Lip Reduction in Costa Rica

What you need to know about Lip Reduction in Costa Rica

Lip Reduction is considered a plastic / cosmetic surgery procedure that requires coordination between a plastic surgeon, anesthetist and other surgical medical staff. This type of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery procedure / treatment is relatively affordable, especially in Costa Rica. Mainly because the skill set and experience required by the specialist doesn't need to be as extensive as it may be for other procedures. For Lip Reduction, photos are required for the specialist to review prior to treatment.

As with all plastic surgeries, recovery varies from person to person and this is no different for Lip Reduction, where the immediate recovery post-op can take a few days before you're moving around again. You should anticipate an extended period of rest immediately following your surgery, during which time you should avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous exercising. After a week or so, you can expect to return to light activities, gradually breaking yourself in over the new few weeks and months. The plastic surgeon will provide you with a detailed post-operative aftercare plan, which should be closely followed. This may include exercises and stretches, a diet plan and advice on how to treat the wounds.

You will be required to stay in Costa Rica for around 10-14 days post-op. During this time you'll be required to visit the surgeon for a post-op checkup and have stitches removed. Once given the all clear, you'll be able to travel home, it's very rare for travel arrangements needing to be changed as the success rate for Lip Reduction is very high. This is mostly down to the more recent advances in medical technologies and surgical techniques, coupled with the extended experience of the plastic surgeons. However, the risk of complications is always there and these may include infection of the wound, bleeding, numbness and swelling around the wound and damaged scar tissue. To reduce the likelihood of such complications, all patients need to do is rest immediately after surgery and adhere to the surgeon's aftercare and recovery advice.

Lip Reduction in and around Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tiny country in Central America, bordered by Panama, Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. This country is generally regarded as having the most democratic and stable government of all the Central American countries. It charms its visitors with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, a plethora of wildlife, and steaming volcanoes. Besides its breathtaking landscape, Costa Rica is also famous for its healthcare. Tens of thousands of medical tourists come to this country to take advantage of its world-class yet inexpensive medical care. Most of the medical procedures in the country are 40% to 50% cheaper than in the United States or Europe. Cosmetic surgery and dentistry are the most sought-after procedure, but a growing number of foreign patients also come for orthopedic treatment, bariatric surgery, and eye surgery. 

Popular Parts of Costa Rica

Surrounded by volcanoes and green hills, San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, has one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This laid-back and pleasant capital is filled with colonial mansions that have been converted into contemporary galleries, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. The most popular attractions in this city are Museo de Jade, Teatro Nacional, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, and Mercado Central. Those who want to relax under the sun usually visit Tamarindo, which is famous for its beaches. Here, visitors can visit Las Baulas National Marine Park, go rafting in the Colorado River, or relax in Playa Tamarindo.

Weather and Climate in Costa Rica

Due to its close proximity to the Equator, Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: the dry “summer” season and rainy “winter” season. The dry season, from January to April, is warm and pleasant. Rain is very unlikely to fall during this season, even in the rainforests. The rainy season, sometimes called the “green season,” is hot and humid. Rain usually falls in the afternoon and evening, while the mornings are often sunny. On the Caribbean coast, rainfall is spread out throughout the year, but it gets far less rain in September and October.

Getting around in Costa Rica

Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main international airport in Costa Rica, located in San José. It has various flights to domestic and international destinations, including Toronto, Mexico, New York, and London. Affordable domestic flights between San José and popular destinations are the fastest way to get around and handy for accessing the more remote areas. Buses are reasonably priced and have an extensive network, but they can be slow. Private and shared shuttles are available, the best way to get around is, however, by renting a car as it gives more flexibility and allows you to access more remote destinations. 

Tourist Visas in Costa Rica

Everyone who wants to visit and stay in Costa Rica is required to have a passport unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. The visa-exempt countries include EU countries, the UK, the US, Australia, Russia, and several other nations. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Colón (CRC) is the national currency of Costa Rica. 1 USD is equivalent to 601 CRC. In some places, such as tourist areas, US dollars are accepted. 
2. Money & Payments: ATMs accepting foreign cards, particularly Visa, can be found in all major cities and small towns. Credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are all accepted in larger establishments. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 
3. Local Language: Costa Rican Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language in Costa Rica. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism is the official religion in Costa Rica, but the constitution provides for freedom of religion. Around 17% of the population is unaffiliated with any religions and around 3% follows either Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Neo-Paganism, or other religions. 
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Juan Santamaria Day, Guanacaste Day, Assumption, Mother’s Day, Independence Day, Day of the Cultures, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated public holidays in Costa Rica.