By CHARLES RUNNETTE

March 22, 2005 -- AWARDS season is over, and there`s a good chance that all those Halle Berry/Hilary Swank types had you thinking tummy tuck. And as a savvy New Yorker, you probably know you needn`t get it done here at home.

Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are being done around the globe at relatively bargain prices, from South Africa and Thailand to Mexico. Only one place, however, is consistently mentioned as the best place to go for that makeover: Rio de Janeiro.

Here, you`ll pay about one-third of New York City rates, and your chances of scoring an experienced doctor is exponentially higher than in other foreign countries. Time magazine recently called Rio the world capital of plastic surgery and noted that you`ll find a selection of over 1,000 certified plastic surgeons from whom to choose.

In addition, many of Rio`s doctors are renowned for "minimal incision surgery," which means a lighter touch - and less chance you`ll look like Cher.

Rio`s Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, whom Time magazine called the King of Plastic Surgery, has come up with many of these quick-healing treatments. This includes a signature butt lift - often referred to as the Pitanguy Lift. (Pitanguy plans to open a satellite office in Rome.)

Cosmetic services are so prevalent here that even pets are getting in on the fun: One veterinarian in Rio de Janeiro is offering plastic surgery and botox injections for dogs. Really.

Most procedures will require you to stay in Rio for up to two weeks. So where to stay and what to do while recovering?

A great place to heal in relative seclusion is the small, exclusive Marina All Suites hotel in Leblon. Just down the beach from Ipanema, Leblon is an upscale, tree-lined residential area that`s close to just about everything.

At the Marina - whose fans include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gisele Bundchen - you can choose between chilling at the hotel`s delicious Bar D`Hotel or staying in your suite with a kitchenette and views of the beach (from $200; hotelmarina.com.br).

For some leisurely exercise, try the 340-acre Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico), an excellent alternative to the crowded streets and beaches. Don`t worry - wearing bandages is a badge of honor in this town, and the cool, shady garden and private paths make for a nice inner-city getaway (Rua Jardim Botanico 1008; www.jbrj.gov.br).

If you want to brave a restaurant, Porcao, the Ipanema branch of this rodizio-style churrascaria, not only has great food, it`s filled with locals - which means chances are slim that you`ll run into someone you know (www.porcao.com.br).

Feeling blue? Blow whatmoney you saved at H. Stern`s world headquarters (113 Rua Garcia D`Avila, Ipanema; hstern.com.br).

where & what

Here, approximate price comparisons between Rio and N.Y.C. procedures.

EYE JOB

Rio: $1,500

N.Y.C.: $4,000

Recovery period: 1-2 weeks

BOTOX

Rio: $200

N.Y.C.: $450

Recovery period: None required

FACE IMPLANTS

Rio: $2,000

N.Y.C.: $5,000

Recovery period: 1 week

BREAST IMPLANTS

Rio: $2,500

N.Y.C.:$5,000

Recovery period: 1-4 weeks

LIPOSUCTION

Rio: $2,000-$3,000

N.Y.C.: $9,000

Recovery period: 1 week to 10 days

DENTAL LAMINATES

Rio: $500 per tooth

N.Y.C.: $900 per tooth

Recovery period: none

DOCTORS TO KNOW

Check out these experts:

Eduardo de Ramalho
(55 21) 2247-4298
Eye surgery

Ivo Pitanguy
(55 21) 2534-5812, www. pitanguy.com.br
Face/butt lifts

Alcino Braga
(55 21) 2295-4215
Plastic surgery

Leonardo Cuozzo & Fabricia Ramiro
(55 21) 2267-8393
Cosmetic dentistry