UNIBE – Centro de Medicina y Cirugía Estética (Clínica UNIBE)

3.6 stars ·

Clínica UNIBE in San José is a specialized medical and cosmetic surgery center that serves many international patients. It offers a wide range of procedures including facial and body plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments performed by board-certified surgeons.

60%
Satisfaction Rate
1997
Established

Our Treatments

Cosmetic Surgery

$2,000 - $8,000

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures

94.0% success

Facelift

$3,500 - $7,500

Facial rejuvenation surgery

93.0% success
2-4 weeks
2-5 hours
  • Recovery: 2-4 weeks
  • Duration: 2-5 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

$2,500 - $5,500

Surgical reshaping of the nose

93.0% success
1-2 weeks
1-3 hours
  • Recovery: 1-2 weeks
  • Duration: 1-3 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Liposuction

$1,800 - $5,000

Fat removal procedure

95.0% success
1-3 weeks
1-4 hours
  • Recovery: 1-3 weeks
  • Duration: 1-4 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Breast Augmentation

$2,800 - $6,000

Breast enhancement surgery

96.0% success
2-6 weeks
1-3 hours
  • Recovery: 2-6 weeks
  • Duration: 1-3 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Tummy Tuck

$2,800 - $6,500

Abdominal contouring surgery

94.0% success
3-6 weeks
2-5 hours
  • Recovery: 3-6 weeks
  • Duration: 2-5 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Skin & Aesthetics

$150 - $1,500

Skin health and aesthetic treatments

92.0% success

Botox & Fillers

$180 - $900

Injectable cosmetic treatments

95.0% success
None to 1 day
15-30 minutes
  • Recovery: None to 1 day
  • Duration: 15-30 minutes
  • Anesthesia: topical

Customer Reviews

3.6

Based on 5 reviews

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"From the initial phone conversations with Brenda, to arriving at the parking lot with security personnel, and then at the hospital with Carla, we received attentive and clear information. The reception staff were very kind and helpful. I needed to have several medical tests done: an abdominal ultrasound, a stool test, and a gastroscopy. In each examination room, the doctors and staff treated me with great kindness and professionalism. The results of each test were received immediately. There is ample parking, the facilities are spacious, and the attention to hygiene is evident in every corner. Everyone at this hospital is fully committed to making your stay as comfortable as possible. At one point in my life, I was a driver for a healthcare institution, so I know what I'm talking about. Now, being on the other side, I can see the excellent treatment this hospital provides its patients. I conclude by thanking everyone who assisted me that day, and the least I can do is take this opportunity to recommend this hospital without hesitation."

Alonso Loaiza
· July 9, 2026

"Today, May 4, 2026, I had an appointment at the UNIBE Clinic in Tibás at 6:30 p.m. I arrived 10 minutes early, but their new "automatic" system for accessing the waiting area made me wait 20 minutes, even though there was absolutely no one there. After paying and having my vital signs taken, I waited over an hour and a half to be seen by the doctor. I wasn't the only one: at least four other people were in the same situation. When I inquired at reception, the response was rude, lacking empathy, and clearly annoyed: "The doctor is dealing with an emergency," adding that another doctor would be there to help, but the wait remained unresolved. During that time, several patients in the waiting room were also expressing complaints about the poor service and treatment they received from the nursing staff. It is unacceptable to experience this level of disorganization, disrespect, and terrible customer service at a private center that claims to offer high-quality care. Emergencies can happen, but that doesn't excuse poor communication, a lack of empathy, or rude treatment of patients who pay for efficient and professional service. UNIBE Tibás Clinic: this kind of terrible experience must be corrected. Patients deserve respect, clear information, and humane treatment."

Johanna Marchena
· July 9, 2026

"My sincerest thanks to the entire team at Unibe Hospital for the care, attention, and professionalism they showed my son and me during such a difficult time. I want to give special recognition to Dr. Randall Quesada, the pediatrician, who instilled confidence and peace of mind in us from the very beginning. His dedication, empathy, and constant attention were fundamental in making us feel safe throughout his hospitalization. I would also like to thank the pulmonary physiotherapist, whose name I unfortunately don't recall, for her tremendous professionalism, patience, and compassion in caring for my son. Her work was essential to his recovery. As a parent, there is nothing more important than feeling that your child is in the best hands. Thanks to the entire team at Unibe Hospital, and especially to Dr. Randall and the pulmonary physiotherapist, I was able to feel that peace of mind at all times. Thank you so much for your compassion, dedication, and excellent care. We will always be grateful."

Gabriel Pimenta
· July 9, 2026

"Excellent care"

Valery Chaves
· July 9, 2026

"I’m providing a unbiased and true experience of my most recent hospital visit at UNIBE in Costa Rica. I travel frequently to Costa Rica and had the most pleasant and professional experience on two previous occasions while be admitted to the hospital for long term stays from the doctors to the staff members this is why I chose to return. Unfortunately my most recent experience was negative to say the least from my initial checkin to being discharged as I was appalled with the treatment and level of service provided. The intake personal have absolutely no business being placed into these positions as they lack the customer service skills interacting with the public as it appeared they are unhappy providing even the most basic questions to the patient. Upon being released from my procedure the doctor or not even a staff members took a minute of there time to discuss my diagnosis or even medications if required in person. I was just given a piece of paper which I had so many questions as I was unfamiliar with the medications required and diagnosis provided. I have been acclimated in other hospitals throughout the world upon completing a procedure the doctor or staff member would meet you in person afterwards and discuss there findings also any medications if required even if it’s a minute or two unfortunately this didn’t happen. That particular weekend I had been enduring many unpleasant symptoms as I drove two hours to visit the hospital thinking I would have a positive interaction unfortunately this didn’t become to fruition as I was deeply disappointed. I then asked the admitting personal upon being discharged if I can discuss my results with the doctor or any staff member they said I would need to set an appointment with the doctor and pay additional fees for another date. I was beyond disappointed and infuriated as I would need to return another day to drive another 4 hours in total. Once again the behavior displayed by the admitting personal was unacceptable and discourteous. This will be my last time visiting this establishment as the level of service provided was unacceptable especially of a paying patient. I recommend future travelers or foreigners utilize other hospitals in the area which hopefully would have more of a bedside manner when someone is ill and can conduct themselves in a professional manner."

Siegfried Lutz
· July 9, 2026

A Step-by-Step Guide

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Post-Treatment Care: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery Process

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Why Choose San Jose, Costa Rica?

Discover the perfect destination for your medical journey

Top dental and cosmetic surgery destination for North Americans. Short flight from US cities. American-trained dentists and surgeons. Costs 40-60% less than US. Biodiversity-rich recovery environment.

74

Destination Score

70%
Savings vs. US Prices
2
JCI Accredited
#1
global rank
70,000+
patients/year
67
Healthcare & Safety
70
Safety
77
Cost & Value
75
Travel & Getting There
65
Internet Speed
89
Climate
92
Climate & Environment

Healthcare & Safety

System Quality Excellent
Hospitals 3+
JCI Accredited 2 facilities
Emergency Services Good
Pharmacies 24/7 widely available
Safety Rating High
Insurance International insurance widely accepted at private hospitals like CIMA and Clínica Bíblica, with direct billing options for many providers

Travel & Getting There

Airport Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Distance to City 20 km (~30 min)
English Level Moderate
Public Transit Moderate
Taxis & Rideshare Taxis and rideshares like Uber widely available, especially in San Jose and Escazu; reliable for airport transfers and city travel

US/Canada/EU/UK/Australia: visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities: check Costa Rican consulate.

Cost & Value

Daily Budget $50
Hotel (mid-range) $120/night
Restaurant Meal $15
Daily Transport $20
Currency Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
Tipping Tipping 10% at restaurants if service not included; optional for taxis and hotels
Savings vs. US Prices
dental
70%
cosmetic surgery
70%
cardiac
65%
orthopedic
60%
fertility
55%

Climate & Environment

Average 20.3°C · Tropical monsoon

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Green bars = comfortable range (18-28°C)

Best Time to Visit December to April
Air Quality (AQI) 42
Water Quality Bottled recommended
Internet Speed 50 Mbps
Mobile Network Good 4G/LTE

Medical Tourism Hub

#1 global rank 70,000+ patients/year Excellent recovery environment
DentalCosmetic SurgeryOrthopedicCardiovascularFertilityOphthalmicBariatric
Government-backed program
Patient rights protection

Clinic Location

While Your Companion Recovers

Historical tours (National Theater, Gold Museum)
Nature excursions (nearby volcanoes, parks)
Shopping districts (Multiplaza Escazu)
Wellness retreats

Practical Information

Languages Spoken

Spanish
English

Business Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Ready to Plan Your Trip to UNIBE – Centro de Medicina y Cirugía Estética (Clínica UNIBE)?

Get in touch with us today to discuss your treatment options and plan your medical journey.

This clinic speaks: Spanish, English

UNIBE – Centro de Medicina y Cirugía Estética (Clínica UNIBE) typically responds within 24 hours. For urgent inquiries, please contact them directly.

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