four consultations involved patient deaths, though the exact cause of death was not specified in the study.

The majority of complications (14 out of 21) were linked to surgery centers or clinics, while the remaining cases involved hospitals. The CDC emphasized that these risks are not limited to procedures performed overseas; domestic facilities also contributed to reported cases. The study underscores the complexity of tracking and responding to healthcare-associated outbreaks tied to medical tourism, as patients traveled from multiple states for procedures.

Why the Risks Are Rising—and What Patients Should Know

The CDC’s warning comes as medical tourism for cosmetic procedures continues to grow, driven by factors such as lower costs, perceived access to cutting-edge treatments, and cultural or linguistic preferences. However, the study’s findings paint a stark picture of the potential consequences. Infections associated with cosmetic procedures can range from mild wound infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections, particularly when caused by drug-resistant bacteria like nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Kiara McNamara, DNP, BSN, AGPCNP-BC, a CDC nurse epidemiologist and lead author of the study, warned in a statement:

“More and more people are getting medical procedures outside the United States, but there are risks. We see essential for patients to be informed and prepared before making decisions about seeking cosmetic surgery abroad.”

—Kiara McNamara, CDC nurse epidemiologist

The CDC’s guidance aligns with broader public health concerns about medical tourism, which has been linked to other serious complications, including antimicrobial resistance, donor-derived infections (in the case of transplants or transfusions), and exposure to infectious diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The agency has previously highlighted these risks in its medical tourism advisory, noting that complications depend on the destination, the facility’s standards, and the patient’s overall health.

Key Takeaways for Patients Considering Cosmetic Procedures

The CDC’s study does not single out specific countries or facilities but serves as a broad alert to the risks associated with cosmetic procedures performed outside of a patient’s home healthcare system. For those considering travel for cosmetic surgery, the agency recommends:

• Research the facility: Verify that the clinic or hospital meets international safety and hygiene standards, even if they are not accredited in the U.S.
• Consult a healthcare provider: Discuss the risks and benefits with a trusted medical professional before traveling for a procedure.
• Understand post-procedure care: Ensure you have access to follow-up care and antibiotics if complications arise, particularly in regions where drug-resistant infections are common.
• Consider alternatives: For procedures available in the U.S., weigh the risks of medical tourism against the potential benefits of undergoing surgery in a familiar healthcare environment.

While the study focuses on infections, other risks—such as blood clots, anesthesia complications, and improper surgical techniques—can also arise from cosmetic procedures, regardless of location. The CDC’s findings serve as a reminder that cosmetic surgery, like any medical procedure, carries inherent risks, and patients should enter into these decisions with their eyes wide open.

What Comes Next?

The CDC has not yet issued updated guidelines specifically for cosmetic surgery tourism, but the study’s publication suggests that further public health communications may follow. In the meantime, patients are advised to treat any cosmetic procedure—whether domestic or international—as a serious medical decision requiring thorough research and professional consultation.

For those who have already undergone cosmetic procedures abroad and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, redness, swelling, or drainage at the surgical site, the CDC recommends seeking immediate medical attention and reporting the incident to local health authorities.

As medical tourism continues to evolve, the CDC’s study serves as a critical reminder that the pursuit of affordability or convenience should never come at the cost of one’s health.