A Lima HIFU trip is the ideal 4-day micro-vacation for anyone with a passport and a Friday off. HIFU has zero real downtime, the treatment is one hour, and the savings cover the trip.
This guide is the day-by-day plan we recommend for first-time HIFU patients flying down from the US — based on what's actually worked for Elyzea patients across the past several years. Includes pre-trip prep, day-by-day schedule, what to pack, restaurant suggestions, and what to do if something doesn't go to plan.
Pre-trip prep (1-2 weeks before)
Don't skip these:
- Free virtual consultation with Dra. Geldres — confirms candidacy, discusses goals
- Stop blood-thinning supplements 1 week before (fish oil, vitamin E, ibuprofen)
- Travel medical insurance ($30-80, e.g., World Nomads)
- Confirm passport validity (must be valid 6+ months past departure)
- Get ~$200 in soles on arrival from airport ATM
- Download Uber app if you don't have it (works reliably in Lima)
- Hotel near Elyzea (~10-15 min walk preferred). Hotel guide
Day 1 — Arrive (Thursday evening or Friday morning)
Land at LIM airport. Take official airport taxi (~US$25, 45 min) or Uber from the public-transport pickup zone (~US$15-20). Detailed transit guide.
Check into Miraflores hotel. Light dinner — avoid alcohol (keeps tomorrow's consultation clean) and very salty food (reduces post-treatment swelling).
Hydrate aggressively before sleep. Lima's coastal climate is dry; airline cabins are dry; you'll feel better tomorrow with proper hydration.
Day 2 — Consultation + treatment (Friday)
Morning: virtual or in-person consultation with Dra. Geldres (free). Reviews medical history, goals, and confirms HIFU is the right tool. Discusses depth selection and any combinations.
HIFU treatment immediately after if cleared (or scheduled for later same day). Total clinic time: ~2 hours including consultation. The treatment itself is ~45 minutes plus 15 min set-up + 15 min post-treatment instructions.
Mild flushing for 1–2 hours post-treatment, then social. Lunch in Miraflores (light, hydrating — soup or grilled fish; avoid acidic ceviche on day-of). Afternoon: walk Malecón cliff path, visit Larcomar shopping center, light browsing.
Evening: dinner at one of Miraflores' easier restaurants (La Lucha, Astrid y Gastón light option, or your hotel restaurant). No alcohol. Early sleep.
Day 3 — Recovery + Lima sightseeing (Saturday)
HIFU has no real recovery — you'll feel mildly tender on the jawline for 24 hours. Use SPF 50+ aggressively (Lima sun is strong year-round).
Day plan options:
- Centro Historico: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, lunch at Bar Cordano
- Culinary day: reservation at Central or Maido (book 4-8 weeks ahead), or walk-in at Mayta
- Barranco district: street art, MATE Museum, brunch at Isolina
- Beach day: Costa Verde walking, easy beach access from Miraflores
- Pachacamac ruins: half-day trip, ~30 min drive
Stay hydrated. Eat well. Continue SPF.
Day 4 — Depart (Sunday)
Morning: Barranco neighborhood (street art, MATE Museum), brunch at Isolina or Canta Rana. Walking around the bohemian district is recovery-friendly.
Pack and head to LIM for evening flight. Most US-bound flights depart 9 PM–midnight. Allow 90 minutes door-to-airport for traffic margin.
Snack at the airport (Lima airport has decent options). Boarding flight ~11 PM. Arrive home Monday morning. Most patients don't take Monday off.
What to pack
Essentials:
- Mineral SPF 50+ (broad-brim if you'll be outdoors)
- Sunglasses (Lima sun is strong year-round)
- Light layers — Miraflores is 65–75°F most of the year
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel-size moisturizer
- Acetaminophen (NOT ibuprofen — increases bruising)
- Phone charger + Type A/C plug adapter (Peru uses Type A and Type C)
- Reading book for flights
When NOT to do this trip
HIFU same-day flying is fine for most patients. Skip the trip if:- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
- Active facial surgery (under 6 months)
- Severe sun damage that needs treatment first (consider trip in winter)
- Active facial infection (cold sores)
- Major life event in the next 2 weeks (in case of unexpected swelling)
Free virtual consultation catches all of these before you book any flight.
Pairing HIFU with other treatments on the same trip
If you're flying down anyway, consider stacking. Most popular pairings:
- HIFU + lip filler: 1 day apart. Total cost: ~US$529 (vs. Miami: ~US$3,000-$4,500)
- HIFU + Morpheus8: 3 days apart (HIFU day 2, Morpheus8 day 4). Total cost: ~US$857. Need 5-day trip
- HIFU + Hollywood Peel: Hollywood Peel on departure morning. Total: ~US$457
- HIFU + IV vitamin therapy: IV on arrival day. Total: ~US$366
If something doesn't go to plan
Common situations:
- Flight delay arriving: not a problem. Reschedule consultation by 1 day; Elyzea is flexible
- Mild post-treatment redness extending into evening: normal. Cool compress, hydrate, light sleep
- Excessive swelling beyond 24 hours: message clinic. Usually resolves with anti-inflammatory and elevation
- Stomach upset from local food: stick to bland. Bring loperamide (Imodium) just in case
- Need to leave early: Elyzea schedules consultation + treatment on day 1 if needed for compressed timeline
Frequently asked questions
Can I treat HIFU on the same day I arrive?
Possible if you arrive morning and are well-rested. Most patients prefer day-2 treatment for energy.
What if I want a second HIFU session next year?
Annual maintenance is the typical cadence. Schedule next trip ~12 months later.
Can I work remotely from Miraflores?
Yes. WiFi is reliable. Many patients combine the trip with work-from-Lima.
Is Uber safer than taxis?
Both reliable in Miraflores. Uber slightly cheaper.
How much cash should I bring?
$200 USD or local equivalent for tips, casual food, small purchases. Cards accepted at most restaurants and hotels.
Will I have time for Cusco/Machu Picchu?
Not in 4 days. Plan 8-10 days if combining. Cusco pairing guide.
What if I want to extend the trip?
Easy. Lima has plenty of activities. Add 2-3 days for more sightseeing or Barranco art district immersion.
Bottom line
4 days is the right minimum for a HIFU-focused Lima trip. Total time off work: Friday + Monday morning. Treatment-to-departure window: 48+ hours. The trip math beats a single Miami HIFU session, with vacation included.