Universal Plastic Surgery

4.8 stars ·

Founded in 1981, this is one of Costa Rica's most prestigious plastic and reconstructive surgery clinics. Offers advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures with experienced surgeons trained in international institutions.

80%
Satisfaction Rate
1981
Established

Certifications & Accreditations

Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS))
American Society of Plastic Surgeons membership (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

Our Treatments

Facelift

Facial rejuvenation surgery

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

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Surgical reshaping of the nose

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

Botox & Fillers

Injectable cosmetic treatments

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

Liposuction

Fat removal procedure

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

Our Medical Team

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Dr. Carlos A. Centeno

Plastic, reconstructive, and micro-surgery

M.D.

40 years experience

Dr. Carlos A. Centeno is presented as the clinic's most experienced plastic surgeon in Costa Rica. The clinic says he has more than 40 years of plastic, reconstructive, and micro-surgery experience.

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Dr. Carlos A. Centeno, M.D.

Plastic, Reconstructive and Micro-Surgery

M.D., Board-certified

40 years experience

With more than 40 years of plastic, reconstructive and micro-surgery experience, there isn’t a more experienced plastic surgeon in Costa Rica.

D

Dr. Madelein Centeno, M.D.

Plastic Surgery, Super Micro Surgery

M.D., Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Board-certified

First Super Micro Surgeon in Costa Rica, specializing in advanced reconstructive and cosmetic surgery techniques.

D

Dr. Madelein Centeno R.

Plastic surgery and reconstructive/micro-surgery

M.D.; member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Madelein Centeno is presented as the clinic's first super micro surgeon in the country. The clinic says she specializes in super micro surgery, which it describes as the future of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

D

Dr. Madelein Centeno R., M.D.

Super Micro Surgery, Plastic Surgery

M.D., member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Super micro surgery is, without a doubt, the future of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Madelein Centeno, MD., member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, trained directly under world-renowned Dr. Isao Koshima at the Tokyo University Hospital, Japan.

Customer Reviews

4.6

Based on 5 reviews

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"The entire staff is amazing. They are patient, professional and equip you with everything you might need. They take the time to understand exactly what you want and deliver fantastic and safe results. I was checked on for the entire time I stayed with them, went home and even through the weeks of recovery. From the lady at the front desk to the doctor they are absolutely wonderful. Cannot recommend them more!"

Shy Pratt
· February 25, 2026

"Dra. Centeno and her staff are the epitome of medical professionalism! I came to Costa Rica for my procedure from Texas and I had some anxiety. The good people at Universal addressed my every concern and took fantastic care of me all the while treating me like family. I cannot praise them highly enough! I would recommend them without reservation."

John Bowden
· February 25, 2026

"Dra Madelein along with her father performed my abdominal plastic surgery and BBL liposuction fat transfer. She made me feel at ease from the moment we met. Her personal care and involvement from the moment she prayed with me prior to surgery to the continued attention 6 weeks after has just been amazing. Being in Costa Rica without family, I was concerned about aftercare, but the post surgery center was the option I chose to stay for 5 days until I felt comfortable going home. I have been treated so kind by all the nurses, the massage therapist and especially the receptionist. I am very happy with my results. I have never had a butt and now I actually have a butt. 🤣 And my stomach is snatched at 54 🥰!!! Thank Dra. Madelein 😘👏🏽❤️🙏🏽"

Vivian Johnson
· February 25, 2026

"A great experience! Very easy to communicate with from start to finish. Listened and understood my wants and desires for my body and gave me honest and professional opinions in order to accomplish them. Surgical procedure and aftercare was excellent. 10/10 recommend to all of my U.S. friends."

Amanda Delgado
· February 25, 2026

"Dra. Centeno and team are very professional. I had two procedures done on my eyes. Plasmage done under my eyes, and even though the reddish takes a while fully heal the results are very nice. At the same time Blepharoplasty was done, but the results were not as positive as expected. Small baggie area on the corner of an eye and light eye pain are some of the symptoms left after the procedure, done about four months ago."

Sofia Montoya
· February 25, 2026

A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Treatment Process

01

How to Prepare for Your Medical Journey with Vayby

Discover how Vayby simplifies your health/medical treatment plan ahead today.

02

Navigating Your Treatment Options with Confidence and Clarity

Explore various treatments tailored to your needs and preferences.

03

Post-Treatment Care: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery Process

Follow our guidelines for a successful recovery after your treatment.

Why Choose San José, Costa Rica?

Discover the perfect destination for your medical journey

Dental and wellness leader with accredited clinics. Eco-tourism recovery. Visa-free for West.

73

Destination Score

70%
Savings vs. US Prices
2
JCI Accredited
#1
global rank
70,000+
patients/year
66
Healthcare & Safety
65
Safety
71
Cost & Value
83
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 Widely available
Safety Rating Moderate-High
Insurance International insurance accepted at major private hospitals; most medical tourists use private sector facilities

Travel & Getting There

Airport Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Distance to City 17 km (~25 min)
English Level High
Public Transit Moderate
Taxis & Rideshare Widely available; rideshare services operational

EU/US/UK: Visa-free 90 days

Cost & Value

Daily Budget $85
Hotel (mid-range) $120/night
Restaurant Meal $15
Daily Transport $20
Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Tipping 10% tip customary in restaurants; optional for other services
Savings vs. US Prices
dental
60%
cosmetic surgery
70%
cardiac
65%
orthopedic
60%
fertility
55%
bariatric
50%

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 SurgeryBariatric SurgeryCardiacOrthopedicFertilityOphthalmic
Government-backed program
Patient rights protection

Clinic Location

While Your Companion Recovers

Historical tours (Teatro Nacional, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum)
Beach excursions (Pacific and Caribbean beaches)
National Parks and nature refuges
Shopping districts (Escazú, La Sabana)
Wellness and spa facilities

Practical Information

Languages Spoken

Spanish
English

Business Hours

Monday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Universal Plastic Surgery?

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

This clinic speaks: Spanish, English

Universal Plastic Surgery typically responds within 24 hours. For urgent inquiries, please contact them directly.

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