Professional Experience
Dra. Centeno has extensive professional experience in leading hospitals and private clinics, performing advanced reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries. She has gained a reputation for precision, safety, and outstanding patient outcomes, mentoring younger surgeons and leading complex surgical teams.
- Current Position: Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at San Juan de Dios Hospital
- Clinic Affiliation: Universal Plastic Surgery Clinic since 2009
- Procedures Performed: Wide variety of reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries
- Leadership: Mentor and trainer in microsurgery and advanced plastic surgery techniques
Academic Contributions
Dra. Centeno contributes actively to the academic field through teaching, research, and knowledge dissemination. Her work has helped train the next generation of plastic surgeons and expand access to advanced microsurgical techniques in Costa Rica.
- Teaching: Professor for the postgraduate program in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at University of Costa Rica
- Lectures & Courses: Conducts national and international training in microsurgery
- Research Interests: Microsurgery, reconstructive surgery, aesthetic techniques
- Conference Engagements: Speaker at medical and surgical conferences
Areas of Expertise
Dra. Centeno specializes in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, providing tailored treatments to restore function and appearance. Her expertise spans microsurgical reconstruction, lymphedema management, genital reconstruction, and cosmetic procedures, always emphasizing patient safety and natural results.
- Microsurgical Reconstruction: Free flaps, perforator flaps, limb reconstruction
- Lymphedema Treatment: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) for swelling reduction
- Genital Reconstruction: Penile reconstruction after trauma or injury
- Aesthetic Surgery: Breast, body, and facial procedures
- Trauma & Burn Reconstruction: Restoring function and appearance after severe injuries
Publications and Research
Dra. Centeno has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, highlighting her contributions to microsurgery and reconstructive techniques. Her research focuses on improving surgical outcomes, advancing lymphedema treatment, and innovating complex reconstructive methods.
- Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis for Secondary Lymphedema in Costa Rica: First successful LVA procedure in the country, demonstrating effective treatment outcomes.
- Lower Limb Reconstruction: Using posterior tibial artery perforator propeller flaps for soft tissue defects.
- Penile Reconstruction Case Study: Free radial forearm flap for traumatic penile tissue loss.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dra. Centeno emphasizes a patient-centered approach, combining empathy, clear communication, and individualized treatment plans. She focuses on understanding patient goals, educating them about procedures, and providing attentive postoperative care to ensure the best outcomes.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Tailors treatment to individual patient needs and expectations
- Communication: Detailed discussion of procedures, outcomes, and alternatives
- International Care: Supports online consultations and medical tourism logistics
- Postoperative Care: Comprehensive follow-up to ensure recovery and satisfaction
Professional Affiliations
Dra. Centeno is actively involved in national and international professional organizations. Her memberships reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and continuous professional development.
- Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica: Certified, MED6043
- Asociación Costarricense de Cirugía Plástica, Reconstructiva y Estética
- International Confederation of Plastic Surgery Societies
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: International member since 2019
FAQs
- Is Dra. Madelein Centeno Rodríguez board-certified?
- Yes. She is certified by the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica (MED6043) as a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery.
- What types of surgeries does she perform?
- She performs microsurgical reconstructions, lymphatic surgery, genital reconstruction, aesthetic procedures (breast, body, and facial), and trauma or burn reconstruction surgeries.
- Does she treat international patients?
- Yes. The clinic supports international patients with online consultations, multilingual assistance, and medical tourism coordination.
- How long is the typical hospital stay after surgery?
- Hospital stay varies by procedure complexity; aesthetic surgeries often require brief stays, while reconstructive microsurgery may require longer inpatient care.
- What languages does she speak?
- Dra. Centeno speaks Spanish, and her clinic provides support in English for international patients.
- Is she experienced in microsurgery and reconstructive procedures?
- Yes. She is trained in microsurgery and super-microsurgery, having performed advanced reconstructive surgeries and lymphatic procedures.
- Can international patients get a virtual consultation before traveling?
- Yes. The clinic offers virtual consultations to discuss procedures, plan care, and coordinate travel arrangements prior to visiting Costa Rica.
