Yes — when you choose the right team. Costa Rica has been a leading medical tourism destination for over two decades, with a healthcare system that consistently ranks among the best in Latin America. Our surgeons are board-certified, internationally trained, and work in accredited facilities with modern equipment and rigorous safety protocols. Many of our physicians completed residencies and fellowships in the U.S. and Europe. We vet every physician and facility with the same standards you'd expect from a top U.S. hospital. We also require comprehensive pre-screening to ensure every patient is a safe candidate for their chosen procedure.

While complications are rare, we plan for them thoroughly. All procedures are performed in facilities with full emergency capabilities, including anesthesiology teams and critical care access. Your surgeon is available throughout your recovery stay in Costa Rica, and our concierge team provides 24/7 contact. If a complication arises after you return home, we coordinate directly with your local physician and your Costa Rica surgeon to ensure continuity of care. We also provide detailed post-operative care instructions and a direct communication line to your medical team for the weeks and months following your procedure.

The recommended stay varies by procedure. For most plastic surgery procedures (tummy tuck, breast augmentation, mommy makeover), we recommend 7–10 days. For dental implants, the initial visit typically requires 5–7 days, with a potential return trip for final restorations depending on the treatment plan. Anti-aging consultations and treatments typically require 3–5 days. Your personalized treatment plan will include a specific recommended timeline, and our team will help you coordinate travel dates that align with your recovery needs.

Your care doesn't end when you board your flight home. We provide comprehensive post-operative instructions, and your surgeon remains available via telemedicine for follow-up consultations. For routine follow-ups, we can coordinate with physicians in your home city. If a return visit to Costa Rica is needed (which is uncommon for most procedures), our team assists with scheduling and logistics. For dental patients requiring staged procedures (like implants with delayed loading), return trip coordination is included in your package.

The cost difference is not about lower quality — it's about lower overhead. Costa Rica has significantly lower operating costs, malpractice insurance premiums, and administrative expenses compared to the U.S. and Canada. These savings are passed directly to patients. The implants, materials, and equipment used are the same premium brands (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Mentor, Allergan) used by leading surgeons worldwide. You're receiving the same quality of care at a fraction of the cost — not a lesser version of it.

Absolutely. We encourage it, especially for surgical procedures. We can arrange companion accommodations at your recovery residence, and your companion is welcome at all pre-op and post-op appointments. Many patients bring a spouse, partner, or friend and find that having support nearby makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Companion stays can be added to any package.

Everything. Your personal concierge coordinator manages: pre-trip medical document collection, appointment scheduling, airport pickup, accommodation check-in, all medical appointment transportation, dietary coordination, post-op check-in calls, pharmacy runs, and any special requests. They serve as your single point of contact and translator between you and every element of your medical journey. Think of it as having a knowledgeable, caring local friend who ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

A referral is not required to begin the process. However, for surgical procedures, we may request medical clearance from your primary care physician as part of our pre-screening process. This ensures that any underlying health conditions are identified and addressed before your procedure. We're happy to coordinate directly with your home doctor to obtain any necessary clearances, making the process as seamless as possible.

That's exactly what our initial consultation is for — and it's completely free. Share your goals, medical history, and any concerns through our secure intake form. Our medical team reviews your case and provides an honest assessment of whether you're a good candidate, what results you can realistically expect, and what the best treatment approach would be. If we determine that a procedure isn't appropriate for you, we will tell you directly. We never recommend procedures that aren't in a patient's best interest.