The Ultimate Guide to Liposuction in Costa Rica

Last fact-check: 24 October 2019

If you've tried tirelessly to get rid of stubborn bulges of fat unsuccessfully with diet and exercise, liposuction in Costa Rica could be just the solution you're looking for.

With liposuction, you can get that toned body you desire, with the added benefit of improved self-confidence. This procedure is most commonly used to target the hips, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, but can also be used on other areas of the body, including the face.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

To be a good candidate for liposuction, you should be in good overall health and of an overage weight. It should be noted that liposuction should not be used as a substitute for weight loss. If you plan to lose significant amounts of weight, you'll need to do so prior to undergoing liposuction. We previously mentioned that diet and exercise doesn't always shift stubborn pockets of fat, and that's true, but being in a calorie deficit over a prolonged period of time will enable you to lose a significant amount of weight, or at least enough to qualify you for liposuction. 

Your physician may examine your skin to ensure it is firm and elastic enough to provide optimal results. You should be willing to commit to an exercise plan and healthy eating following liposuction in order to maintain your results. Depending on the desired goals, some patients may choose to have liposuction performed in conjunction with a facelift or tummy tuck.

Why Should You Have Liposuction Performed in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has become recognized for its excellent healthcare system in the last few years, including well-trained doctors and clinics with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Costa Rica not only offers exceptional healthcare facilities and low costs, but also incredible biodiversity and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Prior to your procedure, you can take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of Costa Rica's most renowned attractions, including Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park. If you're interested in saving money on the cost of liposuction while also getting some R&R in a warm and welcoming environment, then Costa Rica is a great solution.

Booking with Medical Departures

Prior to booking your procedure, you should research facilities to ensure you choose a clinic with a good reputation. We can help with this process at Medical Departures by providing a list of thoroughly researched clinics and surgeons specializing in liposuction. As part of our research process, we check qualifications and professional memberships, like the International Association of Plastic Surgeons. To avoid any surprises, we also perform criminal and legal checks.

Our vetting process also includes conducting interviews with patients who have had liposuction performed at that facility. To see how things are done first-hand, we visit the facility in person. Your safety and peace of mind are of utmost importance to us. Only when we are completely satisfied with our research do we include a clinic and surgeon on our list.

How Long Does Liposuction Take and What Is the Recovery Like?

Depending on the amount of fat to be removed, your procedure may take place in a surgery center or at a physician's office. Most patients are able to be released on the same day as having liposuction. Your physician may perform the procedure under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, based on the complexity of the procedure. First, your surgeon will make several small incisions. A suction device will then be inserted to remove fat. Your procedure time will vary based on the amount of fat removed.

Two common types of liposuction are used, namely ultrasound-guided liposuction and tumescent liposuction:

• Ultrasound-guided liposuction involves the use of ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat and remove it.
• Tumescent liposuction involves the use of a special solution that is injected into targeted areas, making fat removal easier.

The recovery period for liposuction is relatively short. Most people are able to be up and about within a few days and resume normal activities within two weeks of having liposuction. You should expect swelling, soreness, and bruising for several weeks after your procedure. It may be necessary to wear a compression garment for up to two months after the procedure to assist in controlling swelling.

What Is the Cost of Liposuction in Costa Rica Compared to the U.S. and Canada?

The average cost of liposuction in Costa Rica is $1,200 (EUR €1,090, AUD $1,613, GBP £843) compared to $6,000 (EUR €5,379, AUD $8,391, GBP £4,159) in the United States.

These prices are approximate; for up-to-date costs, photos, surgeon profiles and patient reviews, browse through these quality-checked clinics for liposuction in Costa Rica below:

• Pablo Solis
• Miguel Alfaro Dávila
• Clinica Unibe

What Now?

Find out more about our quality-checked medical clinics and their benefits.

Ready to book an appointment? See below for more information or speak to our Customer Care Team for more details about liposuction in Costa Rica.

Sources:

Frey, Malia. Calorie Deficit for Losing Weight. Very Well Fit. 23 July 2019.
https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-a-calorie-deficit-3495538" target="_blank

Costa Rica Has Excellent Healthcare. International Living. Website accessed: 24 October 2019.
https://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/health-care/" target="_blank

Parker, Jenn. 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Costa Rica. The Culture Trip. 28 June 2017.
https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/costa-rica/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank

Liposuction: What You Should Know. WebMD. Website accessed: 24 October 2019.
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction" target="_blank

Image by: Arturo Sotillo licensed under Creative Commons