Universal Plastic Surgery Costa Rica | Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgery Center

Overview of Universal Plastic Surgery Costa Rica

Universal Plastic Surgery is a well-established cosmetic surgery clinic in Costa Rica, founded in 1981 with over 40 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. The practice is led by Dr. Carlos A. Centeno Ramírez and Dr. Madelein Centeno, both board-certified plastic surgeons who graduated from the University of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has emerged as one of the top 10 medical tourism destinations globally, particularly for cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, and orthopedic treatments. The country’s medical tourism market is valued at $344.3 million (2025) and is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2034, with over 20,000 medical tourists visiting annually — 90% of whom come from the United States and Canada.

Specialties and Services

Universal Plastic Surgery specializes in comprehensive cosmetic surgery procedures, including:

• Body Contouring: Tummy tucks, liposuction, and body lifts
• Facial Procedures: Rhinoplasty, facelifts, and eyelid surgery
• Breast Surgery: Augmentation, reduction, and lifts
• “Mommy Makeover”: Combined procedures tailored for post-pregnancy restoration
• Reconstructive Surgery: Restoration procedures for medical and aesthetic needs

The clinic emphasizes transformative aesthetic procedures with decades of surgical experience, positioning itself as one of the most established practices in Costa Rica’s medical tourism sector.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Standards

Costa Rica pioneered medical tourism in Central America and maintains high standards through JCI-accredited hospitals and strict safety protocols. The country offers significant cost advantages — U.S. patients typically save 40-60% on cosmetic surgery procedures compared to domestic prices.

Popular procedures for medical tourists include:

• Dentistry services: 42% of medical tourists
• Gynecological services: 22% of medical tourists
• Cosmetic surgery: 16% of medical tourists

Multiple plastic surgery clinics in Costa Rica perform surgeries at JCI-accredited hospitals such as CIMA Hospital and Clinica Biblica Hospital, ensuring international healthcare standards are met.

Accreditations and Credentials

Surgeon Qualifications

• Dr. Carlos A. Centeno Ramírez: Board-certified plastic surgeon, University of Costa Rica graduate
• Dr. Madelein Centeno: Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience
• Both surgeons have decades of practice in cosmetic surgery

Facility Accreditation Standards

While Universal Plastic Surgery describes its surgeons as board-certified with extensive experience, always verify:

• The specific hospital facilities where surgeries are performed (e.g., JCI-accredited hospitals)
• Current accreditation status through official registries
• Surgeon credentials with Costa Rican medical boards
• ACCPRE certification (Costa Rican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery)

Location and Accessibility

Universal Plastic Surgery operates in Costa Rica, a Central American destination easily accessible from North America. The country’s medical tourism infrastructure is well-developed, with English-speaking medical staff and established pathways for international patients.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Cosmetic Surgery

Costa Rica offers compelling advantages for medical tourists seeking cosmetic procedures:

• Cost Savings: 40-60% lower costs compared to U.S. prices without compromising quality
• Experienced Surgeons: Decades of experience in serving international patients
• JCI-Accredited Facilities: Access to internationally recognized hospital standards
• Proven Track Record: Established medical tourism destination with robust growth
• Geographic Proximity: Shorter travel times from the U.S. compared to Asian medical tourism hubs

How to Verify Universal Plastic Surgery

Before booking any procedure, follow these verification steps:

1. Confirm Hospital Accreditation

• Ask specifically which hospital facilities Universal Plastic Surgery uses for surgeries
• Verify the hospital’s JCI accreditation status through the official JCI directory
• Confirm accreditation is current and active

2. Verify Surgeon Credentials

• Request documentation of board certification
• Check credentials with the Costa Rican medical board or ACCPRE
• Confirm hospital privileges at accredited facilities

3. Request Detailed Documentation

• Obtain an itemized quote covering anesthesia, facility fees, surgeon fees, and aftercare
• Review before-and-after photos from actual patients
• Request references from recent patients, particularly those from your country

4. Clarify Aftercare Protocols

• Understand post-operative care and follow-up schedule
• Confirm emergency contact procedures
• Arrange for local follow-up care after returning home

Important Considerations

While Costa Rica has a strong reputation in medical tourism, as with any international medical procedure, consider:

• Travel Logistics: Factor in recovery time before traveling home
• Insurance Coverage: Check if your health insurance covers international procedures
• Communication: Ensure clear communication with your surgical team
• Emergency Plans: Understand protocols for complications

Related Resources

Explore these resources for more information:

• Popular cosmetic surgery procedures
• Costa Rica medical tourism destination guide
• Top cosmetic surgeons in Costa Rica
• How to choose a hospital for medical tourism

Important Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or an endorsement of Universal Plastic Surgery Costa Rica or any specific medical provider. Always verify current accreditation, credentials, services, and pricing directly with the facility and relevant medical regulatory authorities. Consult a qualified, licensed healthcare professional before making any medical treatment decisions. Medical tourism carries risks, including unpredictable results and potential safety concerns — perform thorough due diligence before proceeding.