Same Day or Immediate Load Dental Implants are all the rage in Costa Rica, and for very strong reasons. Medical and dental tourism in Costa Rica is long established and affordable. Hence, even if it’s a single dental implant that you need, Costa Rica is the ideal destination for many reasons.

But before we come to that, let’s see where and how same day dental implants score over their traditional counterparts:

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants Vs. Traditional Implants

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants are:

• Quick and convenient: A titanium post is inserted, on which a temporary tooth/crown is placed. Usually the process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Osseo integration is quick and in 30 days you have your permanent crown in place.

• The Immediate Load Dental implant can be set at an angle, if need be, and removes the need for bone grafting.

Traditional implants are:

• Time-consuming and inconvenient: Traditional implants consists of the following steps:

1. First surgery: the jaw bone is exposed and a 4mm titanium post inserted. Waiting time of about 2 to 6 months until the bone grows around the post.
2. Second surgery: the tip of the post is exposed and crown attached. If a bone graft is needed, another surgery is done to insert the titanium post adding another 4 to 8 months of healing time. This is very common as traditional implants can only be inserted vertically.

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants Vs. Dentures

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants look and feel geniune: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
Dentures look and feel artificial: Even if you can sometimes fool people with dentures (though not always), they definitely don’t feel like your own teeth.

Same Day/Immediate Load Implants Vs. Bridging

Same Day/Immediate Load Implants preserve teeth: Dental implants do not require that the adjacent teeth be altered in any way. Hence, your healthy teeth are left untouched, which is a significant long-term benefit.

Bridging affects adjacent teeth: In bridgework, some cutting of the adjacent teeth may be required.

Although dental implants are a better option than dental bridges, they may not suit everyone. In such circumstances, in place of the same day dental implant in Costa Rica, you can consider dental bridges that cost an affordable $400 for a full set.

How much do Same Day Dental Implants cost in Costa Rica?
The cost can vary a lot depending on if you want just one implant or many and also depending on where you get it done. In the US and Canada, it could cost anywhere between $2,000 – $4,000. But the same cost can drop drastically to a starting price of $675, if the procedure is done in Costa Rica.

Why get Immediate Load implants done in Costa Rica?

• Huge savings of about 50-60%;
• Proximity to US and Canada. Hence, you spend minimum time and money on travel;
• The established reputation of Costa Rica’s hospitals. The low cost of treatment doesn’t mean a compromise of any sort in the quality of medical care. Costa Rica’s increasing popularity with medical tourists is proof of its high standards;
• Costa Rica is so beautiful, it would be a shame to come away without getting a taste of the ‘Pura Vida’ or ‘pure life’. As your dental procedure doesn’t take more than a day, you can easily combine this medical trip with some pleasure. On the whole, it’ll be a wallet-friendly experience worth remembering.

How to get to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is easily accessible by air. All major US and Canadian airlines fly to Costa Rica. Prices of tickets can vary between $400-800, but can drop in low season. US and Canadian citizens need valid passports to go to Costa Rica.

Getting your Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implant done in Costa Rica is the most affordable way to bring the confidence back in your smile. Go for it!

(Same Day Implant system traces its history to Dr. Per Ingvar Branemark’s pioneering work on dental implants. The implants are now manufactured by a number of companies like Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Biohorizons, etc.)
Dental Care Resources:

Dental implant surgeon in Costa Rica

Dental implant surgeon in India

Dental Tourism Costa Rica

Belgium is a very popular medical tourism destination with medical tourists in the Western world, especially for those from the UK. The laparoscopic gastric band surgery or ‘lap band’, in short, done in Belgium is the one of the best options, any which way you look at it.

What is laparoscopic gastric band surgery?
The laparoscopic gastric band surgery or lap band, in short, decreases the size of the stomach pouch. This makes people feel full after they have had just a small meal, and thus helps in losing weight.

Why get the lap band done in Belgium?

• Cost: If you are from the UK, lap band surgery in Belgium is the way to go. While the procedure may cost anywhere between £ 9,000 – £ 12,000 in the UK, in Belgium the cost can drop to £ 4,000. This low cost of the surgery does not mean that quality of healthcare is compromised in any way.

• Quality: Obesity surgery is carried out in many countries in the world. However, there are few countries with the same experience and success rate in obesity surgery as Belgium. Many Belgian hospitals have a very long tradition of surgical experience in obesity surgery and treatments. Laparoscopy, in fact, is one of the specialties of Belgium medical tourism. Every Gastric Band or Gastric Bypass is done by laparoscopy (unless technically impossible) and this means a very short stay in hospital.

Also, in general, Belgium has always been known for its high hygiene standards and use of latest technology. In a recent study by The World Markets Research Centre, Belgium ranked top for medical purposes out of 175 countries, not least because secondary infection rates average less than 0.5% compared with around 10% in the UK.

The high level of Belgium’s surgical expertise comes from many years of training imparted to its doctors: all doctors are trained for a minimum of seven years and specialists for 12 years.

• Follow-up care: Many Belgium doctors have a follow-up network in neighboring countries like UK and Ireland. Hence, do check if your doctor or hospital offers such a service.

• No queues: Forget the long waiting lines of NHS. For a weight loss surgery in Belgium, you choose the date for the operation after all initial screenings, and get yourself banded. As simple as that.

• Proximity to UK: You can choose to go to Belgium by air, road or rail. There is the fast and convenient Eurostar train service from London (all tickets from London allow you free onward travel within Belgium) and an easy-to-navigate public transport network in Belgium. Major European highways like the E-19, E-17, E-40, E-411 and E-313 pass through Belgium. You can also get to Belgium from all over Europe on Eurolines coaches.

• Climate and language: The climate is similar to UK’s, with slightly hotter summers and colder winters. The official languages spoken are Dutch, French, and German, but many people speak English, too.

All in all,  getting gastric lap band surgery in Belgium is a good option for someone looking for a high quality and affordable weight loss procedure in Europe.

Related link:

Lap band in Mexico

Many patients from the West (United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland) these days travel to India for sleeve gastrectomy surgery,mainly because of the low cost, experienced bariatric surgeons, quality hospitals and no wait times.

This weight loss surgery is also known as Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Resection, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy , Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Tube, Vertical Gastroplasty, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, and Sleeve Gastroplasty to name a few.

This surgery reduces stomach size, so the individual feels full quickly with a small meal. Â It also restricts the production of the hunger-causing hormone.

Some reasons why this surgery is becoming so popular is the positive clinical feedback from patients who have had this procedure in the last few years. Unlike a lap band there is no need for repeated doctor visits for any device adjustments or fills, absence of mal absorption unlike a gastric bypass, and the weight loss surgery patients in this case are allowed most foods (although in small quantities). A country by country cost comparison for sleeve gastrectomy cost comparisons:

(only the best bariatric surgeons and hospitals are considered for the below prices):

India: US $7,000 (Harvard Medical-affiliated JCI-accredited hospital)

Costa Rica: US $9,500 (Tulane Medical School-affiliated JCI-accredited hospital)

Mexico: US $5,500 to $11,500 (Top hospitals; more than 50% of WLS patients are from the US)

Not only is the cost of obesity surgery lower in India, but the level of service is also very high. For example, good bariatric centers in India keep the patient in the hospital for three to four days after the gastric sleeve procedure with close monitoring. In other countries, the patient is usually sent home or to a hotel a day or two after the sleeve surgery.

Why would anyone want to settle for a clinic or a surgery center for a gastric sleeve surgery in the USA, UK or Canada, when paying a fraction of that amount they can avail the procedure at a JCI (Joint Commission International)-accredited quality hospital in India. Also, when that hospital is affiliated to Harvard Medical in the USA.

Why would anyone not want an experienced bariatric surgeon who has performed thousands of advanced laparoscopic weight loss surgeries at a fraction of the price in the West? When the surgeon also happens to be trained in France and the US and is a Preceptor (Proctor) of American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, the choice becomes all the more easier, doesn’t it?

When you compare the high costs and long wait times in many Western countries with the advantages of getting the surgery done in India, you will see that the latter is a very good alternative for patients looking abroad for Sleeve Gastrectomy. Other countries where you get similar advantages are Mexico and Costa Rica. These are countries with an abundance of bariatric experts, highly accredited hospitals and a track record of satisfied and happy patients from all over the world.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery in India is poised to gain more popularity with the growing worldwide epidemic of obesity. Also, the demand for this bariatric procedure will grow within India too as changing lifestyles and dietary habits (moving towards Western lifestyles) is making way for obesity.

Surrogate mothers in India cost considerably lower (about, a fourth of what they would cost in the United States). The cost of surrogacy in the United States is approximately $50,000 to $100,000.

Surrogacy in India has fewer legal hassles and a Government organization – Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set national guidelines to regulate it. Unlike many countries where surrogacy is banned or has many restrictions, India’s laws allow the surrogate mother to sign away her rights to the baby as soon as the baby is delivered.

Surrogacy is a God-sent option for women having trouble conceiving. The procedure uses IVF technology, except for the fact that the embryo is planted in the uterus of a surrogate mother, who can successfully carry the pregnancy to term.

Approximate Surrogacy Cycle Cost at a reputed hospital in India is about US $ 22 to 35k. It includes

This does not include the cost of IVF / ICSI. IVF cost in India is about US $ 2,000. ICSI cost in India is about US $ 2,500. FYI, in India even more cheaper surrogacy options are available, but not advisable, due to potential higher medical quality issues.

Additionally, what works in favor of India, unlike some developing countries, is the availability of advanced health care facilities and doctors who speak English. Surrogacy in India is about a half a billion dollar business.

Remuneration is not the only reason for easy availability of Surrogate mothers in India, there is also a heartfelt desire to help others with the joys of parenthood and is an accepted practice in many communities there.

Surrogacy Procedure
The first step is to decide on the best the kind of surrogacy . There two types of surrogacy – genetic and gestational.

In detail, in case of gestational surrogacy, the donor is prepared by administering follicle stimulating (hormonal) medications to stimulate the production of eggs. This procedure takes about 4-6 weeks. These medications cause more than one egg to mature and they will be retrieved before they are released. These retrieved eggs are then fertilized by the sperm in a Petri dish in an incubator.

When the fertilized eggs reach the four to ten cell stage of development; they are called embryos and are ready to be placed in the womb of the surrogate, which is simultaneously prepared to receive the embryo so that it could be carried to term.

Not all eggs which are retrieved get fertilized and not all of the fertilized eggs are used in the current IVF cycle. Some of the embryos are cryopreserved for future IVF procedures.

We at Medical Tourism Corporation will be glad to facilitate your needs related to Surrogate mothers in India. Fill out an estimate request for for more information on your needs related to surrogacy in India.

Surrogacy Resources:

Low Cost Surrogacy in India – FAQ & Procedure Overview

Infertility Resources

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE – Sperm, egg, and embryo donation and surrogacy guide

A number of people from overseas visit India for cost savings on cervical disc replacement. Costa Rica is another country where the cervical disc replacement costs compared to North America and Europe is quite low.

This article focuses on the things you should keep in mind while looking for a cervical disc replacement hospital in India. FDA approved this procedure in July 2007, although it has been performed successfully for many years in Europe and India.

Cervical disc replacement is an effective treatment for people suffering from disc herniations (where the inner core pushes back into the spinal canal). In cervical disc replacement, an artificial disc is inserted in place of the inter-vertebral disc.

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement is considered a better option than spinal fusion for treating cervical disc herniation. This is because cervical disc replacement maintains normal neck motion and helps the patient return to normal activity faster.

In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc made of stainless steel. The artificial disc has a ball in trough design to simulate natural neck movement. The patient is typically hospitalized for 1-2 days and can return to work in 45 days (Refer: Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago).

The main reason for India’s popularity as a medical tourism destination is its cost effectiveness. A cervical disc replacement surgery can cost around US $ 30,000 to $ 40,000 in USA, Canada or Europe. Also, as it is a new cervical disc replacement treatment in the US, it is not covered by all private insurers.

Therefore, patients who cannot afford to spend too much opt for getting the surgery done in India where the cost of the surgery is as low as $ 8,500 in one of the best brain and spine hospitals. Even after you add travel and accommodation costs, a cervical disc replacement surgery in India can result in substantial cost savings.

Another reason for India’s popularity is its impressive pool of medical expertise. India has many surgeons who have gained their work experience in the US and UK. When looking for a cervical disc replacement hospital in India, verify that the surgeon you are considering has specialized in orthopedics. The surgeon should have a Master of Surgery (M.S. or M.CH.) degree in orthopedics and must have undergone specialized training in spine surgery and cervical disc replacement. Ideally, the surgeon should have at least 5 years of experience.

An ideal cervical disc replacement hospital in India provides an all-inclusive package at a fixed price. Also, make sure the hospital is internationally accredited. Preferably, the hospital should be accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). JCI is a non-governmental body in the US which accredits international hospitals that meet exacting American standards.

A JCI-accredited hospital follows international standards of quality and cleanliness and has state-of-the-art technology. You should also ensure that the hospital has a fully-equipped operating room with specialized equipment, such as the Jackson Spine Table. It should also have a diagnostic center with facilities for MRI scan and computed tomography.

Medical Tourism Corporation (MedicalTourismCo.com) facilitates cervical disc replacement and other surgery at world-class hospitals abroad. You can submit a request for a free quote and more information.

Refer: Is Cervical Disc Replacement For You?

Compared to Canada, UK, and USA, gastric sleeve surgery (also referred as “sleeve gastrectomy”) cost abroad can be about 50 to 60% cheaper. Popular destinations for gastric sleeve surgery are Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. Gastric Sleeve Special Packages start at as low as $ 5,200 US.

This article discusses what gastric sleeve surgery is and what are the things to keep in mind when choosing between Mexico, India, or Costa Rica for this bariatric medical procedure. Also, discussed here is the price of this surgery at these overseas locations.

In gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon removes about 60%  of the stomach resulting in its shape like a ’sleeve’ (banana or tube shape). This is performed usually on individuals having a BMI of 60 or more. The gastric sleeve surgery is used many a time as the first of a two-stage weight loss surgery. The second stage is gastric bypass and is done after the patient loses 80 to 100 pounds due to the gastric sleeve. Some surgeons overseas have started offering gastric sleeve surgery to low BMI patients as an alternative to laparoscopic gastric banding (”LAP BAND”). Majority of the patients lose about 50% of their excess weight in the first 6 to 12 months after the sleeve gastrectomy.

Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Does not involve cutting and rejoining of intestines
• Simpler than gastric bypass
• No fills or adjustments
• Safer even for high BMI patients (60 BMI or more)
• Does not have the side effects experienced by bypass patients because the digestion system is unaltered.
• Preferred by patients who are reluctant to have a device implanted in their body.

Mexico is the most preferred destination for Canadian and US patients because of its proximity. Costa Rica is also popular among North Americans as it not only provides low-cost and high quality treatment but it is also a great tourist attraction and has plenty of direct flights from most major US cities.

From Europe there are no direct flights to Costa Rica. A stopover and plane change in the US would be required. India also has recently started attracting a fair number of obesity surgery patients from North America, primarily because of the low price of the medical treatment, high quality medical professionals and internationally accredited hospitals. For UK patients too, India is one of the best options due to a number of cheap direct flights and shorter travel times. Here are price quotes from some leading hospitals in these countries:

Mexico $ 6,000
Costa Rica $ 9,500
India $ 6,600

Weight loss surgeries is a popular medical tourism procedure. With most of the insurance industry considering this an elective medical procedure, patients have to pay for it themselves. Going abroad, hence, is a good alternative.

Mexico, Costa Rica, and India provide a high-quality low-cost alternative to patients who in their home country cannot afford the procedure because of the high cost or long waiting lines.

Computer-aided knee replacement (also known as computer-assisted knee replacement surgery or computer-aided knee arthroplasty) is attracting a large number of medical tourists to hospitals in India. The less invasive nature of total and partial knee replacement surgeries will go towards increasing their popularity in India.

In this procedure, a computer is installed with medical surgery software and is connected to a surgical infra-red camera and specialized surgical instruments. This knee surgery computer system is used by the surgeon to perform the knee replacement. This allows for more precision and accuracy during the surgery.

The surgeon can see the computer-generated image in real time while performing the operation. The alignment of the knee replacement implant is more accurate (accuracy of 0.5 mm and 0.5 degrees) and predictable compared to how it would be when doing surgery just with naked eyes.

The system acts as a GPS for the human body helping the surgeon by providing real-time navigation information and enhanced 3-D visualization. The International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery is a non-profit organization working towards the growth of this field.

Other advantages of computer-aided knee replacement surgery are:

• Smaller incisions as it’s a minimally invasive surgery
• Faster recovery
• Less bleeding and lesser chance of blood clotting
• Less pain
• Easy on the patient and doctor
• Reduces chances of human error
• Increased implant longevity as it reduces chances of bad alignment requiring revision surgeries.

The total knee replacement usually lasts about 15 to 20 years. With the computer-assisted orthopedic surgery, the knee replacement can last up to 30 years without needing a replacement.

These advantages are achieved as computer assisted total knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery (also known as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery). In these type of surgeries, specialized instruments, monitors, fiber optic lights, miniature cameras and computer monitors are used to perform the surgery through a small incision unlike a traditional surgery which is more invasive.

Although the surgery is performed using a computer system, it does not mean that it can be done by a surgeon with anyless knowledge and experience. The procedure only combines the surgeon’s skill with computer technology.

In India, many surgeons have this expertise and experience. Research shows that not only does the computer-aided knee replacement get better results when compared to conventional knee replacement surgery, but it also significantly reduces chances of error.

With advancements in surgical robotics and computer-assisted surgical navigation, the use of traditional surgery for knee replacement will go down. Computer-assisted knee replacement is definitely the future of knee replacement surgery.

A number of people visit India for this cutting edge medical procedure. Although premier hospitals in USA, Canada and UK offer this latest medical procedure, majority of the hospitals do not do so yet. The associated price & cost of the Knee replacement surgery in India, Costa Rica and Mexico is about 50-80% less that what is in the USA.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates computer-assisted (aided) knee surgery in India. The typical price of this surgery in India is about 20% of what it would cost in the USA. This price also includes the estimated travel and lodging expenses that would be incurred.

Medical Tourism Podcast educates on medical travel(aka medical tourism, medical outsourcing, health tourism, medical trip etc). It provides details on the medical travel services that Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates.

 

 Medical Tourism Podcast [12:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Apart from educating on the benefits of using a medical tourism company, it describes the criteria used by Medical Tourism Corporation to add hospital overseas for medical care. Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates medical care at international low-cost specialty hospitals, clinics and surgery centers. These global medical institutes have expert doctors, surgeons, specialists and physicians, saving you about 60~80% of the cost. Countries include Mexico, India, Costa Rica, and Thailand.

Medical Tourism Corporation team visited Hospital Angeles in Tijuana, Mexico. This hospital is part of the largest private hospital chain in Mexico. Procedures offered to medical tourists at this Mexican hospital are Gall bladder Removal, Inguinal Hernial, Umbilical Hernia, Incisional Hernia, Lap Band Inamed, Lap Band J&J, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Arthoscophy, Arthoscophy (Outpatient), Knee Replacement, Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing.

Video of Hospital Angeles, Tijuana

Pictures of Hospital Angeles, Tijuana

It took us less than 25 minutes to drive from the San Diego airport to the hospital. Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, is a world-class hospital designed especially to provide state-of-the-art medical care to international patients. The hospital boasts one of the best doctors in its field, supported by an able staff and latest medical technology equipment.

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The 118-bed hospital has 97 private rooms and is located in an upscale area. It is the first fully integrated hospital in Baja California, meaning it offers complete medical services in-house (outpatient clinic, emergency room, pharmacy, intensive care unit, intermediate ICU, neonatal ICU, intermediate neonatal ICU, X-ray, tomography, MRI, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy, angiography, fully-equipped laboratory, helicopter landing zone, and medical offices where 135 board-certified doctors practice). More than 50% of the current patients there are from United States.

The hospital is self-contained with its own cafeteria, a pharmacy, ATM, chapel and more, thus providing you everything that you may need during your stay. This is also a major reason why it’s such a popular medical tourism destination in Mexico.

And if you crave for good old American fast food, McDonald’s & Peter Piper Pizza are walking distance from the hospital. And then there is a Cine Mark across the Hospital, too. Not sure if it shows any English movies, though! For people missing a discount club shopping, Sam’s club is around the corner!

Hotel Marriott and a few luxury Mexican Hotels are closeby. These are used rarely by the hospital patients, as the patient and one accompanying guest are accommodated in the hospital.

The hallways, waiting rooms, corridor and patient rooms and suites are kept sparking clean and give an impression of a five-star hotel and not a hospital. The walls are decorated with brightly colored abstract art by Tijuana painters. A lot of work, thought and attention to detail have gone in the interior design to make the aura uplifting and the hospital patient-friendly.

The signs are in English and Spanish; many of the staff speak English. For US patients, a dedicated English-speaking staff member is assigned.

The hospital takes special care of its doctors to ensure they are relaxed and are at their best when serving the patients. There is an exclusive hospital club area for doctors that includes a relaxing lounge, exercise gym, jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna and more.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates medical trips to some of the world’s leading hospitals including Hospital Angeles, Tijuana.

1. Eat slowly and chew very well.

2. Avoid any drink 30 minutes before meals, during the meal and up to an hour after the meal.

3. When eating a meal, first eat proteins (meat, fish, egg), followed by vegetables and last, if desired, carbohydrates.

4. Take alcohol, if you want to, but in moderation, and avoid carbonated drinks.

5. Stop eating as soon as you feel full.

6. Avoid food between meals.

7. Go for low-calorie drinks. Avoid drinks with sugar.

8. Don’t forget to exercise 30 minutes a day.

9. Avoid dry or fibrous food.

Related Lap Band Links

Post Lap Band Diet: What to Eat after Lapband Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery Links