Dr. Alex
Campbell
Premium results for patients traveling from the USA and Canada with a surgeon trained in the United States and a team built for medical tourism done right.
Excellence in Plastic
& Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Alex Campbell is a US-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon based in Cartagena, Colombia. With over 20 years of experience and a specialty in deep plane facelift, mommy makeovers and post-weight loss body contouring, Dr. Campbell is widely recognized for delivering world-class results to international patients.
As co-founder of Premium Care Plastic Surgery, he leads one of the top medical tourism practices in Latin America, combining surgical excellence with personalized, all-inclusive care.
Dr. Alex Campbell an established leader in the fields of aesthetic, reconstructive, and pediatric plastic surgery, is the author of numerous articles regarding plastic surgery, global health, and international surgical care. He is well versed in all aspects of aesthetic, reconstructive, and pediatric plastic surgery, and seeks to offer every patient personal care and superior surgery.
Accreditations & Honors
Surgical Specialties
Deep Plane Facelift
Experience the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. The Deep Plane Facelift addresses the deeper layers of muscle and fat, repositioning them to their youthful location for a natural, non-pulled look that turns back the clock by decades.
Mommy Makeover
Restore your confidence and your pre-pregnancy figure. This comprehensive combination of procedures typically includes a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction, tailored specifically to your body’s needs.
Post-Weight-Loss
Complete your transformation journey. After significant weight loss, we remove excess skin and tighten tissues to reveal the defined, contoured body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Body Contouring
Sculpt your ideal silhouette. Using advanced high-definition liposuction and body lifting techniques, we refine your curves and enhance muscle definition for an athletic, toned appearance.
EXPLORE REAL PATIENT TRANSFORMATIONS
REAL RESULTS
Multidisciplinary Team
At Premium Care, we work with a team of highly qualified specialists:
Comprehensive Care
Our collaborative approach ensures:
REAL STORIES
Patient Experiences
Watch real experiences from the United States and Canada, including why they chose Cartagena, how recovery felt, and what stood out about the Premium Care team
More about Dr. Alex Campbell
World-Class Training and Board Certification
Dr. Alex Campbell received his medical degree from University of Missouri School of Medicine, achieving election to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and scoring in the top 1% of all United States students on his medical licensing exams.
He completed his training in general surgery at the world famous University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, spending much of his time at Los Angeles County Hospital, one of the busiest trauma centers in the country. He performed as one of the top residents, and scored in the top 2%.
He then completed his residency at the prestigious and intensely competitive University of Southern California Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where he received broad and thorough training in all aspects of plastic surgery at renowned subspecialty centers throughout the Los Angeles basin. His cosmetic training was intensive, learning under some of the known masters in top tier private practices in Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area. He earned the highest national score on the American Board of Plastic Surgery Oral Examination and maintains board certification in the United States. His US training, technical skill, and commitment to excellence have positioned him as one of the leading plastic surgeons in Colombia and a trusted choice for international patients.
Dr. Alex Campbell completed a fellowship in Pediatric Plastic Surgery with Operation Smile International, completing another 500 surgical reconstructive procedures on pediatric patients. He holds current American Heart Association certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Adult Life Support, and Basic Life Support.
Global Experience in Plastic Surgery and Humanitarian Work
Before founding Premium Care, Dr. Campbell served as a medical leader for Operation Smile, completing hundreds of reconstructive surgical missions in countries such as India, Kenya, and Egypt. He co-founded the Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center in Assam, India, which became one of the highest-volume cleft centers in the world, performing over 10,000 free surgeries in just four years.
Dr. Campbell also has an intense interest and passion for global health, and received the Regan Fellowship in 2009 and the Stryker Fellowship in 2010. His participation and leadership in global surgical care has intensified with time, and he has participated as plastic surgeon, team leader, and field medical director on more than 20 international missions. He is the founding Medical Director, founding Chief of Surgery, and founding Director of Research and Outcomes at the Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care in Assam, India. This free surgical hospital established a new paradigm of surgical care in the developing world. Under his direction, the facility earned international esteem and recognition, resulting in formal partnerships with some of the most famous institutions in the world in pediatric plastic surgery.
Premium Care Kids - Helping Kids in Cartagena
Dr. Campbell is also the co-founder of Premium Care Kids, a charitable organization dedicated to helping children—especially families from Colombia’s Caribbean region—access comprehensive cleft and craniofacial care, including surgery and long-term rehabilitation. This mission work isn’t separate from his career—it’s one of its most important pillars, reflecting his lifelong commitment to restoring function, confidence, and quality of life for patients who might otherwise go untreated.
Full Curriculum Vitae
Alex Campbell, MD
Publications
Campbell A, Restrepo, C, eds. Essentials of Cleft Surgery. Cartagena: Global Surgical Arts;
2017.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Deshpande G, Mongiello S, Tredway C, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B. Validation of a Cleft Severity Index for Grading the Severity of Primary Unilateral Cleft Lip and Nose Deformities by Surgeons and Laypersons. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2017 Sep 13; 5(9): e1479.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Navas, , Vergara I, Peluffo L. Plastic Surgery Medical Tourism in Colombia: A Review of 658 International Patients and 1,796 Cosmetic Surgery Procedures. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2019 May; 7(5): e2233.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Park E, Navas G, Deshpande G, Swanson J, Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Ayala R. Influence of Severity on Aesthetic Outcomes of Primary Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair: A Review of 1,823 Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2019 Jan; 7(1): e2083.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Deshpande G, Tredway C, Mongiello S, Patzer R, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B. Validation of a Surgical Outcomes Evaluation Scale for Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair by Surgeons and Laypersons. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2017, Sep 13; 5(9): e1472.
McCullough M, CampbellA, Siu A, Durnwald L, Kumar S, Magee WP, Swanson J. Competency-Based Education in Low Resource Settings: Development of a Novel Surgical Training Program. World Journal of Surgery. 2018 Mar:42(3):646-651.
Park E, Restrepo C, Deshpande G, Schonmeyr B, Campbell A. Improved Cleft Lip Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal. 2018, Jan 1.
Yao C, Taro T, Swanson J, Campbell A, McCullough M, Gutierrez R, Bradshaw A, Magee Jr WP, Magee 3 rd WP. The Medical Mission and Modern Core Competency Training: A 10 Year follow-up of Resident Experiences in Global Plastic Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016 Sept;138(3):531e-538e.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Gillenwater J, Jerome M, Allan A, Laub D. Primary Cleft Lip and Palate Repair in Assam, India. Does Preoperative Anthropometic Analysis Help Identify Patients With Increased Surgical Risk in a Clinically Prescreened Population? The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. 2016 May 31.
Campbell A. Disruptive Innovation in Surgical Education. The Journal of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery. 2016 Feb;1(1):6e-7e.
Campbell A, Sherman R. Global Cleft Care. In: Losee JE, Kirschner RE, eds.
Comprehensive Cleft Care 2 nd Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2015.
Aznar M, Schönmeyr B, Echaniz G, Nebeker L, Wenby L, Campbell, A. Role of
Postoperative Antimicrobials in Cleft Palate Surgery: Prospective, Double Blind,
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study in India. Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery. Publication pending, 2015.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Sharma M, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Limited Chances of
Speech Improvement after Late Cleft Palate Repair. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.
2015 Jun;26(4):1182-5.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Sharma M, Jacobson L, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Speech and
Speech Related Quality of Life after Late Palate Repair: A Patient's Perspective.
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Jul;26(5):1513-6.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Campbell A. Early surgical complications after primary lip
repair: a report of 3108 consecutive patients. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. Cleft Palate
Craniofac J 2014 Oct 6. Epub 2014 Oct 6.
Deshpande G, Campbell A, Restrepo C, Jagtap R, Dobie H, Keanan T, Sarma H. Early
Complications After Cleft Palate Repair: A Multivariate Statistical Analysis of 709
Consecutive Patients. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1614–1618.
Ramos M, Hackenberg B, Caterson EJ, Campbell A, Sharma H, Magee WP. A Cost-Effective Projection Model for Basic and Continuous Surgical Care in India. J Am Coll Surg. 2014 Oct; 212(4):e43.
Hackenberg B, Ramos M, Campbell A, Resch, Howaldt HP, Caterson EJ. Measuring and Comparing the Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical Care Delivery in Low-Resource Settings: Cleft Lip and Palate as a Model. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Jun;26(4):1121-5.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Surgical complications in 1408 primary cleft palate repairs operated at a single center in Guwahati, Assam, India. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2015 Feb 4. Epub 2015 Feb 4.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: A Model for Safety and Quality in the Developing World. Part I: Challenge and Commitment. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1674–1679.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: A Model for Safety and Quality in the Developing World. Part II: Program Development and Quality Care. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1680–1684.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: A Model for Safety and Quality in the Developing World. Part III: Impact and Sustainability. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1685–1689.
Nagengast E, Caterson EJ, Magee W, Hatcher K, Ramos M, Campbell A. Providing More Than Health Care: The Dynamics of Humanitarian Surgery efforts on the Micro-economy; Comparing a Comprehensive Cleft Care Center with Mission Model. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1622–1625.
Schonmeyr B, Restrepo C, Wendby L, Gillenwater J, Campbell A. Lessons Learned from Two Consecutive Cleft Missions and the Impact of Patient Education. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1610–1613.
Jensen L, Carrillo L, Wendby L, Dobie H, Das J, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Improving
Patient Follow Up in Developing Regions. J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1640–1644.
Nagengast E, Ramos M, Sarma H, Deshpande D, Hatcher K, Magee W, Campbell A.
Surgical Education Through Video Broadcasting: An Experience from Guwahati, India.
J Craniofac Surg 2014;25: 1619–1621.
Deshpande G., Campbell A., Jagtap R., Restrepo C., Midline Cleft of Upper Lip: Review
and Surgical Repair. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2014 Jul;67(7):1002-3.
Deshpande GS, Campbell A. Management of lateral lip element in rotation
advancement technique for cleft lip repair: Tips and tricks. J Cleft Lip Palate Craniofac
Anomal 2014;1:104-8
Campbell, A. Restrepo Lopez, C. Letter to the Editor, Reply. Medical Missions,
Surgical Education, and Capacity Building. Journal of the American College of
Surgeons. 2011 Oct. 213(4):573-74.
Campbell, A. Sullivan, M. Sherman, R. Magee, W. The Medical Mission and
Modern Cultural Competency Training. Journal of the American College of
Surgeons. 2011 Jan. 212(1):124-9.
Campbell A, Sherman R, Magee WP. The Role of Humanitarian Missions in
Modern Surgical Training. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010
Jul;126(1):295-302.
Carey JN, Kane J, Campbell CA, Askari M, Nguyen D, Urata M, Schooler W, Sherman
R. Incorporation of a Standardized Fresh Tissue Dissection Curriculum into
Plastic Surgery Education: An Old Solution to a New Problem. Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery. 2010 Oct;126():43,
Humanitarian Experience
India
Operation Smile Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center
Medical Director, Chief of Surgery, Director of Research and Outcomes
Guwahati, India (February 2011-February 2012)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Team Leader
Guwahati, India (November 2011)
Operation Smile, Field Medical Director
Guwahati, India (September 2011)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Team Leader
Guwahati, India (July 2011)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Team Leader
Guwahati, India (May 2011)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Team Leader
Guwahati, India (February 2011)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Kolkata, India (January 2011)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Guwahati, India (December 2010)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Resident
Guwahati, India (February 2010)
Colombia
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Cartagena, Colombia (October, 2017)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Cartagena, Colombia (September, 2016)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Barranquilla, Colombia (August, 2016)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Barranquilla, Colombia (May, 2015)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Bogotá, Colombia (June 2014)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Sincelejo, Colombia (November 2013)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Cartagena, Colombia (August 2013)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Rioacha, Colombia (July 2013)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Pasto, Colombia (November 2012)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Popayan, Colombia (August 2010)
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Santa Marta, Colombia (July 2010)
Nicaragua
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Team Leader
Managua, Nicaragua (May, 2015)
Dominican Republic
Operation Smile, Field Medical Director
La Romana, Dominican Republic (October 2014)
Brazil
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgeon
Fortaleza, Brazil (September 2010)
Democratic Congo
Operation Smile, Plastic Surgery Team Leader
Kinshasa, Democratic republic of Congo (July, 2015)
Egypt
Operation Smile Stryker Fellow, Plastic Surgery Resident
Alexandria, Egypt (April 2009)
Kenya
Operation Smile Regan Fellow Plastic Surgery Resident
Kisumu, Kenya (November 2007)
Kenya
Global Routes, Volunteer Teacher
Kakamega, Kenya (September-December 2000)
China
WorldTeach, Volunteer Teacher
Yantai, China (January-July 2000)
Presentations
Campbell A. Optimizing Outcomes in Cleft Care. Operation Smile Colombia 25th Anniversary Cleft Care Conference. Colombian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Aesthetic Surgery. Bogota, Colombia. June, 2019.
Campbell A. Scalable, Sustainable, and Cost Effective Surgical Care. Operation Smile Colombia 25th Anniversary Cleft Care Conference. Colombian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Aesthetic Surgery. Bogota, Colombia. June, 2019.
Campbell A. Optimizing Outcomes in Cleft Care. Operation Smile Global Centers Conference. Cartagena, Colombia. June, 2019.
Campbell A. Optimizing Outcomes in Cleft Care. Plastic Surgery Foundation President’s Panel on Global Healthcare. American Society of Plastic Surgery, The Meeting. Chicago, USA. October 2018.
Campbell A, Restrepo C. Travel for Surgery. The New York Times Travel Show. New York, USA. January 2017.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mongiello S, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B. Lyon M, Deshpande G, Validation of a Cleft Severity Index for Grading the Severity of Primary Unilateral Cleft Lip and Nose Deformities by Surgeons and Laypersons. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Tredway C, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B. Patzer R, Deshpande G. Validation of a Surgical Outcomes Evaluation Scale for Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair by Surgeons and Laypersons. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Nagengast E, Caterson EJ, Magee W, Hatcher K, Ramos M, Campbell A. Providing More Than Health Care: The Dynamics of Humanitarian Surgery efforts on the Micro-economy; Comparing a Comprehensive Cleft Care Center with Mission Model. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Hackenberg B, Ramos M, Campbell A, Resch, Howaldt HP, Caterson EJ. Measuring and Comparing the Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical Care Delivery in Low-Resource Settings: Cleft Lip and Palate as a Model. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Sinclair N, Capata M, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B, Park E, Campbell A. Optimizing the Treatment Algorithm for Combined Cleft Lip and Palate in the Developing World. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Deshpande G, Park E, Schonmeyr B. Improved Cleft Lip Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Campbell A. Restrepo C, Deshpande G, Park E, Schonmeyr B. . Improved Cleft Palate Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. 13th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Chennai, India. February, 2017.
Campbell A. Evidenced Based Recommendations for Improving Outcomes in Cleft Palate Surgery. Virginia Beach, Virginia. May, 2016.
Aznar M, Schonmeyr B, Echaniz G, Nebeker L, Wendby L, Campbell A. Role of Antimicrobials in Cleft Palate Surgery: Randomized, Prospective, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2015. Chicago, Illinois USA. October, 2015.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Deshpande G. Schonmeyr B. Sarma H. Improved Cleft Lip Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2015. Chicago, Illinois USA. October, 2015.
Aznar M, Schonmeyr B, Echaniz G, Nebeker L, Wendby L, Campbell A. Role of Antimicrobials in Cleft Palate Surgery: Randomized, Prospective, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Campbell A. Early Surgical Complications After Primary Lip Repair: A Report of 3108 Consecutive Patients. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015. Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Surgical Complications in 1408 Primary Cleft Palate Repairs Operated at a Single Center in Guwahati, Assam, India. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Sharma M, Raud-Westberg L, Jacobson L, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Limited Chances of Speech Improvement after Late Cleft Palate Repair. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mongiello S, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B. Lyon M, Deshpande G, Validation of a Cleft Severity Index for Grading the Severity of Primary Unilateral Cleft Lip and Nose Deformities by Surgeons and Laypersons. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Tredway C, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B. Patzer R, Deshpande G. Validation of a Surgical Outcomes Evaluation Scale for Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair by Surgeons and Laypersons. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Deshpande G. Schonmeyr B. Sarma H. Improved Cleft Lip Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Das J, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Breaking Down Barriers and Improving Access to Cleft Care in Developing Regions. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Gillenwater J, Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Deshpande G. Establishing Surgical Outcomes Research in the Developing World. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Rafique R, Campbell A, Restrepo C, Varma A, Rahman R, Malaakar D. Patient Mobilization in Developing Regions- Challenges and Opportunities. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Bora P, Echaniz G, Campbell A. Anesthesia Practices for Cleft Lip / Palate in a Developing Country: 10,000 Safe Surgeries in Assam. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Deshpande G, Campbell A, Restrepo C, Jagtap R, Dobie H, Keanan T, Sarma H. Early Complications After Cleft Palate Repair: A Multivariate Statistical Analysis of 709 Consecutive Patients. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Nagengast E, Caterson EJ, Magee W, Hatcher K, Ramos M, Campbell A. Providing More Than Health Care: The Dynamics of Humanitarian Surgery efforts on the Micro-economy; Comparing a Comprehensive Cleft Care Center with Mission Model. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Deshpande GS, Campbell A. Management of Lateral Lip Element in Rotation Advancement Technique for Cleft Lip Repair: Tips and Tricks. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Ayala R, Jones-Smith K, Bryant C, Scagos R, Campbell A. Architecting and Deploying an Electronic Health Record for Cleft Care in Low and Middle Income Countries. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Nagengast E, Ramos M, Sarma H, Deshpande D, Hatcher K, Magee W, Campbell A. Surgical Education Through Video Broadcasting. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Deshpande G, Jagtap R, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Midline Cleft of Upper Lip: Review and Surgical Repair. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Jensen L, Carrillo L, Wendby L, Dobie H, Das J, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Improving Patient Follow Up in Developing Regions. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015. Schonmeyr B, Restrepo C, Wendby L, Gillenwater J, Campbell A. Lessons Learned from Two Consecutive Cleft Missions and the Impact of Patient Education. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: A Model for Safety and Quality in the Developing World. 10 th European Craniofacial Congress. Gothenburg, Sweden. June, 2015
Aznar M, Schonmeyr B, Echaniz G, Nebeker L, Wendby L, Campbell A. Role of Antimicrobials in Cleft Palate Surgery: Randomized, Prospective, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: A Model for Safety and Quality in the Developing World. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Campbell A. Early Surgical Complications After Primary Lip Repair: A Report of 3108 Consecutive Patients. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Deshpande G. Schonmeyr B. Sarma H. Improved Cleft Lip Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Deshpande G, Schonmeyr B, Campbell A. The Electronic Tablet as a Teaching Tool for Marking Cleft Lip. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Nagengast E, Ramos M, Sarma H, Deshpande D, Hatcher K, Magee W, Campbell A. Surgical Education Through Video Broadcasting. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Deshpande GS, Campbell A. Management of Lateral Lip Element in Rotation Advancement Technique for left Lip Repair: Tips and Tricks. American Cleft Palate Association 72 nd Annual Meeting. Palm Springs, CA USA. April, 2015.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Cleft Palate Repair. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Restrepo C. Campbell, A. Best Practices in Cleft Care. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Unilateral Cleft Repair: An Algorithmic Approach. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Restrepo C. Campbell, A. Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Quality Surgery: Optimizing Outcomes in Cleft Care. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Restrepo C. Campbell, A. Transverse and Midline Facial Clefts. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Campbell, A. Restrepo C. Operation Smile Global Standards of Care. Operation Smile Central America & Caribbean Education Conference. La Romana, Dominican Republic. October, 2014.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Bora P. Best Practices in the Delivery of Surgical Care: Expanding the Culture of Safety. Operation Smile Cleft Centers and Global Standards Conference. Virginia Beach, USA. May, 2014.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Abraham, B. Quality by Design Improvement from Evaluation of our Health Care Services. Operation Smile Cleft Centers and Global Standards Conference. Virginia Beach, Virginia. May, 2014.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Abraham, B. Empowerment Within the Global Medical Community. Operation Smile Cleft Centers and Global Standards Conference. Virginia Beach, Virginia. May, 2014.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Jhawar R. Recognizing the Global Health Worker Need, Overcoming the Challenge. Operation Smile Cleft Centers and Global Standards Conference. Virginia Beach, Virginia. May, 2014.
Campbell, A. Improved Cleft Lip Outcomes at a Surgical Specialty Hospital in the Developing World. Faceoff 2014 International Surgical Symposium. Srinigar, India. April, 2014.
Sinclair N, Capata M, Schonmeyr B, Wendby L, Laub D, Campbell A. Percentage of Patients Returning for Cleft Palate Repair Following Cleft Lip Repair. American Cleft Palate Association 71 st Annual Meeting. Indianapolis, IN USA. March 2014
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: The Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C. Research and Outcomes in Developing Regions. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Gillenwater J, Jerome M, Allan A, Laub D. Anthropometic Measurements and Nutritional Assessment as a Predictor of Surgical Risk in Pediatric Cleft Lip Patients in Assam, India.
International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Rangnath J, DEshpande G, Sarma H, Campbell A. GC4: An Emerging Global Institute for Training in Comprehensive Cleft Surgery. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Schonmeyr B, Restrepo C, Wendby L, Gillenwater J, Campbell A. Lessons Learned from Two Consecutive Cleft Missions and the Impact of Patient Education. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Deodhar C, Porch J, Jagtap R, Deshpande G, Sarma H, Campbell A. Pre-Surgical Molding in Resource Constrained Settings for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Sinclair N, Capata M, Wendby L, Schonmeyr B, Campbell A. Analysis of Percentages of Patients Returning for Cleft Palate Repair Following Cleft Lip Repair. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Deshpande G, Jagtap R, Restrepo C, Campbell A. Midline Cleft of Upper Lip: Review and Surgical Repair. International Conference on Comprehensive Cleft Care. Guwahati, India. November, 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Mackay D, Sherman R, Varma A, Ayala R, Sarma H, Deshpande G, Magee B. Scalable, Sustainable Cost Effective Surgical Care: The Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center. Congress of Surgery, Obstetrics, Trauma, and Anesthesia. Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. October,2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Deshpande G, Schoemann M, Magee W. The Role of Antibiotics in Cleft Lip Repair. 48 o Congresa Nacional de la Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Plastica, Reparadora, y Estetica (SECPRE). Arona, Tenerife, Espana. June, 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Sherman R, Magee W. Comprehensive Cleft Care in the Developing World: A Reproducible Model for Excellence and Sustainability. 12th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Orlando, Florida. May 2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Magee W. The Role of Antibiotics in Cleft Lip Repair. 12th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Orlando, Florida. May,2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Schoemann M, Jacobson L, Magee W. Tissue Adhesives and Cleft Lip Repair in the Developing World. 12th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Orlando, Florida. May 2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Magee W. Patient Education and Decreased Complications After Cleft Lip Repair. 12th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Orlando, Florida. May 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Gillenwater J, Jerome M, Allan A, Laub D. Anthropometric Measurements and Nutritional Assessment as a Predictor of Surgical Risk in Pediatric Cleft Lip Patients in Assam, India. 12th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. Orlando, Florida. May 2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Jacobson L, Magee W. The Role of Antibiotics in Cleft Lip Repair. Indocleftcon 2013. Nagpur, India. January, 2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Schoemann M, Jacobson L, Magee W. Tissue Adhesives and Cleft Lip Repair in the Developing World. Indocleftcon 2013. Nagpur, India. January, 2013.
Campbell A, Gillenwater J, Restrepo C, Jacobson L, Magee W. Patient Education and Decreased Complications After Cleft Lip Repair. Indocleftcon 2013. Nagpur, India. January, 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Gillenwater J, Jerome M, Allan, A. Cleft Lip Repair: Nutritional Assessment and Surgical Risk in Assam, India. Global Health & Innovations Conference, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. April 2012.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Gillenwater J, Jerome M, Allan A, Laub D. Anthropometric Measurements and Nutritional Assessment as a Predictor of Surgical Risk in Pediatric Cleft Lip Patients in Assam, India. Indocleftcon 2013. Nagpur, India. January, 2013.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Sherman R, Magee W. Comprehensive Cleft Care in the Developing World: A Reproducible Model for Excellence and Sustainability. American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons. 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS). New Orleans, Louisiana. October 2012.
Campbell A, Restrepo C, Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair – An Algorithmic Approach. Operation Smile Fellows Conference. Norfolk, VA. April 2012.
Restrepo C, Campbell A. Management of Nasal Deformity in Unliateral Cleft Lip. Operation Smile Fellows Conference. Norfolk, VA. April 2012.
Campbell, A. Restrepo, C. Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center – A New Paradigm in Care. Operation Smile Fellows Conference. Norfolk, VA. April 2012.
Campbell, A. Restrepo, C. Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care. Operation Smile Surgical Council. American Society of Plastic Surgery Conference. Denver, CO. September, 2011.
Campbell, A. Operation Smile Fellowships. Operation Smile Global Standards of Care Conference. Norfolk, Virginia. October, 2010.
Campbell, A. Infections of the Hand. University of Southern California Hand Surgery Grand Rounds. Los Angeles, California. May, 2010.
Campbell, A. Sherman, R. Magee, W. The Role of Humanitarian Missions in Modern Surgical Training. Global Health Education Consortium Conference. Cuernevaca, Mexico. April 2010.
Campbell, A. Sherman, R. Magee, W. The Role of Humanitarian Missions in Modern Surgical Training. Plastic Surgery Senior Residents Conference. Anaheim, California. January 2010.
Campbell, A. Sherman, R. Magee, W. The Role of Humanitarian Missions in Modern Surgical Training. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 2009 Bernard G. Sarnat, MD Lectureship. September 2009.
Campbell A. Anterior Palate Fistulae. Operation Smile International Fellows Meeting. Norfolk, Virginia. August, 2009.
Campbell, A. Wexler, A. Chest Wall Reconstruction. Kaiser Permanente Cardiothoracic Surgery Grand Rounds. Los Angeles, California. May, 2009.
Campbell, A. Sherman, R. The Role of Humanitarian Missions in Modern Surgical Training. Operation Smile World Summit. January 2009.
Campbell, A, Cohen, M, Raissi, S, Aronowitz, J, Kulber, D. Compartment Syndrome and Volkmann’s Contracture Following Radial Artery Harvest for Coronary Artery Bypass. California Society of Plastic Surgeons. Santa Barbara, 2008.
Campbell, A. Living in Los Angeles. University of Southern California Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Los Angeles, California. January 2008, January 2009, January 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about your journey with Premium Care Plastic Surgery.
Yes — Cartagena can be safe for plastic surgery, but safety depends on the system of care, not just the location.
Four critical factors determine safety:
1️⃣ Surgeon Credentials
Dr. Alex Campbell is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (Diplomate), which requires accredited U.S. residency training and rigorous national examinations. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
2️⃣ Accredited Surgical Facilities
Procedures are performed in credentialed facilities with anesthesia standards, monitoring protocols, and infection control processes comparable to North American benchmarks.
3️⃣ Proper Patient Selection
Not every patient is a candidate for combination surgery or international travel. Pre-operative screening includes medical history review, risk assessment, and surgical planning tailored to safety.
4️⃣ Structured Post-Operative Plan
Premium Care Plastic Surgery is designed specifically for international patients, including:
- Pre-arrival surgical coordination
- In-person post-operative monitoring in Cartagena
- Remote follow-up once patients return to the U.S. or Canada
Yes. Dr. Campbell is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), reflecting rigorous U.S. training, examination, and ongoing professional standards.
🔹1. Natural, Refined Results
Especially in:
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Mommy Makeover
- Post-Weight-Loss Body Contouring
Patients frequently describe results as balanced and age-appropriate rather than overdone.
🔹2. U.S. Training & Technical Precision
Dr. Campbell completed advanced training at the University of Southern California, contributing to the trust many American and Canadian patients feel when traveling abroad.
🔹3. Clear Communication
Structured virtual consultations set realistic expectations and outline surgical plans in detail before travel.
🔹4. Full-System Support
The concierge-style coordination at Premium Care Plastic Surgery reduces uncertainty associated with international surgery.
On review platforms such as RealSelf, patients frequently mention:
⊙ Safety and professionalism
⊙ Honest surgical recommendations
⊙ Strong post-operative support
⊙ Results that look natural in real life
You can begin with a virtual consultation. Share your goals, photos, and medical history, and our team will guide you through surgical options, timing, and travel planning.
We coordinate preoperative screening, detailed surgical planning, medical clearance, and structured postoperative monitoring. Patients receive clear preparation guidelines and recovery support tailored for travelers.
Many travelers choose combinations (like a mommy makeover) to optimize one recovery window. Dr. Campbell plans combinations conservatively based on safety, duration, and your medical profile.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed and whether multiple surgeries are combined.
“Functional recovery” refers to the point at which the patient can move independently, perform light daily activities, and safely travel or manage basic self-care. It does not represent complete healing or the final aesthetic outcome.
| Procedure | Typical Stay in Cartagena | Functional Recovery | Return to Light Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | 10–14 days | 7–14 days | 2–3 weeks |
| Mommy Makeover | 12–14 days. | 2–3 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
| Post-Weight-Loss Body Contouring | Approximately 14 days | 2–3 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
Recovery timelines are individualized based on:
Operative time
Combination
procedures
procedures
Medical history
Tissue quality
International follow-up is structured in three phases:
Phase 1 – Immediate Post-Return (Weeks 1–2)
- Scheduled video or phone consultation
- Incision review via photo submission
- Garment or drain management guidance if applicable
Phase 2 – Early Healing (Weeks 3–6)
- Swelling and mobility assessment
- Scar optimization guidance
- Activity progression recommendations
Phase 3 – Long-Term Monitoring (3–12 Months)
- Final outcome assessment
- Scar maturation support
- Additional aesthetic guidance if needed
Yes—Premium Care is known for concierge-style coordination, with recovery planning designed specifically for medical tourism patients.
Adjunctive therapies can enhance recovery and scar quality when medically appropriate.
✅
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Helps reduce swelling and improve comfort, especially after liposuction or abdominoplasty.
✅
Scar Management Protocols
- Silicone sheets or gel
- Pressure therapy
- Targeted injections if indicated
✅
Compression Garments
Essential after body contouring procedures for edema control and contour support.
✅
Early Mobilization Protocol
Encourages circulation and reduces thrombotic risk.