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Costa Rica has long been the destination for those in search of the “Fountain of Youth.” People from all over the world flock to Costa Rica for cosmetic surgery because prices are lower than in the U.S. for comparable procedures. Costa Rica’s surgeons are among the world’s best. Most of Costa Rica’s plastic surgeons are trained in the U.S. or Europe. They keep up-to-date on new trends and methods in their field and attend professional seminars regularly. Rates for different operations vary from doctor to doctor. You can combine several procedures to reduce the price substantially. There are even package prices that combine surgery, hotel and hospitalization.

In general, prices average 25 to 60 percent less than in the U.S., although the final cost is open to negotiation with the surgeon. The low cost of cosmetic surgery should not, however, be interpreted as a sacrifice of quality for affordability. The cost of a full-face lift is between $2000-$3,500 (add a few hundred dollars per day in the hospital to recuperate from the surgery); nose surgery around $2000; liposuction $800-$1,500; with a tummy tuck, $2,000 -$3,000, breast implant $2,500-$3,500 and eyelid surgery between $800-$1,500. Many doctors send their patients to special recovery houses for about $70 a day. Rates will vary from surgeon to surgeon.

The best plastic surgeons in Costa Rica and will be more than happy to send a brochure and answer any of your questions. For information about travel arrangements or cosmetic surgery vacations see: Unique Costa Rica Tours at www.costaricabooks.com/travel. You may a combine cosmetic surgery, dental work or language study vacation.

One quick word about cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica. There are a couple of doctors who advertise their services as cosmetic surgeons but have no specialized training in the field. Therefore to get the best results from your surgery, we suggest you do the following:

(1) Ask the U.S. Embassy for a list of certified plastic surgeons;

(2) Also check with the Colegio de Médicos (the local equivalent of the A.M.A.) to see if a particular doctor is trained as a plastic surgeon. All doctors in Costa Rica must be registered with the Costa Rica Doctor’s Association or Colegio de Médicos (Tel: 232-3433, Fax: 232-2406, E-mail: medicos@racsa.co.cr, www.medicos.sa.cr). Only registered plastic surgeons may advertise their services;

(3) Ask a local family doctor for a recommendation of a good plastic surgeon.

(4) Find out if they are pleased with the results of their surgery, talk with former patients of the doctor of your choice before you make a decision. Find out if they are pleased with the results of their surgery;

(5) Just because some cosmetic surgeons advertise in English publications doesn’t mean they offer the best quality or prices. Contact the Costa Rican Plastic Surgery Association (Tel:258-0396, Fax: 257-9413, E-mail: drmacaya@msn.com) for additional information.