Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that more than 1.6 million Americans had plastic surgery in 2011. This is less than .005% of the population. This statistic, however, only accounted for those receiving surgery within the United States. In addition to that figure, thousands of Americans have gone abroad to receive plastic surgery. As most insurance plans do not cover elective cosmetic surgery, Americans have to pay out of pocket to receive treatment. Previously, this meant that elective cosmetic surgery was exclusively for the upper class. Medical tourism has changed that and made cosmetic surgery more affordable for the average American. Costa Rica is a hot tourist destination for medical procedures including plastic surgery.

 

 

Reasons to get Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica

There are many reasons why Americans and other foreigners opt to get cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica. Some of those reasons include:

·         Affordability. The cost of most plastic surgeries in Costa Rica is far lower than it is in America. Traveling to Costa Rica can save a patient thousands of dollars, even after including the price of air tickets and stay.

·         Proximity. There are many medical tourism destinations around the world, but Costa Rica is a good option for Americans because it is only a short flight away from most major cities in the United States. 

·         Reliability. The presence of a large number of internationally-accredited hospitals has bolstered medical tourism in Costa Rica. This helps a patient verify the credibility of the hospital with ease.

·         Quality. These hospitals have well-educated doctors and nurses on staff who are ready to administer quality healthcare.

·         Hospitality. Because there is such an influx of foreigners receiving medical care in Costa Rica, most hospital and clinic staff are very understanding to your situation. They realize that you have traveled away from your home to receive medical treatment and they do everything they can to make you feel comfortable during your stay.

Traveling to Costa Rica for Plastic Surgery - Things to Know

If you plan on traveling to Costa Rica to receive plastic surgery, then you should know the following:

·         Costa Rica is a foreign country. Though this may sound obvious, far too many people take it for granted that because Costa Rica is close, it is very similar to the United States. Whenever you are in a foreign country, you should take extra precautions like:

o   Don’t walk around alone at night.

o   Even if you are with someone, don’t walk around in places with few or no people at night.

o   Take care of your belongings both on your person and in your hotel room.

o   Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

o   Don’t drink local water, as it may cause you to have stomach problems.

·         90 day entry. If you are traveling from America to Costa Rica, you will not need to apply for a visa ahead of time. Upon entry into Costa Rica, you will be allowed to stay for 90 days.

·         International airports. The best way to get to Costa Rica from the United States is by plane. You can fly into Juan Santamaria Airport or Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. Santamaria Airport is closer to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.

Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is much more than a country replete with serene nature, clean beaches, and more flora and fauna than one can imagine. Medical tourism in Costa Rica is also becoming popular with overseas patients, particularly from the US and Canada. The National Health Expenditure Fact Sheet released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reveals that Americans spend nearly $300 billion out of their own pocket on medical expenses annually. With figures like this, it is no surprise that Americans are seeking affordable alternatives in places such as Costa Rica.

Types of Medical Procedures Available in Costa Rica

Medical tourists go to Costa Rica for a variety of different medical procedures. Some of the more common procedures include:

·        Cosmetic Surgery. Buttock augmentation, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction are just a few types of cosmetic surgeries available in Costa Rica.

·        Bariatric Surgery. Costa Rica is a popular destination for weight loss surgeries such as lap band and gastric bypass surgery.

·        Dental Procedures. Implants, bridges, crowns, veneers, smile makeovers, and other dental procedures are about 50%-70% cheaper in Costa Rica than they are in the United States. Many Americans are getting dental work in Costa Rica.

 

Medical Standards in Costa Rica

One of the main concerns of any potential medical tourist is ensuring that he/she will get quality medical treatment abroad. Costa Rica is a hub for medical tourists not only for the huge savings incurred, but also because it has exceptionally high standards in the field of medicine. Medical tourists in Costa Rica will find:

·       Well-trained Doctors. Many doctors in Costa Rica have been educated in the West. They also continue to update their education by attending international conferences and meets. Many of them have years of experience of treating patients from as far as Europe and are hence, sensitive to the needs of the overseas patients.

·       Accredited Medical Facilities. As of March 2012, three hospitals in Costa Rica are accredited by the Joint Commission International. This is one of the most prestigious not-for-profit organizations assessing the quality of healthcare a medical facility provides. In addition to this, many other hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica are accredited by other agencies of repute.

·       Hospitals Catering Almost Exclusively to Westerners. Costa Rica also has a number of medical facilities with foreigners making up more than 90% of their total patients. So you won’t feel like a fish out of water when in Costa Rica for your treatment. Chances are that you might find someone from your home state getting treated at the same hospital or clinic where you will be undergoing your treatment. 

Medical Tourism in Costa Rica – Other Highlights

In addition to the aforementioned reasons, Costa Rica is a highly desirable medical tourism destination because of the following:

·         Cost Effectiveness. Even after factoring in travel expenses, getting a medical procedure done in Costa Rica as opposed to in the US will usually cost less.

·         Proximity. Costa Rica is just a short flight from most American cities. This makes the country a lot more accessible than other medical tourism destinations such as Thailand or India, which can be almost half a world away from your home country.

·         Vacation Destination. In addition to everything else, Costa Rica is a great place for a relaxing vacation. You may not have taken the time to travel to Costa Rica before, but it’s one place you shouldn’t miss – and what better reason than to save money on medical expenses?

The medical tourism industry is growing in Costa Rica. Over the next few years, more and more Americans are expected to travel to Central America for affordable, high quality treatments.

Fat Transfer in Costa Rica

Fat transfer is the process of using fat from one part of the body and putting it in another part of the body for aesthetic reasons. In the United States, this procedure can be costly and is rarely covered by medical insurance. That’s why more and more patients are opting for fat transfer in Costa Rica each year. With medical costs as much as 70% cheaper, patients will still save money even after factoring in the cost of travel from the United States to Costa Rica. 

Types of Fat Transfer Available in Costa Rica

There are a wide range of possibilities with fat transfer procedures. While many people will undergo fat grafting for aesthetic reasons like using their abdomen or thigh fat to fill in their face or using their stomach fat to give a rounder backside, fat transfers can also be used for actual medical necessities. The BBC reported that in 2009, a fat transfer was used to repair a man’s head after a great fall that left him in a coma. As the possibilities for fat transfer are endless, so are the types of fat transfer surgeries available in Costa Rica. Patients from the United States come for every kind of fat transfer that you can think of.

What to Expect When Traveling to Costa Rica for Fat Transfer?

Costa Rica is a hub for medical tourists of all kinds. While most medical tourists come from the United States, some do come from Europe and the Middle East. When you come to Costa Rica for a fat transfer, you should expect:

·         Quality healthcare at a much lower price. 

·         Experienced medical professionals, familiar with treating Americans and other foreigners

·         Clean medical facilities with the latest medical technology.

·         Scenic environment with beautiful beaches and unlimited amounts of flora and fauna.

Tips to Ensure the Best Medical Trip to Costa Rica Possible

When you decide to go to Costa Rica for fat transfer or for any other procedure, you should keep a few things in mind. This will ensure that you have the best possible trip.

·        Do your research. Any time that you go to a doctor for the first time, whether in the United States or in Costa Rica, you should research about him/her to make sure you know all of his/her qualifications. Also research about the clinic or medical facility where you will be treated.

·        Carry your medical history. When you go for a fat transfer in Costa Rica, you should carry your medical history, including any pharmaceutical allergies. This will help your doctor give you the best possible treatment.

·        Stay in a recommended hotel. Use online forums or ask the clinic to recommend a hotel. The last thing you need to worry about when in Costa Rica is having uncomfortable accommodation. There are a number of international hotels in Costa Rica for you to choose from. 

·        Don’t walk around alone at night. Just like when you travel in any foreign country, it’s not a good idea to walk around alone at night in Costa Rica. Being a foreigner always makes you an easy target. Though criminal activity is not particularly high, it is a good idea to eliminate any possible risk so that you can fully enjoy your experience getting a fat transfer in Costa Rica.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when you decide to get a fat transfer in Costa Rica. Hopefully, these will help you have a safe and wonderful time as a medical tourist in Costa Rica.  

Bariatric Surgery in Mexico

If you can’t afford going under the surgeon’s scalpel to obliterate obesity, you will be glad to know that bariatric surgery in Mexico costs only a fraction of the prices quoted for like procedures in the affluent countries of the world.

The need for bariatric surgery has increased exponentially with the ever-growing obesity epidemic in the United States as well as other countries. In 2011 alone, the obesity rates had increased in 28 states in America, according to research done by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health. With the rise in obesity, the need for bariatric surgery is more sought after, yet not everyone can afford the high prices in the United States. This is one of the main reasons that people who are more than 100 pounds overweight are seeking out bariatric surgery in Mexico.

Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

While saving up to 70% on bariatric surgery in Mexico is the number one factor because of which Americans cross the border for surgery, there are other reasons as well. Some of those reasons include:

·        Proximity to the United States. Many Americans have traveled to Mexico for a vacation. If they have not, they have at least been exposed to Mexican culture. This makes going abroad for surgery a much less foreign feeling.

·        Quality Healthcare. Americans are in search of quality healthcare and experienced bariatric surgeons, both of which are readily available in Mexico.

·        Technology. Doctors in Mexico use the latest technology and are constantly updating their methodology, making them on par with global standards.

Medical Facilities Catering To Westerners

Because of the influx of western tourists visiting Mexico for the sole purpose of undergoing medical treatment, many clinics have a 90-95% foreign clientele. Such clinics maintain international standards on everything, from hospitality to aftercare and everything in between. Many of these facilities are certified by an internationally recognized board. In these facilities you will find:

·         English-speaking doctors and staff

·         Many other foreigners to interact with

·         Clean and comfortable environment

·         Excellent hospitality

Is Bariatric Surgery in Mexico for Me?

In order to find out if bariatric surgery in Mexico is right for you, ideally you should consult a medical expert. In the meantime, you can ask yourself these questions in order to see if you might qualify:

·         Are you at least 100 pounds overweight?

·         Are you at risk of any co-morbid diseases?

·         Are you in good enough medical condition to travel the short distance to Mexico?

·         Does surgery abroad make financial sense for you?

·         Is your medical insurance failing to cover the surgery in the United States?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery in Mexico.

Medical Tourism in El Salvador

Medical tourism in El Salvador is a potential cure-all for those whose diminutive paychecks prevent them from seeking medical treatments in their home countries. Americans in particular can gain a lot by traveling to El Salvador for getting treated. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 700,000 Americans travel abroad for medical procedures every year. It’s no wonder, considering that according to the OECD Health Data 2011, the United States spent about 17.4% of its Gross Domestic Product on healthcare in 2009. And the prices of healthcare treatments keep on rising. People travel abroad to avoid these insurmountable costs while still getting quality healthcare. El Salvador has become a popular destination for American, European, and Middle Eastern medical tourists for a number of reasons. Here is an overview of what makes El Salvador a potential medical tourism Mecca.

 

El Salvador - Premier Medical Tourism Destination

There are a lot of reasons why overseas patients flock to El Salvador every year. Some of those reasons include:

•  Affordable Treatments. Medical tourists traveling to El Salvador can expect to save around 50% on the cost of surgery, depending on the procedure. This is the cost after adding in the travel expenses. Affordability of treatments is one of the biggest reasons that tourists go to El Salvador for medical treatment.

• Proximity and Familiarity. El Salvador is a part of Central America. This is quite close to the United States and it is very easy for Americans to travel there. Further, many Americans have already been exposed to the Latin American culture, so it is much easier for medical tourists to adjust to El Salvador than somewhere that might be more foreign.

• Use of State of the Art Technology. El Salvador has great medical facilities which offer state of the art technology for many procedures. Patients will receive healthcare that is on par with what they would receive in the West.

• El Salvadorian Hospitality. The people of El Salvador are naturally hospitable people. This is an important characteristic for someone traveling for a medical reason. Further, they are very exposed to western culture and easily fulfill all of the expectations of their western patients.

• Well Qualified Doctors. The doctors working in the reputable hospitals and clinics in El Salvador are highly educated. Many of them have been educated abroad and some of them work as visiting faculty or fellows at international medical schools. 

If you plan to go to El Salvador on a medical trip, then you will most likely spend a few extra days or weeks recovering. While you are there, you can explore the many heritage sites and natural wonders. There are many great restaurants that cater to almost any appetite.

 

Is a Medical Trip to El Salvador for Me?

If you are considering El Salvador for your medical tourism needs, then you might want to ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I in good enough shape to travel? Though the travel distance is short in comparison to many other medical tourism destinations, you should still be able to board a flight.

• Do I have a full understanding of my personal and family medical history? Whether abroad or in the US, it is important that you inform your doctor of any and all issues of medical history. This will help you avoid unnecessary complications later.

• Do I want to save money? Particularly if you have limited or no medical insurance, you may want to save money on medical expenses.

These are just a few things you should consider before making a decision to go to El Salvador for medical treatment. The number of medical tourists going to El Salvador is expected to grow over the times to come. Do your research and decide if you are going to be one of those medical tourists.

Brazilian Buttock Augmentation in Costa Rica

According to the University of North Florida, Costa Rica receives more than 30,000 medical tourists each year. Brazilian buttock augmentation in Costa Rica is one of the procedures that people travel to get in the Latin American country. Though it is not as common a cosmetic surgery as breast implants or rhinoplasty, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that the number of patients getting buttock augmentation increased by 141% between 2000 and 2010. More and more people are expected to get their behind augmented through surgery in Costa Rica for a number of reasons.

 

Why Get Brazilian Buttock Augmentation in Costa Rica?

There are many reasons why people get Brazilian buttock augmentation in Costa Rica. A few of those reasons include: 

• Low Price. The BBC reports that the average price of a Brazilian buttock augmentation in the West runs into five figures. This is extremely costly in comparison to the price of the surgery in Costa Rica. Patients save around 50% when they travel to Costa Rica for Brazilian buttock augmentation. 
• High Quality Healthcare. The quality of healthcare patients receive in Costa Rica is on par with that of the west. There are many accredited hospitals and state of the art medical centers in the country which apply the latest technology in treating their patients. 
• Competent Doctors. In addition to accredited hospitals, the country also has a number of highly educated doctors, many of whom have studied in the US and Europe. Many continue to participate in international forums to add on to their knowledge and expertise. 
• Chance to Vacation. If the high medical standards that one will find in Costa Rica aren’t enough, then the fact that the Latin American country is one of the most beautiful places on earth might be a major pull factor. With extensive flora and fauna, this country is rich in natural beauty. It has rolling hills, volcanoes, and untouched beaches.  
• Proximity. Costa Rica is fairly close to the United States, which makes it a good destination for undergoing cosmetic surgeries and medical treatments. Further, Costa Rica is rich in Latin American culture which many Americans have already been exposed to.

 

Is Brazilian Butt Lift in Costa Rica for You?

Before you decide whether or not to get Brazilian buttock augmentation in Costa Rica, you may want to consider the following: 

• Do You Have Realistic Expectations? While a Brazilian buttock augmentation will do wonders for your backside, you must also realize it cannot completely transform your behind into that of Jennifer Lopez’s. It will, however, be better than it was before. 
• Can You Travel? Costa Rica is a good medical tourism destination because it is not that far from the US. This makes it easy to travel to. Yet, you will still have to be on a flight for a couple of hours. You should be physically fit enough to board that flight. 

• Why Do You Want to Get the Surgery? If you want to get buttock augmentation because you are unsatisfied with your backside, then that is the right reason. If you want to get it because you continually find flaws in yourself, lack overall self esteem, or have anxiety about your body even when it’s perfectly fit, then you might want to think twice about traveling all the way to Costa Rica for Brazilian buttock augmentation.

Read Unbiased Cosmetic Surgery Reviews

The majority of clients who contact Medical Tourism Latin America are medical tourists who want to have cosmetic surgery. Tummy tucks, breast augmentation, nose jobs, and face lifts don’t seem to be taking a hit from the downturn in the economy! I just found a great website, RealSelf, which provides reviews of plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic treatments by real people. You can read about their experiences as well as learn what they paid, giving you a good idea how much you will save when you travel for surgery. The website also has a plethora of advice and information from US doctors about the many procedures available to improve your appearance and meet your cosmetic surgery goals.

I am posting my own, somewhat biased, comments on the site about medical travel for plastic surgery in response to posts from people who have had less than stellar experiences abroad. One point to remember… you get what you pay for! If a $2000 breast job in a Mexican border town sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Medical tourists should work with accredited hospitals to ensure commitment to patient safety. Using a medical travel service such as Medical Tourism Latin America saves you the time and energy of doing the research on your own, and it doesn't cost you a thing.
If you are considering plastic surgery, take a look at the RealSelf website to find out what others are saying. And contact Medical Tourism Latin America when you are ready to plan your trip!

Hospital International Patient Safety Goal: Patient Identification

On the Medical Tourism Latin America I frequently reference Joint Commission International (JCI), the top accrediting body for international hospitals. Blue Morpho works exclusively with hospitals that have either achieved this accreditation or are actively working toward it. You might ask what’s the big deal about accreditation? As you may know, almost all U.S. hospitals are accredited by the domestic arm of The Joint Commission. This stamp of approval is necessary for hospitals that bill Medicare and most private insurance companies.

JCI surveys all areas of hospital operations, and I think one of the most important things they have done in recent years is establish International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG’s), similar to the National Patient Safety Goals in the U.S. There are two reasons why I want medical tourists to know about the IPSG’s.

1. Planning travel to a foreign hospital for medical care can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Knowing that the hospital you will visit has shown dedication to patient safety through JCI accreditation and implementation of the IPSG’s offers reassurance.
2. Research shows that patients and their companions who are actively involved in the safety of their medical care actually DO receive the safest care. Education is the first step to becoming an active participant your care. (And this is true for anyone entering a hospital in the U.S. and abroad!)

Let’s start with the first goal: Identify Patients Correctly. The JCI standards manual states, “The intent of this goal is twofold: first, to reliably identify the individual as the person for whom the service or treatment is intended; second, to match the service or treatment to that individual.”

What this boils down to is that before providing any treatment to a patient, the nurse, doctor, lab tech, etc. must verify that you are indeed the person for whom the care is intended. This happens best through the use of two identifiers. The first is your name, and the second is most commonly date of birth; your room number should never be used. Generally you will be asked for this information, and your answers compared to the written documentation on the medical record, medication, lab order, etc. This simple step prevents errors. For instance, you may be in the room previously occupied by Mr. Smith, and it ensures you don’t get Mr. Smith’s medication rather than your own!

So what is the patient and companion’s role in this? First off, it is OK to remind the caregiver to verify your identification. You may even ask to see your name on the medication or treatment order to make sure it is intended for you. Answers to your questions will reassure you and make you feel safe while reminding your hospital caregiver that you want to be a part of your care. Rather than being off put or challenged by your questions, medical caregivers will appreciate the opportunity to reassure you that they are doing the right thing the right way. After all, medical professionals don’t want to make mistakes any more than you want them to.

Education about patient safety is in no way designed to frighten, nor is it uniquely targeted to medical tourists traveling outside of the U.S. for care. In my role as a U.S. hospital Patient Safety Officer, I always advised nurses to educate patients on the steps they take to ensure patient safety. Further, I encouraged patients never to hesitate to ask questions and always speak up if they had concerns.

I’ll cover more about patient safety in future posts. Feel free to leave a comment here on the blog. I am interested in knowing what you think.

More about Costa Rica: Recovery Accommodations for Medical Tourism

Medical tourists have many options for recovery accommodations in San Jose and surrounding areas, ranging from the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel to more budget-friendly B&B’s such as Costa Verde Inn. On my recent trip to Costa Rica I visited two hotels specifically designed for medical tourists that cater to patients recovering from surgery.

Las Cumbres Inn and Paradise Cosmetic Inn are both located in Escazu, a suburb of San Jose. The facilities are similar in many ways. Both are private, enclosed facilities with 24-hour security and are designed with recovery in mind. Three meals, transportation (two round-trips for airport and hospital), daily nursing care, internet access, and cable TV are included in the costs. The common areas have attractive and comfortable furnishings, and of course the gardens are lush.

Both facilities are surprisingly economical, ranging from $75 to $115 per night for a lone traveler to $115 to $185 for a patient and companion; rates include three meals a day for each guest. Costa Rica’s hotel tax is around 16%, so be sure to account for this in your budget. Interestingly, these hotels will accommodate two surgical guests in one room in case you and a buddy want to experience surgery together.

I expected that after visiting the two hotels I would make a recommendation based on my assessment. Frankly, I’m having trouble deciding which one I like best. My visits to each were unannounced, and the English-speaking staff gladly gave me a tour and explained services. I got the impression that in either hotel the staff will go the extra mile for guests.

In the end, if I was making a personal choice I would go with Las Cumbres. Las Cumbres is close to town, making taxi rides cheaper for easy access to outside shopping and restaurants. It also has large rooms, modern furnishings, and big TV’s. Nurses make daily rounds but are not on-site at all times; I was told medical assistance is available 24/7. Below is a photo of one of the common areas at Las Cumbres Inn; warm and cozy! Check out the studio-deluxe room at Las Cumbres as well. It is around $135 per night for a surgical guest and a companion.



























Paradise Cosmetic Inn has a beautiful panoramic view of San Jose and the Central Valley that is stunning at night. The owner, Raul, and head nurse, Rose, are outgoing and friendly. Paradise has a nurse on site 24 hours a day. The photo below shows the afternoon view from Paradise Cosmetic Inn; imagine it lit up at night.













If you are a medical tourist planning to travel alone, you must consider staying in a dedicated recovery hotel. Especially during the early post-operative days, it is important to ensure that you get care and attention from another human; you don’t want to go it alone! They will accommodate a travel companion as well and will likely make the trip easier for both of you.

Whatever your budget and personal preferences, Blue Morpho will help you make arrangements for post-op recovery accommodations. Get in touch with us any time to know more about Medical Tourism Latin America.

Stay tuned… next up in Blue Morpho’s medical tourism blog we’ll begin a discussion of what you need to know about the International Patient Safety Goals for hospitals.