La República, Saturday January 24th and Sunday January 25 th.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 5 THOUSAND PEOPLE UNDERGO AESTHETIC PROCEDURES EVER YEAR.

PLASTIC SURGERY ATTRACTS FOREIGNERS

People choose the country due to costs and professional quality of doctors

Francine Marasco, American, left her house in Alabama to be admitted into the Rosenstock Lieberman Clinic in Costa Rica, hoping to see in the mirror what she longed for in her mind.

Like her, 5 thousand foreigners are estimated to come to the county annually to have some type of plastic surgery done. This accounts for 40% of the total of care.

The cost of the operation, patient’s care, and the quality of professionals and the wide offer of specialties are just some of the reasons why foreigners come here to undergo an aesthetic procedure.

A proof of this is that breast implants that in the United States are around $8,000, in Costa Rica are the third part, i.e. $ 2,500.

Another distinguishing element is personalized care, since some medical centers offer all-inclusive packages.

This is the case of the Rosenstock Lieberman Clinic, because, when it comes to service to foreigners they include from the reception at the airport to the surgery, admission and stay. Liposculpture, breast implants and facial rejuvenation constitute the areas of major demand among women, whereas men go for hair microimplants, as well as nose surgeries.

“ This is a less taboo topic nowadays, much of the people turning to these procedures are businesspeople interested in the improvement of their work image, but, in some other cases it is just a search for a greater self-esteem”, expert Rashi Rosenstock commented. He is the only doctor in Central America recognized by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The demand for this type of medical service in the country was incremented 30% last year as compared with 2002; only at the Rosenstock´s Clinic three to four patients were seen daily.

This is one of the most visited medical centers due to the fact that it has the latest services in the market.

Costa Rica´s situation is not an isolated case as the search for physical perfection has caused an increase in the demand for aesthetic surgeries worldwide.

For example, in the U.S. around 230 thousand breast implants and 600 thousand liposuctions were done last year.

In our country, it is estimated that there are 37 plastic surgeons and ten clinics specialized in the aesthetic field.

Marasco assured she would return to the country in 2 months to undergo new aesthetic procedures.

Francine Marasco (American) talks with doctor Rashi Rosenstock at the Rosenstock clinic for plastic surgery, one of the most visited by foreigners who want to improve their aesthetic.

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La Républica, Wednesday, January 14 th, 2004

OUTSTANDING SURGEON

Surgeon Rashi Rosenstock is the only doctor in Central America approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

“ Actually, the main achievement is to do what I like and make people feel fine. There’s no better pay than satisfied people” said dr Rashi Rosenstock, plastic surgeon at the Rosenstock Lieberman Center for Surgery.

His performance is highlighted by the development of new surgery techniques that confer him recognition and prestige around the world.

His effort and labor are recognized due to the fact that he is the only doctor in Central America approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, chapter in aesthetics, as a result of perseverance, work and humbleness.

In order to be part of this Society, he needed many formal requirements, among which the number and quality of the work done, as well as the techniques used and the success of the result are assessed.

The mention of honor suma cum laude is highlighted in his degree as MD. He subsequently carried out studies in general surgery at the Calderón Guardia Hospital , where he was chosen as the best average in the country.

He then traveled to Brazil , where he specialized in surgery with worldwide known professor Ivo Pitanguy, at the Institute named after him.

“I was admitted at the institute by taking a hard and select test through which few surgeons manage to enter. Out of 200 participants, just 10 places are opened annually. This center is a point of reference to all Brazil and its doctors perform from reconstructive to aesthetic surgeries”, he pointed out.

 The Rosenstock Lieberman Center for Surgery makes the difference with its pleasant atmosphere, achieved with high standards of professionalism and ethics.

The clinic was founded 30 years ago, and, since then, work is done under the motto “A good physical appearance, feeling good with yourself produces a better quality of life and, definitely, more personal achievements”.

Patients care is characterized by personalized and confidential treatment. Besides, the center develops a concept through which it provides the patient education and preparation on the highest quality of cosmetic surgery”

“We explain the patient what are the characteristics of the surgery we are going to perform and we tell them what to expect as a result in reality”, he expressed.

The clinic has two completely equipped operation rooms that were designed and decorated to guarantee patients comfort.

Another benefit of this center is the suites, which allow patients to enjoy a totally relaxing experience.

Among the additional services, courses on plastic cosmetic surgery stand out. These are sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, where doctors from other countries are trained.

Rosenstock considers that, in order to achieve his goals, he must listen to the patient attentively, as well as provide excellent quality in his treatments.

The clinic has 12 professionals, who work in team and enjoy what they do. “In general, all the team is stimulated to provide the best service to the patient , and they are characterized by their dedication to the patient”, he expressed.

For the time being, the doctor is facing the daily challenge of doing his best. This resulted in an increasing number of surgeries on national as well as foreign patients.

PROFILE

NAME: Rashi Rosenstock.

POSITION: Plastic Surgeon at the Rosenstock Lieberman Center for Surgery

PROFESSION: Plastic Surgeon

PLACE WHERE HE STUDIED: Universidad Autonoma de Ciencias Medicas [Autonomous University of Medical Sciences] and Instituto Ivo Pitanguy [Ivo Pitanguy Institute] in Brazil .

Wife : Erika

Children : Michelle and Daniel

Hobbies: go out with his family, play tennis and read.

FAVOURITE BOOK: “La importancia de vivir” [The Importance Of Living]

LAST BOOK HE READ: “La lengua absuelta”[The Absolved Tongue”]

FAVOURITE MOVIE: “ La vida es bella” [Life Is Beautiful]

PERSON HE ADMIRES: Professor Ivo Pitanguy