Your Complete Guide to Plastic Surgery in Panama

Question 1

How much does liposuction cost in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Liposuction in Costa Rica ranges from $1,500 to $7,500 based on the number of areas and technique. Single areas (e.g., arms or hips) start around $1,500, while Lipo 360 typically costs $4,500–$7,500—about 50–70% less than common U.S. prices ($4,711–$12,000+).

Question 2

Are Costa Rican surgeons qualified to perform liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leading surgeons are board-certified, licensed by the Costa Rican College of Doctors and Surgeons, and often trained at renowned institutions (e.g., Cornell, Baylor). They operate in JCI-accredited hospitals such as CIMA San José, Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital La Católica.

Question 3

What’s included in a liposuction package in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Packages usually cover the surgeon’s fee, facility costs, anesthesia, and limited immediate aftercare. Budget separately for flights, lodging, medical tourism insurance, pre-op tests, and post-op medications. Recovery retreats with lymphatic drainage are optional but recommended.

Question 4

How long should I stay in Costa Rica after liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Plan 7–10 days for a single area with flight clearance at 10–12 days. Multiple areas usually need 10–14 days, and Lipo 360 or combo surgeries require 14–21 days. Airlines and surgeons generally recommend waiting at least 10–12 days before flying to reduce clot risk.

Question 5

Is it safe to get liposuction in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

When performed by board-certified surgeons in JCI-accredited facilities, liposuction is considered safe, with complication rates reported below 1% at accredited hospitals. Purchase medical tourism insurance, as standard policies rarely cover elective care abroad, and legal recourse can be limited across jurisdictions.

Question 6

Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It’s commonly combined with tummy tucks (Mommy Makeover), BBLs, or breast surgery. However, combining procedures increases anesthesia and infection risks. Responsible surgeons cap operating time at ~4–6 hours and limit fat removal to about 5 liters per session for safety.

Question 7

When will I see my final liposuction results?

Accepted Answer

Expect early changes at 2–3 weeks (about 20–30% visible). By weeks 3–4, you’ll see roughly 50–60%. Most improvement appears at months 2–3 (80–90%), with final results around 6 months once swelling resolves. Results last if you maintain weight within 10–15 lb of your post-op weight.

Question 8

Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica for liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe typically don’t need a visa for stays up to 180 days. Bring a valid passport (ideally with 6 months’ validity), proof of funds, a return ticket, and a clinic appointment letter.

Question 9

What payment methods are accepted in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. dollar is widely used alongside the Costa Rican colón. Most clinics require full payment before or at surgery; some offer payment plans. You can pay via savings, credit cards (mind international fees), personal loans, or third-party medical tourism financing.

Question 10

What is the best time of year for liposuction in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny, low-humidity conditions ideal for recovery and compression wear. The green season (May–August and November) is manageable with brief afternoon showers. Avoid September–October’s heavy rains and higher humidity when mobility can be limited.

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