Dr. Arnoldo Fournier MD

Dr. Arnoldo Fournier is an experienced cosmetic and plastic surgeon practicing in San José, Costa Rica. His practice provides a comprehensive range of facial rejuvenation, breast, and body contouring procedures to both Costa Rican residents and international patients from the United States and Canada who travel to Costa Rica for affordable, high-quality cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Fournier brings years of surgical experience to his practice, with a clinical focus on achieving natural, proportionate results that enhance each patient's individual appearance. His approach to cosmetic surgery emphasizes thorough pre-operative consultation — ensuring patients have realistic expectations about outcomes, understand the recovery process, and are psychologically prepared for surgical transformation. This patient-centered philosophy reflects the increasingly evidence-based approach to cosmetic surgery that prioritizes long-term patient satisfaction over volume.

Costa Rica has established itself as a world-class destination for cosmetic surgery medical tourism. The country offers board-certified plastic surgeons, modern private hospital facilities, and procedures at 50 to 70 percent below US prices — in a safe, tourist-friendly setting accessible by direct flight from most major US cities. Dr. Fournier's practice serves the growing number of American and Canadian patients who recognize Costa Rica as a credible alternative to paying US prices for elective cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Fournier offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic surgical procedures covering the face, breasts, and body. Facial procedures include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), facelift surgery, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for upper and lower lids, brow lift, and neck lift — addressing the primary areas of facial aging and aesthetic concern. Non-surgical facial treatments including Botox and dermal fillers complement surgical procedures for patients seeking less invasive options or maintenance between surgical treatments.

Breast procedures at Dr. Fournier's practice include breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction for symptomatic macromastia, and breast reconstruction. Body contouring procedures include liposuction of multiple areas including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and back; tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in standard and mini variants; and body lift procedures. The complete scope of his practice allows patients traveling from abroad to address multiple cosmetic concerns during a single surgical visit to Costa Rica.

Dr. Fournier performs surgical procedures in accredited private hospital facilities in San José, ensuring access to hospital-grade surgical suites, certified anesthesiologists, operating room nursing staff, post-operative recovery rooms, and emergency backup capability. Operating within a recognized hospital setting provides a significantly higher safety margin for cosmetic procedures compared to clinics operating independent surgical suites without full hospital backup.

Pre-operative laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, and medical clearance evaluations are conducted prior to surgery to ensure each patient is an appropriate candidate. The bilingual clinical and administrative team communicates fluently in both English and Spanish, ensuring North American patients understand each step of their surgical journey — from pre-operative preparation through surgical procedure and post-operative recovery. Follow-up appointments during the post-operative period are conducted either in person at the clinic or by video consultation for patients who have returned home.

Dr. Fournier actively serves international patients from the United States and Canada, providing English-language consultations and surgical care designed around the logistical realities of medical tourism. Consultations can begin via email or video call before patients travel to Costa Rica, allowing treatment planning, procedure selection, and cost estimation finalized in advance.

Cosmetic surgery at Dr. Fournier's practice costs 50 to 70 percent less than equivalent procedures in the United States. A rhinoplasty that costs $8,000 to $15,000 in the US may be completed for $3,000 to $6,000 in San José at comparable quality. Breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction, and tummy tuck offer similar proportional savings. San José is conveniently accessible from the US via direct flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport — approximately 2.5 hours from Miami, 3.5 hours from Houston and Dallas, and 5 hours from New York. Recovery can be completed at San José hotels or recovery houses that specialize in supporting post-surgical medical tourists.

Dr. Arnoldo Fournier holds his medical degree and specialty training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with professional registration through the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica — the national licensing body that oversees medical practice in the country. All surgeons practicing in Costa Rica are required to hold active registration with the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos, confirming they have completed approved medical education, specialty training, and ongoing professional requirements.

Costa Rica's medical education system produces surgeons who train at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) or international institutions and complete formal residency training in surgery and plastic surgery subspecialties. Plastic surgery specialty certification in Costa Rica may be obtained through recognized national and regional plastic surgery societies that set standards for training, clinical experience, and ongoing education. The Costa Rican Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (SAPRECIR) maintains standards for board-certified plastic surgeons practicing in the country. Patients are encouraged to verify Dr. Fournier's current Colegio registration status and discuss his specific training background and surgical experience during their pre-operative consultation.