By San José, Costa Rica — A tragic death has cast a harsh spotlight on the cosmetic surgery industry in Costa Rica, exposing a critical shortage of certified specialists and prompting urgent warnings from the nation’s top medical authorities. The death of a 40-year-old woman, identified by her surname Torres, following an aesthetic procedure has triggered multiple investigations and revealed a dangerous gap between the demand for cosmetic treatments and the number of qualified professionals available to perform them safely.
The Association of Specialists in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (Amecpre) has raised the alarm, revealing that a mere 55 doctors in the entire country are properly certified in the field. This number stands in stark contrast to the growing number of aesthetic procedures being performed, often by physicians who lack the required specialized training. The situation underscores a significant public health risk for those seeking cosmetic enhancements without performing due diligence.
To delve into the legal responsibilities and patient rights associated with aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided critical insights for prospective patients.
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, the patient’s most powerful tool is the informed consent document. This is more than a waiver; it is a contract that must explicitly detail the procedure, all foreseeable risks, and the specific qualifications of the medical professional performing it. In Costa Rica, a failure to provide this detailed information or a negative outcome resulting from a practitioner operating outside their certified specialty can constitute medical malpractice and open the door to significant legal action.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical reminder that a patient’s empowerment begins not in the operating room, but with the diligent review of their informed consent document. It transforms the paperwork from a procedural hurdle into a fundamental tool for safety and accountability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this crucial aspect of medical law in Costa Rica.
We have 49 of those 55 specialists who are part of the organization and meet the training, accreditation, and professional control requirements demanded by the College of Physicians.
Ronald Pino, President of Amecpre
In the wake of Ms. Torres’s death, which is now under active investigation by the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), both Amecpre and the College of Physicians and Surgeons have intensified their calls for public caution. Ronald Pino, president of Amecpre, stressed the inherent dangers of these medical interventions when not handled by a true expert. The doctor involved in the fatal procedure, while a registered physician and surgeon, was not a certified specialist in plastic surgery—a critical distinction that authorities say is non-negotiable for complex operations.
It is fundamental to remember that surgeries are medical procedures that carry risks and require a professional and safe approach.
Ronald Pino, President of Amecpre
The College of Physicians and Surgeons has launched its own formal investigation into the case, acting on its mandate to uphold professional standards. Elliott Garita, the president of the College, affirmed the institution’s duty to intervene when potential breaches of the Code of Ethics occur. He explained that the investigation aims to determine professional responsibility and reinforce the safety protocols that protect patients from unqualified practitioners.
We have an ethical and legal obligation to act immediately when we become aware of a situation where a violation of the Code of Ethics may have occurred.
Elliott Garita, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
Garita further elaborated on the rigorous demands of modern medicine, emphasizing that a general medical degree is insufficient for performing specialized surgical procedures. The path to becoming a certified plastic surgeon involves years of dedicated, advanced training beyond general medicine, a fact often overlooked by patients attracted by misleading advertisements or lower prices.
Modern medicine is highly complex. It is not enough to be a physician and surgeon to perform any procedure. Each specialty involves additional years of rigorous training.
Elliott Garita, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
This incident is not an isolated one. Data from the College of Physicians reveals that 22 official complaints related to aesthetic procedures were filed in 2025 alone, indicating a persistent pattern of transgressions. To combat this trend, both organizations are urging the public to take proactive steps before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. Citizens can and should verify a doctor’s credentials through the College’s official public registry at www.medicos.cr. Key recommendations include confirming the clinic is licensed by the Ministry of Health, demanding a thorough medical evaluation that outlines all risks, being skeptical of unusually low prices, and insisting on clear, written documentation about the procedure and its potential complications.
For further information, visit cirugiaplasticacostarica.com
About Asociación de Médicos Especialistas en Cirugía Plástica, Reconstructiva y Estética (Amecpre):
The Association of Specialists in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery is the primary professional body representing certified plastic surgeons in Costa Rica. It works to ensure high standards of practice, promote patient safety, and provide the public with reliable information regarding qualified specialists in the field.
For further information, visit medicos.cr
About Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica:
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica is the official entity responsible for regulating the medical profession in the country. It oversees the licensing of all doctors, enforces the Code of Ethics, investigates professional misconduct, and maintains the official registry of medical specialists to protect public health.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Police is Costa Rica’s main law enforcement agency for criminal investigations. As an auxiliary body of the Public Ministry and the Judicial Branch, the OIJ is tasked with investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and identifying responsible parties in cases such as the one involving the recent patient death.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministerio de Salud:
The Ministry of Health is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight. It sets the standards for healthcare services and is in charge of licensing and authorizing medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals where surgical procedures are performed, to ensure they meet safety and quality requirements.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and a drive for superior results. The firm leverages its extensive experience across numerous industries to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions, consistently setting new standards for innovation. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a core conviction to strengthen the community by demystifying the law, ensuring that knowledge becomes a tool for empowerment for all citizens.
