International Patient Guide: Planning Your Plastic Surgery Trip to Brazil

Welcome. If you are reading this from abroad — whether from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, or anywhere else in the world — I want you to know that you are not alone in considering Brazil for your plastic surgery. Every year, I receive patients from dozens of countries who chose to travel here for the combination of surgical excellence, affordability, and personal care that is simply hard to find elsewhere.

My name is Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr. I am a board-certified plastic surgeon (CRM-PR 17,388 / RQE 15,688) based in Londrina, a safe and welcoming city in southern Brazil. Over the past 20 years and more than 8,000 surgeries, I have developed a practice that is especially prepared to serve international patients — from your very first message to the day you fly home.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Why Choose Brazil — and Dr. Zamarian — for Your Plastic Surgery

Brazil has been a global leader in plastic surgery for decades. The country consistently ranks among the top in the world for the number of procedures performed, and Brazilian surgeons are renowned for their artistic approach to facial and body aesthetics.

But why my practice specifically? Here is what sets my work apart:

• World-class training: I trained at the legendary Clínica Pitanguy in Rio de Janeiro — the birthplace of modern Brazilian plastic surgery — and later refined my Deep Plane facelift technique with Dr. Tim Marten in San Francisco, one of the foremost facelift specialists in the world.
• Board certifications: I am a member of the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery), ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), and AExPI (Brazilian Association of Facial Plastic Surgery Experts).
• Specialized focus: My practice is centered on facial rejuvenation — particularly the Regenerative Deep Plane facelift with fat grafting, structural rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty — as well as female intimate surgery.
• I speak English fluently. You will communicate directly with me throughout the entire process, not through a translator.
• Significant savings: Procedures in my clinic cost a fraction of what you would pay in the US, Canada, or Europe — without any compromise in quality, safety, or results.

Step 1 — The Online Consultation

Everything begins with a virtual consultation. You do not need to fly to Brazil just to find out if you are a good candidate for surgery.

Here is how it works:

• Send me a message through WhatsApp or the contact form on my website. My team — led by my AI assistant Camila — will guide you through the initial steps.
• Share your photos. I will ask for specific angles of the area you would like to address. These photos are treated with the strictest confidentiality.
• Video consultation. We will schedule a video call where I can evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, explain the surgical plan, and answer every question you have.
• Receive your personalized proposal. After our consultation, you will receive a detailed document with the recommended procedures, estimated costs, and a timeline for your trip.

The first consultation fee is R$800 (approximately US$150), which is credited toward your surgery if you decide to proceed.

Step 2 — Travel Planning: Flights, Visa, and Documents

Once you decide to move forward, planning your trip is simpler than you might think.

Getting to Londrina:

• Fly into São Paulo (GRU) — the main international hub — and take a short 1-hour domestic flight to Londrina (LDB).
• Alternatively, fly into Curitiba (CWB) and take a comfortable 4-hour bus ride or private transfer to Londrina.
• Londrina is a city of 600,000 people in the state of Paraná — safe, clean, with excellent infrastructure and a pleasant climate year-round.

Visa requirements:

• Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, which covers medical tourism.
• Always check the latest visa requirements with the Brazilian consulate in your country before traveling.

What to bring:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
• Travel insurance that covers medical procedures abroad (I strongly recommend this)
• Any pre-operative lab results or imaging studies I may have requested
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your recovery period

Step 3 — Arriving in Londrina

I want your experience in Londrina to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here is what to expect upon arrival:

• Airport pickup: We can arrange a private transfer from Londrina airport directly to your hotel.
• Hotel recommendations: I work with several hotels near my clinic that are accustomed to hosting international medical patients. They offer comfortable rooms, good food, and are within a short drive of my office.
• Pre-operative appointment: On the day before your surgery, you will come to my clinic at Rua Eng. Omar Rupp, 186, Jardim Londrilar for a thorough in-person evaluation, final measurements, surgical markings, and to go over the plan one last time.
• Lab work: If needed, pre-operative blood tests and an EKG can be done at a local lab, often on the same day you arrive. Results are typically available within hours.

Londrina is a genuinely pleasant city to spend time in. It is safe for walking, has excellent restaurants, and the people are warm and welcoming — qualities that will make your recovery period much more enjoyable.

Step 4 — Surgery Day and Recovery

Surgery is performed at a fully equipped, accredited surgical center with a dedicated anesthesiology team. Here is what the process looks like:

• Morning of surgery: You arrive at the surgical center early in the morning, fasting as instructed. My team and I will be there to greet you, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure you feel at ease.
• The procedure: Depending on the surgery, the procedure can last from 1 to 6 hours. You will be under general anesthesia or sedation, monitored continuously by an experienced anesthesiologist.
• Immediate recovery: After surgery, you will rest in a private recovery room. For most procedures, patients are discharged to their hotel on the same day or the following morning, with a companion.

The first week:

• You will have follow-up appointments at my clinic every 1-2 days during the first week.
• Swelling and bruising are normal and expected — I will give you detailed instructions on how to manage them.
• Most patients feel comfortable enough to walk around, eat at restaurants, and enjoy light activities within 3-5 days.

Important: Plan to stay in Londrina for at least 10 to 14 days after surgery before flying home. This allows me to monitor your healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure you are safe to travel.

Step 5 — Follow-Up and Returning Home

Your care does not end when you board your flight home. Here is how I ensure continuity:

• Final in-person check: Before you leave Londrina, I will perform a thorough evaluation to confirm that healing is progressing well and that you are cleared to fly.
• Detailed post-operative instructions: You will receive a written document in English with everything you need to know — medications, activity restrictions, warning signs, and timeline for recovery milestones.
• Remote follow-up: After you return home, we will stay in touch through WhatsApp and video calls. I personally monitor my patients’ recovery for weeks and months after surgery.
• Local physician coordination: If you have a physician at home, I am happy to communicate directly with them to ensure seamless continuity of care.
• Return visit: A follow-up consultation (R$400 / ~US$75) is available if you visit Londrina again, though most patients recover beautifully without needing to return.

Costs and Payment Options

One of the most compelling reasons international patients choose Brazil is the exceptional value. Here is a transparent overview:

• Consultation: R$800 (~US$150) for the first visit; R$400 (~US$75) for follow-up.
• Surgical fees: These vary depending on the procedure and complexity. After your online consultation, you will receive a detailed, itemized estimate. As a general reference, procedures in Brazil typically cost 40-60% less than comparable procedures in the US or Western Europe.
• Hospital and anesthesia fees are included in your estimate — no hidden costs.

Payment methods accepted:

• Cash (Brazilian Reais)
• PIX (Brazil’s instant payment system)
• Credit card (up to 10 installments)
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT
• International wire transfer

I believe in complete transparency when it comes to costs. You will know exactly what you are paying for before you commit to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to have plastic surgery in Brazil?

Yes. Brazil has one of the most rigorous plastic surgery training programs in the world. When you choose a board-certified surgeon who is a member of the SBCP — as I am — you are choosing a professional who has completed years of specialized training and operates in accredited facilities. Londrina, in particular, is a safe, mid-sized city with excellent medical infrastructure.

How long should I plan to stay in Brazil?

I recommend a minimum stay of 14 to 18 days total — a day or two before surgery for your pre-op appointment, plus 10 to 14 days of recovery before flying. This timeline can vary depending on the procedure; I will give you a personalized recommendation during your consultation.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

No. I am fluent in English and will communicate with you directly — before, during, and after your entire journey. My clinic team is also prepared to assist English-speaking patients.

Can I combine multiple procedures in one trip?

Absolutely. In fact, many international patients choose to combine procedures — for example, a Deep Plane facelift with blepharoplasty and fat grafting, or a rhinoplasty with a chin implant. Combining procedures can reduce total recovery time and costs. We will discuss the safest and most effective combination during your consultation.

What if I have a complication after returning home?

Complications are rare in my practice, but I take this concern seriously. You will have my direct WhatsApp contact, and I am available for video consultations at any time. If a situation requires in-person evaluation, I can coordinate with a qualified physician in your area or arrange your return to Londrina. Your safety is my absolute priority, and my responsibility to you does not end when you leave Brazil.

Ready to take the next step? I would love to hear from you. Send me a message on WhatsApp at +55 43 99192-2221 or fill out the contact form on my website. Let us start planning your transformation together.

Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
CRM-PR 17,388 | RQE 15,688
Rua Eng. Omar Rupp, 186 — Londrina, PR, Brazil