Brief
Americans travel to Tijuana for cheaper cosmetic procedures amid cost pressures
CBS investigators followed a group of women who flew from San Diego to a Tijuana medical spa offering cosmetic services at a fraction of US prices.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Amid rising healthcare and living costs in the United States, a CBS California Investigates team accompanied a group of women who traveled from San Diego to Lipo Tijuana VIP, a medical spa in Tijuana, Mexico, for cosmetic treatments. The trip, reported on October 15, 2026, included participants from Mississippi, South Carolina and Southern California.
What happened
The women arrived in Tijuana to receive a range of aesthetic services, including Botox injections, CO₂ fractional laser treatments, facials and other procedures. Organiser Alisha Thornlimb, known online as @hippiegirl.modernworld, said she began arranging group trips after her own experiences went viral on social media. She described the journey as a way to "try it once and see how it goes," noting that many participants were initially hesitant.
What the reports add
Thornlimb provided a price comparison showing a CO₂ fractional laser treatment that costs about $1,800 in Los Angeles but is offered for $220 in Tijuana. Botox units are $5‑$6 each in Tijuana versus $10‑$12 in the United States. Other cited differences include Sculptra at $585 per vial versus $800‑$950 in Los Angeles, Dysport at $250 for 50 units versus up to $450, a CO₂ laser for the face, neck and chest at $595 versus $1,200‑$1,500, and a HydroDiamond facial at $85 versus at least $175.
What was said
Dr. Pedro Cota of Lipo Tijuana VIP explained that lower labor costs drive the price gap, saying, "The product is the same, the quality standard and everything is the same. The only thing that changes is the labor because here the income is less, so the labor is cheaper." He noted that about 70% of his clientele comes from the United States.
Shannon Watson, a participant from Mississippi, said the treatments would have been unaffordable at home, stating, "Definitely not," when asked if she could afford them in Mississippi.
How it came about
The investigation follows a broader trend of medical tourism to Mexico as Americans seek cost‑effective alternatives for elective procedures. CBS previously reported on the financial strain facing many households, prompting some to look across the border for affordable options. The article links to earlier Felo coverage on related cross‑border topics and the growing interest in Mexican medical services.
Key facts
- Lipo Tijuana VIP offers Botox at $5‑$6 per unit, compared with $10‑$12 in the US. (cbsnews.com)
- CO₂ fractional laser treatment costs $220 in Tijuana versus about $1,800 in Los Angeles. (cbsnews.com)
- Dr. Pedro Cota says lower labor costs account for the price difference and 70% of clients are US residents. (cbsnews.com)
- Alisha Thornlimb organizes group trips after her own viral videos. (cbsnews.com)
- Shannon Watson from Mississippi says the treatments would be unaffordable at home. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Medical cosmetic treatments in Mexico offer big savings. Why Americans are making the trip as potential risks remain”
