At Universal Plastic Surgery in San José, Costa Rica, breast augmentation surgery (also called breast implants or augmentation mammoplasty) is performed by certified plastic surgeons Dr. Carlos A. Centeno and Dr. Madelein Centeno. Our focus is on natural‑looking results, safety, and a recovery experience designed for both local and international patients traveling for breast augmentation in Costa Rica.
Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that is used to enlarge a woman’s breasts. Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States as well as in Costa Rica. And many women visit us from the United States and Canada to get this kind of surgical procedure.
Types of Procedures
Breast augmentation can be performed using either saline or silicone implants.
The most common method of breast augmentation surgery is to insert an implant behind the breast tissue and chest muscle. However, a new method of breast augmentation surgery that is becoming increasingly popular, although less recommended, is to insert the implant in front of the chest muscle.
The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is a personal one. Some women choose to have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self-image, while others have the surgery to correct a congenital defect or to improve the appearance of their breasts after pregnancy or weight loss or to improve the symmetry of their breasts.
Breast Augmentation Procedure: Surgical Risks
The risks associated with breast augmentation surgery include infection, bleeding, and implant rupture. However, the risks associated with this surgery are low and the vast majority of women who have it are satisfied with the results.
If you are thinking about breast augmentation, please don’t hesitate to contact Universal Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.
Before and After
Explore real breast augmentation before and after photos from Universal Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica. All images feature patients treated by Dr. Carlos A. Centeno and Dr. Madelein Centeno. Results vary, but they show the kind of natural, harmonious enhancements we strive to create for every patient.


Traveling to Costa Rica for Breast Augmentation
Many of our breast augmentation patients visit us from the United States and Canada. We help you coordinate:
- The timing of your pre‑operative tests (blood work and ECG)
- Your recommended length of stay in Costa Rica after surgery (usually around 10–12 days)
- Comfortable recovery options, either at our clinic or partner hotels near San José
Before surgery, you will need medical clearance from your primary physician, recent lab tests, and an ECG (which can be performed at our clinic). Our team guides you step by step, so your trip and recovery are as smooth as possible.
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FAQs
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. It involves the placement of implants to achieve your desired results.
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to enhance the size or shape of their breasts. A few requirements must be met in order to qualify for any type of plastic surgery:
- You will need to fill a physical clearance form from your primary physician.
- You will require recent blood work.
- You will need an ECG exam (that can be performed at the clinic.)
The recovery period after breast augmentation varies for each individual but typically involves some discomfort, swelling, and temporary limitations on physical activities. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Meet your surgeons
Breast augmentation at Universal Plastic Surgery is performed only by certified plastic surgeons.

Dr. Carlos A. Centeno, M.D. is part of the second generation of plastic surgeons in Costa Rica, with over 48 years of experience in plastic, reconstructive and microsurgery. He co‑founded the Burn Unit at the National Children’s Hospital and has achieved national milestones in complex reconstructive procedures. [Read Full Profile]

Dr. Madelein Centeno, M.D. is a board‑certified plastic surgeon who trained in Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery at the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona in Spain and the University of Tokyo Hospital in Japan. She is an International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has been part of Universal Plastic Surgery since 2009. [Read Full Profile]