| Countries such as South
Africa and Brazil have recently been aggressively
promoting plastic surgery packages in global advertising
campaigns – combining surgery with exotic holidays
under slogans such as “surgeries and safaris.”
Whether or not this is a new trend in the tourism
industry, there is no reason why Costa Rica cannot
move towards this high-end brand of tourism even more
successfully than its competitors.
About ten years ago the medical health tourism
sector began to boom in Costa Rica, its promising
future directly linked to the professionalism of
the doctors. Moreover, flight expenses from the
US to Costa Rica are significantly lower compared
to those of South Africa or Brazil, and surgical
costs are quite compatible. In fact they are so
affordable that many Americans end up paying for
their airfare with the money they save from having
their surgery done in Costa Rica!
The Rosenstock Lieberman Center for Cosmetic Plastic
Surgery is one of the best-known clinics in all
of Costa Rica. Established twenty four years ago,
the clinic has four amazingly diversified and experienced
doctors, capable of conducting numerous types of
surgeries. Fully certified by the Costa Rican Ministry
of Health, the cost of each surgery is between 30%
and 40% less than what it would be in the United
States. Given that a standard facelift costs between
$2,800 – $3,200, it is no wonder that sixty
percent of the clinic’s patients come from
the United States, and that the center is receiving
more and more email inquiries about their services.
Dr. Rashi Rosenstock, of the center, studied under
the Brazilian doctor Ivo Pitanguy – one of
the premier plastic surgeons in the world. Today
Dr. Rosenstock is the only doctor in Costa Rica
who belongs to the American Society of Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery. In addition to being a member of
many other associations, the doctor also conducts
scientific research and develops new techniques,
which are taught primarily to American doctors under
the sponsorship of the American Academy of Cosmetic
Surgery.
His three colleagues also continue with their
specific scientific research and regularly publish
papers on new techniques and trends in the industry,
all-the-while specializing in surgeries as diversified
as liposuction-liposculpture, facial rejuvenation,
abdominoplasties, hair transplants, nasal surgeries,
as well as breast augmentation and reduction.
One of the most difficult questions to be answered
for those considering a surgical operation is: how
do I find a good surgeon? Dr. Rosenstock advises
patients to first visit: www.surgery.com, the official
web site of the American Association of Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery. It is important to check the credentials
of various doctors. “Then, you should always
ask previous patients about what the facilities
look like,” says Dr. Rosenstock.
Whereas accident-related surgery is typically
covered by insurance, many of the American patients
who visit the Rosenstock Center for Cosmetic Surgery
come for elective surgeries, such as facelifts.
Another important group are those patients who have
lost a lot of weight and then require multiple surgeries
in order to fix their sagging skin. According to
some, the most satisfied patients are those who
have already had cosmetic surgery elsewhere and
are impressed by the quality care and treatment
at the center.
The clinic often welcomes its patients at the
airport. It then takes them directly to the recovery
care house or hotel for one night. The surgery usually
takes place the next day. Depending upon the operation,
the patient will usually spend the night at the
clinic for observation. The following evening the
patient is again taken to the recovery place, where
he or she will spend anywhere from four to ten days.
However, if a patient desires a trip to the jungle
or the beach, it is best done before the surgery,
advises Dr. Rosenstock. Not only is the skin more
sensitive after surgery, but also patients are often
eager to get home to begin a new life.
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