Elective  Medicine includes any traditional or non-traditional medical treatment that a person chooses to undergo without any significant underlying medical reason, such as cosmetic surgery. For many years people have been coming to Costa Rica for elective procedures, especially for cosmetic surgeries performed by surgeons equally qualified to those found in the States, and for a considerable cost savings. Cosmetic surgery continues to become more and more popular.

For example, a poll of over 1,000 adults was conducted in the summer of 1997 on behalf of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). In response to the question “If you were to undergo facial plastic surgery, what procedure would you consider?” 23% said a facelift.

Overall, people between the ages of 45 and 54 were the most likely to say that they would consider having a facelift (29%).

The top five facial surgeries considered by those polled were facelifts (23% of all respondents), nasal surgeries (18%), skin resurfacing (17%), eyelid surgeries (9%), and liposuction (1%).

Dr. S. Randolph Waldman, a Lexington, Kentucky facial plastic surgeon and vice president of AAFPRS, believes the survey statistics reflect current trends. Waldman believes safer procedures, with quicker recovery times, have also pushed the plastic surgery boom. “Surgeries have improved because of better training and better anesthesia,” he said. “Generally, there are very few procedures where you can’t get back into a social situation within about two weeks.”

Thinking about an eye tuck, a face lift, or a collagen injection? “Check for the experience of the surgeon with the procedure you’re considering,” Waldman advises. “Experience is the best teacher. Not a piece of paper, but experience.” He says those considering facial plastic surgery should shop around before settling on a specific surgeon. If you can, consult with previous clientele as to their satisfaction with a specific surgeon’s work. The testimonials of former patients can provide insight into physician skill and long-term surgical results.

Costa Rica also boasts physicians who have left traditional medical practice to study alternative methods of treatment and healing. Popular disciplines are acupuncture and Naturopathic medicine. They have had exceptional successes with homeopathic weight control and in helping those plagued by chronic pain syndrome (CPS).

For the medically threatened obese person, physicians such as Dr. Manuel Piza and his clinic Servicios Medicos Saint Michel are trained and experienced to help regain control. Dr. Piza has been extremely successful in the medical and surgical treatment of obesity (people weighing at least 50 pounds over their suggested body wieght). With obesity being the second leading “secondary” cause of ill health (according to the CDC in Atlanta), Dr. Piza’s speciality is very important in today’s health care system.

While tried-and-true procedures are readily available, many newer treatments, i.e. deep laser peels and laser skin treatments, are also available and also delivered by well-trained, experienced cosmetic surgeons. As an example, the Laser Medical Center offers a wide variety of laser skin treatments, from complete facial resurfacing to the removal of tattoos and birthmarks. Using the most modern laser equipment, Dr. Carlos Vargas Scott (educated, trained and certified in the U.S.) has many years of successful experience with cosmetic lasers.

Below are some cost comparisons taken from price averages in the United States suggested by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). These comparisons are just that, comparisons. Actual costs of the cosmetic procedure will depend on the candidate and the surgeon. Note that the cost averages given for Costa Rica are all-inclusive while those for the U.S. are for the surgery only and do not include hospitalization, anesthesia, etc. In certain cases, e.g. breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, there is a very high probability that the procedure would be covered by health insurance.