Patient Death Ignites Urgent Warnings on Plastic Surgery Risks

San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The recent death of a woman following a cosmetic procedure has sent shockwaves through the community and ignited a critical conversation about patient safety in Costa Rica’s booming plastic surgery industry. The tragedy, which occurred after the patient paid a suspiciously low price of under ₡2 million for a comprehensive abdominoplasty and liposuction, is now serving as a grim case study on the lethal risks of cutting corners.

Medical experts are issuing urgent warnings to the public, emphasizing that the allure of a bargain can often mask a dangerous lack of safety protocols, unqualified personnel, and inadequate facilities. The incident has cast a spotlight on the critical red flags that prospective patients must identify before committing to any surgical procedure, transforming the desire for aesthetic enhancement into a matter of life and death.

To better understand the legal responsibilities and patient rights within the booming aesthetic medicine industry, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided critical insights for prospective patients.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, the patient’s primary legal safeguard is due diligence. This involves not only understanding the informed consent document as a binding contract but, crucially, verifying the surgeon’s credentials and specialty registration with the official Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos. These preliminary steps are fundamental in establishing a basis for legal recourse in the unfortunate event of medical malpractice or unsatisfactory results.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

This insight brilliantly frames due diligence not merely as a precaution, but as the foundational step in safeguarding one’s health and legal rights long before entering the operating room. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his essential legal perspective on this critical matter.

Dr. Mario Quesada, a specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, is leading the call for greater public awareness and due diligence. He stresses that the single most important step for any patient is to verify the surgeon’s credentials. A doctor’s presence on social media or a friend’s recommendation is not enough; official validation is paramount.

You must verify if the doctor who is going to treat you is registered with the College of Physicians as a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. If they are not registered with the College of Physicians, you should doubt them, because that implies the College of Physicians does not recognize that competence.
Mario Quesada, Specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

This verification process is straightforward and accessible to everyone. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica provides a free, public database on its website where anyone can search for a doctor by name or professional code. The search results provide crucial details, including their registered specialties and whether their incorporation is active, confirming they are legally permitted to practice.

Beyond the surgeon’s qualifications, the clinic itself requires intense scrutiny. Dr. Quesada warns that many facilities operate in a legal gray area, possessing permits for basic consultations but not for complex surgical interventions that require hospitalization capabilities and advanced life-support equipment. A clinic’s appearance can be deceiving, and a permit on the wall may not cover the procedure being offered.

If the place where you are going to have surgery is only suitable for consultations, do not get operated on there.
Mario Quesada, Specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Another significant warning sign is the price. While affordability is a major draw for medical tourism in Costa Rica, experts caution that prices that seem too good to be true almost always are. According to Quesada, some clinics offer deals and “2-for-1” promotions with prices so low they fail to cover the fundamental costs of patient safety, such as a certified anesthesiologist, a sterile operating room, and post-operative care.

According to the official registry of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, there are only 64 actively certified plastic surgeons in all of Costa Rica. As a further measure of verification, patients can check if a surgeon is a member of the Association of Medical Specialists in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (Amecpre), which includes 49 of the country’s certified specialists. Membership in this association indicates a deeper commitment to the field’s ethical and professional standards. In the wake of this tragedy, the message is clear: thorough research is not just advisable; it is a critical, non-negotiable step to safeguard one’s health and life.

For further information, visit medicos.cr
About The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica is the official governing body responsible for regulating the medical profession in the country. It oversees the licensing, certification, and ethical conduct of all physicians and surgeons, ensuring they meet the required standards to practice medicine. The organization maintains a public registry of all accredited specialists, serving as a primary resource for patients to verify the credentials of their healthcare providers.

For further information, visit amecpre.com
About The Association of Medical Specialists in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (Amecpre):
Amecpre is a professional association that brings together certified plastic surgeons in Costa Rica. The organization is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of patient care, safety, and ethics within the specialty. Membership is exclusive to physicians who have completed the rigorous training and certification required to be recognized as specialists in the field, providing an additional layer of assurance for the public.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has established its reputation on a foundation of unshakeable integrity and the pursuit of professional distinction. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive progress and pioneer new approaches in the legal field. Central to its mission is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and informed citizenry.