Surgical Safety in Costa Rica – CEC European Center for Surgery
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your procedure
Who we are
The European Center for Surgery (CEC) was founded in 1976 and is today the largest center for plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery in Latin America. Based in San José, CEC is the country’s first specialized private center, with a team of board-certified plastic surgeons in Costa Rica..
Over its 50-year history, it has treated more than 69,000 patients and welcomes plastic surgeons from around the world each month, who visit its facilities in Costa Rica to train in cutting-edge techniques.
At CEC, success is measured by low complication rates, calm and reassured patients, and long-lasting results. The practice is built on standards, structure, and technique. This is safe plastic surgery in Costa Rica. This is responsibility.
International Quality and Safety Standards
CEC is recognized as the largest center of excellence in Latin America for plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery and operates under the same quality and surgical safety standards as the leading clinics in the United States and Europe:
- Qualifications and certifications of the surgical team
- Design and equipment of the operating rooms
- Sterilization and infection control protocols
- Emergency procedures and access to advanced care
- Continuous training of the staff
Additionally, our center holds accreditation from the Costa Rican Chamber of Health and AMECPRE.
Safety Framework
The Safety Triangle
At our clinic, we rely on these three pillars to empower you to make the safest decision for your well-being, always providing you with complete information about each procedure and offering you the best team of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeons, as well as certified professionals.
Safety does not depend solely on who performs the surgery, but also on the environment in which it is performed.
Why Choose an Accredited Center
In today’s context, where the availability of aesthetic procedures has become widespread, the difference between a safe clinic and one that is not may not be visible at first glance. Accreditation and medical certifications exist to make that difference objective and verifiable.
What Distinguishes an Accredited Center
The Safety Process:
Before, During, and After
Surgical safety does not begin in the operating room. At CEC, the safety protocol encompasses all stages of the process: from the initial consultation to postoperative follow-up.
Preoperative Evaluation
Each patient receives a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes:
- Complete medical history
- Laboratory tests and imaging studies when appropriate
- Assessment of individual risks (cardiovascular, metabolic, anesthetic)
- Evaluation of the patient’s expectations and psychological status
- Determination of surgical candidacy: there are procedures that are not recommended if the patient is not an appropriate candidate
Informed Consent
Informed consent at CEC is not merely a form to be signed: it is a process of active communication. The patient receives detailed information about:
- The procedure step by step
- The specific risks of the procedure and anesthesia
- Expected results and their limitations
- The recovery process and postoperative care
- The recommended questions that every patient has the right to ask
Questions Every Patient Should Ask Before Their Surgery
CEC encourages its patients to be active participants in their process. These are the questions that a safe clinic is always willing to answer:
- Does the surgeon hold a current certification in their specialty?
- Is the clinic accredited by an internationally recognized organization?
- Is this procedure the most appropriate for my specific case?
- What happens if a complication occurs during or after the surgery?
- Is there a protocol for access to a referral hospital?
- Is the anesthesiologist a board-certified specialist physician?
During the Procedure
Multidisciplinary Team
Each surgical procedure at CEC involves a coordinated team:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with active certification
- Specialist anesthesiologist providing continuous monitoring
- Certified surgical scrub nurse
Active Operating Room Protocols
- Verification of patient identity and surgical site prior to incision
- Continuous perioperative monitoring of vital signs
- Sterilization and infection control protocols throughout the entire environment
- Active communication among the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff throughout the procedure
After the Procedure
Postoperative Care
Recovery is part of the safety protocol, not a separate stage. CEC establishes:
- Dedicated and supervised recovery area
- Medical discharge only when the patient meets established clinical criteria
- Clear and personalized postoperative instructions
- Access to direct contact with the medical team for any questions or warning signs
Follow-up and Quality Control
- Scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Recording of complication rates as an indicator of surgical quality
- Continuous evaluation of outcomes as part of quality improvement programs
Risks and Transparency
A clinic committed to safety does not conceal risks: it explains them. Every surgery, even when elective, carries risks that the patient must understand before making a decision.
Health Risks (Common to All Surgeries)
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Intraoperative or postoperative bleeding
- Thrombus formation or thromboembolic events
- Scar-related reactions
Outcome Risks (Specific to Aesthetic Surgery)
- Asymmetry or results that do not match the patient’s expectations
- Need for revision or corrective procedures
- Changes in sensation in the treated area
- Scars that are more visible than expected
CEC operates under the principle that each procedure must be appropriate for the patient. In some cases, surgeons recommend not proceeding with the requested procedure when it is not suitable for the clinical case or the patient’s expectations.
Frequently Asked
