First Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon in Brazil
Booking the first consultation with a plastic surgeon often generates a mix of excitement and anxiety. You are considering a significant change in your appearance and self-esteem, and it is natural to want to know exactly what will happen in this meeting. Allow me to explain each step so that you arrive prepared and calm.
The consultation is undoubtedly the most important moment of the entire process. It is where I get to know you, understand your desires, assess your anatomy, and outline a personalised plan. There is no successful plastic surgery without a well-conducted consultation. Therefore, I dedicate quality time to each patient who seeks me out. For international patients considering cosmetic surgery abroad, the consultation is also the moment when I help plan your entire medical tourism experience in Brazil.
Over more than twenty years of practice and over eight thousand surgeries performed, I have learned that the final result of any procedure starts here: in the conversation, in the examination, in the planning. When you leave the consultation understanding exactly what will be done, why it will be done, and what to expect, confidence in the process increases enormously.
Learn more about my training and experience, get to know our clinic in Brazil, or explore our before and after gallery and patient testimonials.
What to Expect in the First Consultation
The first consultation for plastic surgery is very different from a conventional medical consultation. It is not just about examining and prescribing. It is a deep conversation about who you are, what you wish to change, and how we can get there together.
An open and non-judgmental dialogue
I start by asking what motivated you to seek plastic surgery. I want to understand not only the aesthetic concern but the impact it has on your life. Some people come with a very clear idea of what they want. Others know that something bothers them, but they do not know exactly what it is. In both cases, my role is to listen, understand, and guide.
You can and should express all your desires, expectations, and fears. There is no silly question or irrelevant concern. Every question deserves an honest and complete answer.
Detailed physical examination
After the initial conversation, I conduct a thorough examination of the area you wish to treat. I assess the quality of the skin, the bone structure, the distribution of fat, the musculature, the natural asymmetries, and all the factors that influence the surgical result.
This examination allows me to determine which techniques are most suitable for your specific case. Every body is unique, and what works for one person may not be the best option for another.
Clear explanation of the procedure
Based on the examination, I explain in detail what I propose: which technique will be used, where the incisions will be, the duration of the surgery, the type of anaesthesia, the recovery time, and the expected results. I use photographs of previous cases (with the patients' consent) to illustrate what is possible to achieve.
I am also transparent about what the surgery cannot do. I prefer you leave the consultation with realistic expectations rather than create illusions that lead to frustration.
How to Prepare for the Consultation
The quality of the consultation largely depends on your preparation. The more information you bring, the more productive our meeting will be.
Prepare your questions
Write down all the questions that come to mind before the consultation. It is common to forget important ones on the day. Some suggestions:
- What is the most suitable technique for my case?
- How long does recovery take?
- What are the specific risks for me?
- When can I return to work?
- Is the result permanent?
- Are there recommended complementary procedures?
Bring your medical history
Inform me of all health conditions you have, medications you take (including supplements and herbal remedies), allergies, previous surgeries, and relevant family history. This information is essential to assess risks and plan the surgery safely.
Bring reference photos
If you have photos of results you admire, bring them. They help me understand your aesthetic expectations. It is also useful to bring photos of yourself from when you were younger, especially for facial procedures, as they show what your original structure was like.
Come in comfortable clothing
Wear clothes that facilitate the examination of the area to be treated. For body procedures, wear comfortable underwear or a bikini. For facial procedures, preferably come without heavy makeup.
Also, see information about the cost of plastic surgery.
Personalised assessment and digital simulation
Each patient who enters my clinic is unique. There is no standard recipe in plastic surgery. Therefore, the personalised assessment is the heart of every consultation I conduct.
Standardised photographs
During the consultation, I take standard medical photographs of the area to be treated. These images serve for documentation, surgical planning, and postoperative comparison. They follow protocols for lighting, distance, and angle that support a more accurate assessment.
Results simulation
Whenever possible, I use simulation resources to show the likely outcome of the surgery. This is especially useful in procedures such as rhinoplasty, breast surgery, and liposuction, where simulation helps align expectations.
It is important to understand that the simulation is a guideline, not a guarantee. The human body has its particularities of healing and response that can influence the final result. However, the simulation is a useful tool to bring us closer to the planned outcome.
Assessment of proportions
I analyse facial or body proportions according to principles of balance and symmetry. What the patient desires is not always what will provide the most natural result. In these cases, we discuss alternatives together until we find an appropriate balance between desire and proportion.
Pre-operative examinations
Safety is a central priority. Therefore, I request a series of examinations before any surgical procedure. They allow me to assess your health condition and identify any risk factors.
Laboratory tests
The tests I request include:
- Complete blood count
- PT with INR + APTT
- Creatinine and urea
- Fasting blood glucose
- Total proteins and fractions
- Urinalysis
Pre-operative cardiac assessment
All patients undergo a pre-operative cardiac assessment with an ECG and surgical risk stratification. For patients over forty-five years old or with risk factors, additional tests such as echocardiogram or stress test may be requested.
Medications to be discontinued
Two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery, you should discontinue:
- Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, AAS, Bufferin)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- High doses of Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba and other herbal medicines
- High doses of Omega 3
- Arnica
Smoking should be stopped for the same period. Nicotine compromises blood circulation and significantly increases the risk of complications in healing.
Individualised surgical planning
After the assessment and examinations, we move on to the planning phase. This is the moment when we define the clinical details, risk controls and realistic goals for surgery.
Choice of surgical technique
I explain the techniques available for your case and justify my recommendation. For example, for facial rejuvenation, I perform the deep plane facelift in selected cases because it works in the deeper facial planes and aims for natural-looking support.
Complementary procedures
Frequently, the combination of procedures in the same surgical time may help achieve a more balanced plan. We discuss together which combinations make sense for you, always prioritising safety.
Informed consent form
You will receive a detailed document with all the information about the procedure: technique, risks, pre and postoperative care, and expected results. It is essential that you read it carefully, ask all your questions, and sign only when you feel properly informed.
Scheduling the surgery
We will define together the best date for the surgery, considering your availability, the time needed for examinations, and the recovery period. My team takes care of all the logistics: booking the surgical centre, anaesthesia team, and hospitalisation.
Check out the testimonials from patients who have already gone through this process.
Consultation time and decision-making process
A first consultation for plastic surgery with me lasts on average forty minutes. This time is necessary for me to adequately assess, explain calmly, and answer all your questions.
No rush to decide
I never pressure anyone to make a decision during the consultation. Plastic surgery is a personal choice that deserves reflection. I encourage my patients to go home, talk with their families, research, and, if necessary, return for a second consultation at no additional cost.
A well-considered decision helps create a better prepared patient with clearer expectations.
Transparency in pricing
During the consultation, you will receive clear information about the total cost, including medical fees, anaesthesia team, surgical centre, materials, and postoperative follow-up. The estimate is presented clearly before scheduling.
Complete follow-up
The cost of the surgery includes all postoperative follow-up for one year. During this period, you will have regular follow-up consultations so that I can monitor healing and guide recovery.
Online consultation: preliminary assessment without leaving home
I understand that many patients come from other cities or even other states to consult with me. With this in mind, I offer the option of online consultation as a preliminary assessment.
How it works
The online consultation is held on Saturday mornings, lasting approximately forty minutes. Through video call, I can conduct a preliminary assessment, understand your goals, guide you on the possibilities, and answer your main questions.
Who it is suitable for
The online consultation is ideal for:
- Patients from other cities who wish to have an assessment before travelling to Brazil
- Those who want to ask initial questions about a specific procedure
- Patients seeking a second medical opinion
- People with mobility difficulties or very tight schedules
Limitations of the online consultation
It is important to know that the online consultation does not replace the in-person consultation. The physical examination is irreplaceable for definitive surgical planning. The online consultation is a preliminary step that optimises your time and allows the in-person consultation to be even more productive.
Learn more about the online consultation and book yours.
My experience and commitment to you
I graduated from the State University of Londrina and had the privilege of being a student of Professor Ivo Pitanguy, the greatest name in Brazilian plastic surgery and one of the most respected in the world. With him, I learned not only surgical techniques but a philosophy of respect for the patient and continuous pursuit of technical improvement.
Over more than twenty years of practice, I have performed over eight thousand plastic surgeries. I am a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). I regularly participate in national and international congresses, keeping myself updated with the advances in the specialty.
Why the choice of surgeon is fundamental
Plastic surgery is not a generic procedure. The outcome is influenced by the skill, experience, aesthetic sense of the professional, patient anatomy, healing and adherence to care. In your consultation, always check:
- If the professional is a full member of the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery)
- If they have a registration with the CRM with a specialty in plastic surgery
- The specific experience in the procedure you desire
- If they operate in a hospital or surgical centre with a qualified anaesthesia team
- If they offer complete postoperative follow-up
Learn more about my professional journey and see the gallery of results.
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Consultation
Do I need a medical referral to book a consultation?
You do not need a medical referral to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon; you can contact the clinic directly by WhatsApp or phone.
How long does the first consultation last?
The first consultation lasts on average forty minutes. I reserve this time to assess, explain, photograph, and calmly answer all your questions.
Can I bring a companion?
You can bring a companion to the first consultation, and I often recommend it. Having someone you trust by your side helps absorb all the information and participate in the decision-making process. Many patients come accompanied by spouses, mothers, daughters, or friends.
Does the consultation set the date for the surgery?
The first consultation does not necessarily set the date for surgery. You have complete freedom to reflect on the information received and decide in your own time. When you are ready, we will get in touch to book the tests and the date of the surgery.
Is it possible to evaluate more than one procedure in the same consultation?
More than one procedure can be evaluated in the same consultation when it is clinically appropriate. We assess each area and discuss whether combining procedures in the same surgical time is safe and recommended for your case.
Do you offer flexible payment options?
Flexible payment options are discussed transparently during the consultation after the surgical plan is defined. Visit our pricing page for more information.
Does the online consultation replace the in-person one?
The online consultation does not replace the in-person consultation because physical examination is essential for definitive surgical planning. It is useful for initial questions and preliminary screening before travel.
What happens if I am not a good candidate for surgery?
If you are not a good candidate for surgery, I will explain this clearly during the consultation. If I perceive that the surgery will not bring the result you expect, or that the risks outweigh the benefits, I will say this directly. I prefer to lose a surgery than to make a patient unhappy. I can suggest alternatives or refer you to the most suitable professional.
How long before the surgery should I book the consultation?
Ideally, book the consultation at least thirty days in advance. This timeframe allows for all pre-operative tests to be conducted, a pre-operative cardiac assessment to be completed, and adequate preparation for the surgery and recovery period.
Does the consultation include a simulation of results?
Results simulation may be included when the procedure allows it. I use photographic and digital resources to show the likely result, aligning expectations visually and objectively.
Book your first consultation via WhatsApp
The first step towards the change you desire is just a message away. My team is ready to assist you, answer your questions, and find the best time for your assessment.
Ready to take the first step? Book now!
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Plastic Surgeon in Brazil
Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil
YouTube Channel: Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Follow on Instagram: @drwalterzamarianjr
Follow on TikTok: @drwalterzamarianjr
Search on our website:
This page in other languages:
Portuguese (BR) | English (US) | English (UK) | Italian | French | Spanish