Dr. Leonardo Villavicencio
MEDICAL TOURISM · INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS

Plastic surgery in Manta, Ecuador — planned around US and Canadian patients.

The surgical journey is as standardized as the surgery itself. You always know exactly where you are in the process — even if you are flying in only for your procedure.

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2,000+
Surgeries performed
14
Years in practice
ISAPS · FILACP · SECPRE
Memberships
EN / ES
Bilingual team
Ecuador

Why have surgery in Ecuador

Concrete, verifiable reasons — no marketing promises.

The currency is the US dollar

Ecuador's official currency is the US dollar. No exchange-rate risk and no surprise conversions in your surgical quote.

Short flight from the US

You can fly from the United States into Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador's two international gateways. Ground transfer to Manta is coordinated from there.

The same surgical technology

VASER Lipo, MicroAire PAL and Retraction — the same platforms that set the standard in the United States. Technical detail further down this page.

Bilingual team

Pre-consultation, travel coordination and post-operative follow-up are available in English and Spanish.

Cost difference

These procedures cost considerably less in Ecuador than in the United States — with the same surgical technology and a quote in US dollars.

Entry requirements

US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel to Ecuador as tourists. A valid passport is enough.

Travel logistics

Traveling for surgery, without improvisation.

What the practice coordinates before, during and after your stay in Manta.

01

Virtual pre-consultation

A video evaluation before you book a flight: medical history, photo analysis and an honest discussion of what surgery can and cannot achieve.

02

Surgical plan sent in advance

You receive your written surgical plan, required pre-operative workup and full timeline before you travel.

03

WhatsApp support in English

A direct, bilingual WhatsApp line to coordinate the entire process from abroad.

04

Airport transfer

The practice arranges your transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Manta, plus transportation to each follow-up visit.

05

Nearby accommodation

We recommend hotels close to Manta Hospital Center, chosen for comfort and a short distance to your post-operative visits.

06

Length of stay per procedure

Plan for a minimum stay of 12 days in Manta before your return flight, so the surgeon can complete your post-operative reviews.

The process

Six clear stages — zero ambiguity on your trip to Ecuador

01Stage

Pre-consultation

A 45–60 minute evaluation, in person or by video call. Full medical history, anatomical analysis and an honest discussion of expectations.

02Stage

Planning

Pre-operative workup, cardiovascular and anesthetic clearance. You receive a documented surgical plan.

03Stage

Surgery day

Admission to the surgical center. Board-certified anesthesia team. The surgeon is present personally from markings to recovery.

04Stage

Immediate recovery

Inpatient stay per protocol, with follow-ups at 24, 48 and 72 hours by the surgeon himself.

05Stage

Follow-up

Weekly reviews through the first month, lymphatic drainage when indicated and standardized photographic tracking.

06Stage

Final review

Evaluation at 6 and 12 months, in person or remotely. Photographic documentation of the mature result and continued direct access to your surgeon.

Surgical technology

The same platforms that define the international standard — operating in Manta.

Technique belongs to the surgeon; technology amplifies the result. These are the platforms used in every procedure when clinically indicated.

VASER Lipo — technology used by Dr. Villavicencio
MicroAire PAL — technology used by Dr. Villavicencio
Retraction — technology used by Dr. Villavicencio

VASER Lipo

High-definition ultrasound-assisted liposculpture. Preserves tissue, improves skin retraction and allows natural muscular definition.

MicroAire PAL

Power-assisted liposuction. More precise extraction, less tissue trauma and viable fat for transfer.

Retraction

Subdermal radiofrequency for skin retraction. Finishes the result in patients with moderate laxity without open surgery.

Trademarks belong to their respective manufacturers.

Let's talk before you book the flight.

The virtual pre-consultation determines whether you are a candidate before you spend anything on travel.

FAQ

International patients

Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador from the US or Canada?

No. US and Canadian citizens can enter Ecuador as tourists without a visa — you only need a valid passport.

Is it safe to have surgery in Ecuador with Dr. Villavicencio?

Dr. Leonardo Villavicencio has 14 years in practice, more than 2,000 surgeries performed, and memberships in SECPRE, FILACP and ICOPLAST. He operates at Manta Hospital Center using VASER Lipo, MicroAire PAL and Retraction technology, with a board-certified anesthesia team.

How many days should I stay in Manta after surgery?

Plan for a minimum of 12 days, so the surgeon can complete your post-operative reviews before you fly home.

Does the team speak English?

Yes. Bilingual support (English and Spanish) is available for the pre-consultation, travel coordination and post-operative follow-up.

Can I pay in US dollars or with an international card?

Ecuador's official currency is the US dollar, so your quote is handled in USD. [TO CONFIRM: accepted payment methods and whether international cards are accepted.]

What is included in the surgical quote?

[TO CONFIRM: detail what the quote includes — surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility, materials, transfers, post-operative follow-ups, etc.]

Will my US or Canadian health insurance cover surgery in Ecuador?

Elective cosmetic surgery performed outside your home country is generally not covered by US or Canadian health insurance. We recommend confirming directly with your insurer before traveling.

What if I need revision surgery?

[TO CONFIRM: revision policy, whether it is included in the initial cost, and how it is coordinated for patients who have already returned home.]

Can I bring a companion?

[TO CONFIRM: companion policy during hospitalization and follow-up visits.]

What medical records should I bring?

[TO CONFIRM: list of required labs and documents before surgery, such as blood work, ECG, cardiac evaluation, etc.]

Who administers anesthesia and pain management?

The procedure is performed with a board-certified anesthesia team. Pain management and recovery are guided by the surgeon during your post-operative follow-ups in Manta.

What happens if I have a complication after returning home?

[TO CONFIRM: the actual remote follow-up and complication protocol for patients outside Ecuador. Do not publish a generic answer.]

On video

See the experience in Manta.

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