Medically Reviewed By: Dr. David Warmflash (MD), Dr. Valentina Milani (MD)
Tummy Tuck In Costa Rica
Do you want to get rid of your excess and stubborn fat? But does it cost a fortune in your home country? Worry not! Tummy tuck in Costa Rica comes as your savior at 50-60% lower prices than the West. Interested? Let’s read further to know all the details!
Costa Rica: A Beautiful Destination
Cost of Tummy Tuck In Costa Rica
The cost of a tummy tuck in Costa Rica is 50% less than in the US or Canada. Here, the treatment prices begin from $3,050. On the other hand, the same costs $6,000 in the US and $8,000 in Canada.
You can end up saving 50-60% on your total cost! Here’s a cost comparison for the US, Canada, and Costa Rica.
| Procedure | Costa Rica | US | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Tummy Tuck | $3,050 | 6,000 | 8,000 |
| Tummy Tuck with Liposuction | $5,350 | 10,000 | 12,000 |
| Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck | $6,250 | 12,000 | 14,000 |
*These are estimated prices.
Why Choose Tummy Tuck In Costa Rica?
There are many reasons to choose cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica. Let’s look at them:
Affordable Option
- Tummy tuck in Costa Rica costs about 50-60% less than that in the US/Canada.
- The country offers great medical services at low rates due to its low cost of living.[1]
Travel Convenience
- The fastest way to reach Costa Rica is via flight.
- Costa Rica is easily accessible from the US and Canada.
- For instance, it only takes 3 hours from Miami (MIA) to San Jose (SJO).
Click here to learn more about how to reach Costa Rica.
Experienced Surgeon
- Our plastic surgeon in Costa Rica is qualified & reputed, with 29+ years of experience.
- He is nationally accredited and certified by the North American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
To learn more about our top cosmetic surgeon in Costa Rica, scroll down.
Best Surgeon for Tummy Tuck In Costa Rica
As a world-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Araya offers a wide range of procedures to suit your needs.
He aims to provide world-class services to both local and international patients.
Dr. Rodrigo Araya
Dr. Rodrigo Araya specializes in various cosmetic procedures, with a focus on facial rejuvenation. He is certified by:
- The North American Board of Plastic Surgeons
- The North American Board of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery
- The Mexican Board of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery
Education
Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Costa Rica.
Memberships
- Costa Rican Association of Plastic Surgeons
- Mexican Council of Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery
- Costa Rican Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is also known as abdominoplasty. It is performed to tighten loose abdominal muscles and remove fat & loose skin from the abdominal wall.[2]
The procedure helps you to get back in your shape. A tummy tuck can be further of various types:
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive version of abdominoplasty.
It is effective for people within their recommended weight range but has extra skin or fat under the belly especially after an important weight loss.
Source: Healthline[3]
Patients with low to medium subcutaneous fat and loosened abdominal muscles, mainly below the navel, should go for mini tummy tuck.[4]
Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
This is a combination of liposuction & tummy tuck, also called Liposuction Assisted Abdominoplasty (LAA).
Liposuction is a fat-removal procedure that involves a cannula and negative pressure to remove excessive fat.
-Dr Valentina Milani
It helps attain a better cosmetic effect on the belly & trunk as a body unit.[5]
As it results in both removal of fat and a more contoured appearance.
Did you know?
Patients who need pockets of fat removed along with saggy abdominal skin should go with LAA.[6]
Fleur de lis Abdominoplasty
Flower of the lily due to the incision's shape. It is used to tighten the abdominal skin both vertically and horizontally.
It uses a side-to-side and up-and-down incision between the belly button and pubic area.
Source: Very Well Health[7]
Did you know?
Patients with excess skin around the midsection and loose abdominal skin, often caused by huge weight loss, should go for fleur-de-lis tummy tuck.[8]
Are You a Candidate for Tummy Tuck In Costa Rica?
Let’s find out if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck or not.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Do not smoke
- Are in good health
- Have a BMI ≤30 kg/m²
- Are fully recovered from your prior pregnancies
- Have already lost some weight before the surgery
Source: ASPS[9], Healthline[10]
You may not be a good candidate for tummy tuck if you:
- Are a smoker
- Have a high BMI(>30 kg/m²)
- Might plan pregnancy in the future
- Have serious illnesses like heart disease or diabetes
- Have complications from previous abdominal surgery
Source: StatPearls[11], Mayo Clinic[12]
What Is the Difference Between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?
Tummy tuck and liposuction may seem like similar procedures. But there are some key differences between the two. Let’s have a look:
| Features | Tummy Tuck | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Removes excess fat and skin | Removes small fat deposits |
| Results | Is considered permanent | Fat deposits may appear |
| Recovery | A more serious operation | Carries little risk or recovery downtime |
| Areas Covered | Covers only abdomen | Covers hips, thighs, and stomach |
Source: Healthline[13]
How is Tummy Tuck in Costa Rica Performed?
Here's the complete procedure for tummy tuck in Costa Rica:
Pre-Op Preparations for Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Stop smoking
- Get your medical evaluation
- Adjust your current medications
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs & supplements
Source: ASPS[14]
The Procedure of Tummy Tuck in Costa Rica
A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:
You will be administered general anesthesia or IV sedation for a painless procedure.
A horizontal incision will be made between the pubic hairline and the belly button.
A second incision may be needed around the navel to remove the upper abdominal skin.
After the incisions are made, excess skin in the upper abdomen is removed.
The excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is sutured together.
A new belly button opening is created, popped through, and sutured into position.
Your surgeon will close all the incisions with sutures, adhesives, tapes, or clips after excess skin removal.
Source: American Society[15]
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Although women are the largest population that requests abdominoplasty, this procedure is addressed and available for all genders.
-Dr Valentina Milani
Treatment Timeline for Tummy Tuck in Costa Rica
Now, you will wonder how long your surgery or stay will last.
Here's table depicting the treatment durations of your tummy tuck in Costa Rica:
| Procedure | Surgery Time | Hospital Stay | Hotel Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Tummy Tuck | 1-2 hours[16] | Not needed | 3-7 days |
| Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck | 3-5 hours[17] | Not needed | 6-7 days |
| Tummy Tuck with Liposuction | 4-5 hours[18] | 1 night | 6-7 days |
Recovery After Tummy Tuck in Costa Rica
The recovery time for a tummy tuck is about 4 to 6 weeks.[19] However, it may vary from person to person and the procedure chosen.
Post-Op Care for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Post-surgery care also plays a huge role in the process of recovery after tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy Tuck: Post-Surgery Care
Is Tummy Tuck In Costa Rica Safe?
Costa Rica ranked 38th in the Global Peace Index 2022 out of 163 countries and is 1st in Latin America.[20] The surgeries are usually as fast, safe and comfortable as in North America but at low costs.[21]
The doctors here are skilled, bilingual and hospitals are well-equipped with the latest technology like:
- MRI, CT Scan
- 24-hour Pharmacy
- X-ray & Ultrasound
- Full-service Laboratory
Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its amazing natural wonders and rich biodiversity.
It's home to some of the world's most beautiful rainforests, beaches & mountains.
Source: Nomads[22]
Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
How to Reach Costa Rica?
There are frequent flights connecting the US and Canadian cities directly to Costa Rica.
Check out the flights from various US and Canadian city airports to San Jose airport (SJC):
| US City | Flight Duration | Canada City | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (MIA) | 3 hours | Toronto (YYZ) | 5.5 hours |
| Houston (IAH) | 3.5 hours | Montreal (YUL) | 6 hours |
| Dallas (DFW) | 4 hours | Ottawa (YOW) | 7 hours |
| New York (JFK) | 5.5 hours | Vancouver (YVR) | 7.5 hours |
Documents Needed To Enter Costa Rica
- A valid passport.
- A return ticket to exit Costa Rica.
- Proof of funds of at least US$100 per month for a stay in the country.
- Visa (US/Canadian citizens don't need it for a visit of up to 90 days).
Source: Costa Rica Embassy[23] [24]
Travel Tips for Tourists
- Always exercise caution.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep an eye on your belongings.
- Do not flash expensive items or jewelry.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Source: Travel.state.gov[25]
Places To Visit in Costa Rica
Video Courtesy: James B
Here are some famous tourist attractions in Costa Rica. that you can visit during your trip.
Jaco
It is the closest beachside to San Jose[26], full of shops, hotels & restaurants. Jaco has two beaches, Playa Herradura and Playa Blanca, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
You can also visit the nearby national parks and waterfalls.
Sunset View in Jaco
Jaco Beachside
La Paz Waterfall Park
This is an exciting attraction for the whole family. It includes five waterfalls, rainforests, and various flora and fauna.[27]
It offers a great experience of some of the natural wonders of Costa Rica, all in one place.
La Paz Waterfall
Couple Enjoying in La Paz
Manuel Antonio National Park
It is known for its serene beaches, vibrant wildlife, and lush greenery. You can also take a guided tour and explore the natural bliss of the place.
Manuel Antonio Beachside
Capuchin Monkey in Manuel Antonio
Apart from these beautiful locations, you can also enjoy the delicious cuisines & cocktails of Costa Rica.
Casado
Patacones
Gallo Pinto
- Tipping in Puerto Rico is very much similar to the US.
- You can tip the waiters and bartenders 15-20% of the total bill.
Jaguar Colado
Guaro
Coco Loco
FAQs
Tummy tuck results can last long if you maintain a stable weight & follow a healthy lifestyle.
This includes:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Discontinuing smoking
- Refraining from excess alcohol
- Participating in regular physical exercise
Source: StatPearls[28]
Tummy tuck in Costa Rica is not painful as you are administered with anesthesia. However, you can experience mild to moderate pain for a few days after the surgery.
You might feel fatigued, swollen, and sore, although this will slowly improve. You are advised to focus on rest and healing during this time.
Source: American Society[29]
After a tummy tuck, you must sleep in a flexed (semi-fowler) position for 2 weeks. This will help to avoid straining on the incision and lowers the risk of scarring.
Source: NCBI[30]
Conclusion
Tummy tuck in Costa Rica can be a great solution to remove your unwanted fat! Not only will it help to regain your confidence, but it will also improve your quality of life.
So, what are you waiting for?
References
1. Living Cost- Costa Rica vs United States
2. ScienceDirect- Clinical outcome of patients undergoing abdominoplasty
3. Healthline- Everything You Want to Know About a Mini Tummy Tuck
4. PRS - Global- A New Surgical Approach to Body Contouring
5. Very Well Health- Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips
6. Health Tuition- What Is a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck?
7. ASPS- Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
8. Healthline- Does Abdominoplasty Surgery Benefit Your Health?
9. StatPearls- Abdominoplasty
10. Mayo Clinic- Tummy tuck
11. Healthline- Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
12. ASPS- How should I prepare for a tummy tuck?
13. American Society- What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure?
14. WebMD- Tummy Tuck
15. NCBI- Liposuction Assisted Abdominoplasty
16. NHS- Tummy tuck
17. International Living- Safety in Costa Rica
18. Costa Rica Information- Medical Tourism & Cosmetic Surgery
19. Nomads- 25 Things Costa Rica Is Known And Famous For
20. Costa Rica Embassy- Permits, Visas
21. Travel.state.gov- Costa Rica Travel Advisory
22. US News- Jaco
23. Culture Trip- Must-Visit Attractions in Costa Rica
24. ASPS- Five things to consider before getting a tummy tuck
