Dr. Miguel Alfaro

Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica: Trip Plan for International Patients

Planning plastic surgery in Costa Rica takes nine steps, from medical clearance to your pre-operative consultation. You need a valid passport, and you should not buy flights until Dr. Miguel Alfaro has given you medical clearance.

Your trip, step by step

  1. Send your information and receive test requirements, travel requirements and a surgery date.
  2. Check flight and lodging availability. Do not buy your ticket until Dr. Alfaro gives you clearance.
  3. Once cleared, book flights and a recovery retreat. Our office can help.
  4. Pack comfortable clothing, your usual medication, and your test results.
  5. Arrive in Costa Rica two days before surgery.
  6. Most recovery retreats include transport between the airport, the doctor’s office and the hospital, and meals, in the daily rate.
  7. Your pre-operative consultation takes place the day before surgery.
  8. Arrive at the hospital two hours before the procedure for admission and intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis.
  9. Most hospital, lodging and transport staff speak English.

Recovery lodging

Recovery retreats and small hotels offer special rates and include airport, doctor, hospital and follow-up transport. Options recommended by our office include Hotel Cuna del Angel (a boutique hotel with a spa and an on-site doctor for questions or check-ups), Hotel Terrazas de Golf, Villa Le Mas and Chetica Ranch. Several hotels are close to Hospital CIMA San José.

Complementary services

Many patients use recovery time for other care. Costa Rica Dental Design is a dental specialty clinic recommended by our office, and Med Spa Delicatè offers minimally invasive procedures and post-operative treatments to reduce swelling and inflammation. These are independent providers.

Why patients travel to Costa Rica

Dr. Alfaro operates at Hospital CIMA San José. Many facilities in Costa Rica are JCI-certified, English-speaking specialists are available, and many doctors trained in the United States. Our office offers a concierge service for medical tourism.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to travel to Costa Rica for surgery?

A valid passport, your test results, comfortable clothing and your usual medication.

When should I buy my flights?

After Dr. Alfaro gives you medical clearance. Do not buy tickets before.

How early should I arrive?

Two days before surgery. Your pre-operative consultation is the day before, and you arrive at the hospital two hours before the procedure.

Do recovery retreats include transport?

Most include airport, doctor’s office and hospital transport and meals in the daily rate.

Do hospital staff speak English?

Most hospital, lodging and transport staff speak English.

Next step

Request an evaluation with Dr. Alfaro through the contact page. Before surgery, read his pre- and post-operative recommendations and the trip plan for international patients.