By Arnoldo Fournier M.D.

Within the American Continent, Costa Rican Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons, has been more and more recognized for their natural post-surgical results.

These surgeons, most likely, are fluent in more than two languages because they have earned the opportunity to study abroad for their post-medical graduate studies in cosmetic procedures.

For the last ten years, cosmetic tourism has increased significantly. One of the pioneers in this field is Arnoldo Fournier, M.D., F.A.C.S., Founder and Board Member of the Society of Plastic Surgeons in Costa Rica, Correspondent Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Aesthetic of Plastic Surgery. “When I came back to Costa Rica (more than twenty years ago) from St. Luke Hospital in New York, I was told by a former Plastic Surgeon, that cosmetic procedures were not in demand by Costa Ricans.”

As a result, this stubborn Surgeon decided that if he was not going to have Costa Rican clientele, he was going to open a market outside the borders of Costa Rica. He placed his first advertisement in the Tico Times (a national English Spoken newspaper) offering his services for Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery. As time went by, he also placed more advertisements in other well know magazines such as LACSA Magazine, Eastern Magazine, Skyword Magazine, Passages Magazines, etc. “I was the seventh Cosmetic Surgeon in the world who owned a website when the era of the internet began”.

The majority of his patients come from overseas, specially from the United States. Cosmetic Surgery Vacations have become more an more attractive, due to the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Most people come to Costa Rica, and tour around for one week, and then have their procedures done. Others, simply come for their procedure, relax during their post surgical recovery, and do day tours to nearby volcanoes, National Parks, etc. Costa Rica’s wonderful year round weather (75 F year round!), is an adequate place to recover. Its not to hot, and not to cold, and it has the humidity every skin desires.

One of the most attractive things about the Cosmetic Vacations, are their affordable costs, excellent quality surgery, and safety. “Within the U.S., you can find rates that vary from $10, 000 to $15,000. In Costa Rica, for the same procedures, I offer rates that are as high as $3,000 and lower”, says Dr. Fournier.

The Secretary of Health, yearly supervises several public and private hospitals in Costa Rica. They all need to have the appropriate, and updated equipment for the procedures performed at hospital’s operating rooms. A requirement for the patients is to have their pre-surgical medical exams results prior any procedure, and antibiotics. The procedures are done with local anesthesia and sedation to reduce the risk of general anesthesia. “This means, that the patients are given pills for sedation prior and during the procedures, and intravenous medication given by an anesthesiologist”. Therefore, the patients will not be aware or awake during the procedures.

His surgery team is lead by Dr. Fournier, and presided by his assistant, anesthesiologist, and two certified nurses. As time goes by, more an more patients call him and write him from around the world for his services. He is known for his personal care with every patient. “I do one to two procedures a day during the morning time. I perform all procedures”. Dr. Fournier, says that he likes to work first time in the morning because he feels fresh, clear and energetic for the procedures he performs. “It is better to do one or two procedures a day, than five or twenty supervised or half way done. As a result, I can explain the patient precisely know how the procedure will be or was done at the operating room”.

You will notice, that he personally answers all the emails and telephone calls he receives from his patients. He personally visits them at their hospital rooms, and accompanies them throughout their post-operatory period. Patients area asked to stay in San José for a few days at any Recovery Homes after their surgeries. During this time, he sets up appointments at his office several times a week, and revise the recovery in every patient.

Today, his best advertising is the “Word of Mouth”. His former patients “spread around” the good things of DR. Fournier whom has “The hands of an Surgeon, the eyes of an Artist, and the heart of a Friend”.

For more information you can visit his website at www.drfounier.com, E-mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call him at 011-506-223-7314.

To combine cosmetic surgery, dental work, or a language study vacation with Christopher Howard’s Retirement Tour call toll free 800 365-2342.