Treatment Options AbroadCosta Rica is one of Latin America’s most trusted destinations for plastic and cosmetic surgery—combining board-certified surgeons, modern private hospitals, and wellness-focused recovery options with prices that are often 40–70% lower than in the U.S. or Canada. This in-depth guide covers what’s typically included in packages, common procedures and costs, how to choose a clinic, sample itineraries, safety essentials, and FAQs—so you can plan confidently.
Plastic surgery packages in Costa Rica typically range from about USD 2,000 to USD 9,000, depending on the type of procedure and inclusions. For example, common all-inclusive packages include: breast augmentation around USD 3,500–5,000, tummy tuck USD 4,000–6,500, liposuction USD 2,500–4,000, facelift USD 4,000–7,000, and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) USD 4,500–7,000. These packages often cover surgeon and hospital fees, anesthesia, post-op care, and sometimes accommodation and transport.
Why Costa Rica?
- High standards of care: Private surgical centers in San José, Escazú, and Santa Ana use modern operating suites, stringent sterilization protocols, and English-speaking care teams.
- Value without cutting corners: Competitive pricing stems from lower overhead—not from compromising on equipment or safety.
- Medical-tourism infrastructure: Many clinics bundle airport transfers, hotel partnerships, nursing support, and translators.
- Recovery-friendly setting: Mild climate, quiet boutique hotels, and experienced post-op caregivers (nurses/“recovery homes”).
Tip: Focus on the surgeon’s individual credentials and case results, not just a clinic brand.
What Do “Plastic Surgery Packages” Usually Include?
Most providers offer modular bundles. Expect some combination of:
Pre-Trip & Arrival
- Virtual consultation and surgical candidacy screening
- Medical clearance labs/prescriptions guidance
- Airport pickup and clinic/hotel transfers
Surgery & Hospital
- Surgeon and anesthesia fees
- Operating room and supplies
- Compression garments and post-op medications starter kit
- One night of hospital observation (varies by procedure/health status)
Recovery & Aftercare
- Follow-up appointments and dressing changes
- Lymphatic drainage massages (for lipo/tummy tuck, where indicated)
- On-call nurse or daily check-ins
- Recovery hotel or partnered accommodation (often 5–10 nights)
Concierge Services
- Bilingual patient coordinator
- Sim card or clinic WhatsApp line
- City errands, pharmacy runs, basic groceries starter pack
Typically Not Included
- International flights, travel insurance, additional meds, lab re-tests, extra hotel nights, complication management beyond standard policies, and elective add-ons (e.g., PRP, scar therapy).
Popular Procedures & Typical Package Ranges (USD)
Ranges vary by surgeon reputation, facility level, anesthesia time, BMI, and whether you bundle multiple procedures. Use as orientation, not a quote.
| Procedure (single-focus) | Typical Package Range* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation (implants) | $3,200 – $5,800 | Includes implants, OR, anesthesia, 1–2 follow-ups |
| Breast Lift (mastopexy) | $3,500 – $6,500 | Lift only; add implants increases cost |
| Breast Reduction | $3,800 – $6,800 | May include 1 night hospital |
| Rhinoplasty (nose) | $3,500 – $6,500 | Functional + aesthetic may cost more |
| Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) | $2,000 – $4,000 | Upper/lower varies |
| Facelift / Neck Lift | $5,500 – $9,500 | Technique and OR time drive range |
| Liposuction (1–2 areas) | $2,500 – $4,500 | More areas ↑ price |
| Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) | $4,500 – $7,800 | Includes garment; often 1 night in clinic |
| BBL (fat transfer) | $4,000 – $7,000 | Usually bundled with lipo 360 |
| Mommy Makeover (custom combo) | $7,500 – $12,500+ | Commonly BA/BL + tummy tuck + lipo |
| Gynecomastia Surgery | $2,800 – $4,500 | Lipo + gland excision as needed |
*Package ranges assume basic hotel/recovery support is included. Premium hotels, additional nights, or VIP nursing adjust totals.
Package Types You’ll See
- Essentials Package: Surgery + anesthesia + OR + standard post-op + limited hotel nights + transfers.
- Comfort Package: Adds more hotel nights, daily nursing check-ins, lymphatic massages (if indicated), and priority clinic transport.
- VIP Package: Boutique hotel/suite, extended nursing, private driver, nutritionist, extra therapies (e.g., scar care, LED), and flexible check-in/out.
How Bundling Lowers Costs
- Shared OR/Anesthesia time: Combining procedures (e.g., breast lift + augmentation) is more time-efficient than separate trips.
- Hotel partnerships: Clinics leverage negotiated “medical rates.”
- Streamlined logistics: One coordinator manages labs, transport, and follow-ups—saving time and add-on fees.
Safety first: There’s a limit to how much can be safely combined in one session (OR time, blood loss, positioning). Let the surgeon set safe boundaries.
Sample Itineraries
Single Procedure (e.g., Rhinoplasty)
- Day 0: Arrival, pre-op consult, labs, photos
- Day 1: Surgery, same-day discharge or 1 night observation
- Day 2–3: Clinic check, dressing care
- Day 5–7: Splint removal (if used), fly home when cleared
Body Contouring (e.g., Lipo 360 ± BBL)
- Day 0: Arrival, garment fitting, pre-op
- Day 1: Surgery, 1 night clinic
- Day 2–3: Nursing support, first gentle shower per instructions
- Day 4–7: Lymphatic massages (if prescribed), walking, pain control
- Day 8–10: Follow-up; fly home when cleared
Mommy Makeover
- Stay: 10–14 days recommended
- Milestones: Drain removal around days 3–7, garment adjustments, gradual mobility, wound checks before travel.
Selecting a Surgeon & Clinic: A Thorough Checklist
Credentials & Experience
- Board certification in plastic surgery (not merely “cosmetic surgeon”)
- Years in practice, case volume for your exact procedure(s)
- Hospital/surgical center accreditation and anesthesia team qualifications
Results
- Multiple consistent before/after sets with standardized lighting and angles
- Clear scar placement strategies and long-term results (6–12 months)
Safety & Policies
- Screening for BMI, smoking, anemia, and medical comorbidities
- Written complications policy (what’s covered, what isn’t, costs for returns to OR)
- VTE prevention protocols, infection control steps, antibiotic policy
- Max OR time rules and staged approach for larger transformations
Aftercare
- Daily check-ins initially; on-call access
- Clear instructions (garments, positioning, drain care, meds)
- Structured virtual follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12 months
Transparency
- Itemized package with inclusions/exclusions
- Realistic recovery timeline and time-off guidance
- Refund/reschedule terms and force-majeure policy
Recovery Hotels & “Nurse-Hosted” Homes
- What to expect: Adjustable beds or supportive pillows, step-free rooms, in-room meals, compression garment help, and daily vitals checks.
- Questions to ask: Nurse qualifications, overnight supervision, medication handling, infection control, transport to clinic.
Travel & Practicalities
- Airports: SJO (San José) is most common; LIR (Liberia) for beach recoveries.
- Visas: Many nationalities receive visa-free entry for short stays—confirm requirements before booking.
- Language: English widely spoken in private medical settings.
- Payments: Deposits secure surgery dates; balance due pre-op (card, bank transfer; ask about fees).
- Insurance: Standard travel insurance often excludes elective surgery; consider complication-only or medical-tourism add-on policies.
Preparing for Surgery (Timeline)
4–6 Weeks Before
- Complete virtual consults; share medical history
- Stop nicotine and limit alcohol; optimize sleep and iron (if anemic)
- Arrange time off work, child care, and pet care
2 Weeks Before
- Lab work and medical clearance
- Pause supplements/meds that increase bleeding, per surgeon
- Begin prehab: walking, protein-rich diet, hydration
Week of Travel
- Fill prescriptions (pain control, antibiotics if prescribed)
- Try on compression garments and loose clothing
- Pack: button-down tops, slip-on shoes, wedge pillow, meds list, phone charger, gauze, gentle cleanser, scar gel (if advised)
Recovery Milestones (Generalized)
- Days 1–3: Swelling/pressure, frequent short walks, hydration
- Days 4–7: Shower per instructions, garment adjustments, drain removal (if used)
- Weeks 2–3: Return to desk work (procedure-dependent), light cardio
- Weeks 4–6: Gradual return to normal activities; avoid heavy lifting until cleared
- Months 3–6: Swelling continues to resolve; scars maturing
- 12 Months: Final contouring and scar fade (silicone therapy, sunscreen)
Always follow your surgeon’s exact timeline.
Example “All-In” Cost Scenarios (Hypothetical)
- Rhinoplasty – Comfort Package: $4,800
- Includes: surgery, anesthesia, OR, 5 hotel nights, transfers, 2 follow-ups
- Tummy Tuck + Lipo Flanks – Comfort+: $7,200
- Includes: 1 night clinic, 8 hotel nights, garments, 2 lymphatic massages, nurse check-ins
- Mommy Makeover – VIP: $12,900
- Includes: BA (implants) + tummy tuck + lipo 360, 2 clinic nights, 10 hotel nights, private driver, daily nurse, extended follow-ups
Red Flags—When to Walk Away
- “One-size-fits-all” packages that ignore your BMI/comorbidities
- Guaranteed outcomes, extreme “same-day discount” pressure
- Minimal surgeon involvement; vague answers about accreditation
- Refusal to provide full complication policy in writing
- No realistic limits on combined procedures/OR time
FAQs
How far in advance should I book?
Popular surgeons fill calendars 1–3 months ahead; book early to match flights/hotels.
Can I bring a companion?
Yes; many recovery hotels have companion rates. If traveling solo, consider a package with nurse support.
Will I need drains or massages?
Depends on technique and surgeon preference. Your plan will specify drain care and whether lymphatic drainage is indicated.
What if a complication occurs?
Ask for the written policy. Some clinics offer discounted or covered returns to OR for early complications; others bill at cost. Separate complication insurance can help.
How do I compare quotes fairly?
Normalize for: surgeon time, facility level, anesthesia type, included hotel nights, nursing, garments/massages, and follow-ups. Cheaper isn’t better if it trims safety or aftercare.
Quick Comparison: Costa Rica vs. Home Country
- Care quality: Comparable in private centers
- Total cost: Often significantly lower (even after flights/hotel)
- Convenience: Requires travel and 7–14 days on site for safe follow-up
- Aftercare: Strong local ecosystem if you pick the right package
Bottom Line
Costa Rica’s plastic surgery packages can deliver excellent outcomes and a smooth experience—when you choose by surgeon, safety, and aftercare quality, not by headline price. Build a short-list, verify credentials, demand transparent, written inclusions, and plan enough time for recovery before flying home. Contact MyMediTour for more details.
