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FAQ Plastic Surgery Brazil

Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery

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By Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr. · Updated: 02/21/2026

Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery

Before deciding on any surgical procedure, it is natural to have questions. Below, I have gathered the questions I receive most often from my patients — including international patients considering medical tourism in Brazil — about plastic surgery in general. For specific questions about each procedure, please consult the page of the procedure you are interested in: facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, chin implant, facial fat grafting or intimate surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used in surgeries?

The type of anesthesia depends on the procedure and its complexity. Major surgeries, such as facelift and rhinoplasty, are performed under general anesthesia. Minor procedures, such as otoplasty in adults, can be done with sedation and local anesthesia. In all cases, the anesthesiologist is an experienced professional dedicated exclusively to your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

Where are the surgeries performed?

I perform over 95% of my surgeries at the Heart Hospital of Londrina (HCor), a fully equipped private hospital in Brazil with state-of-the-art operating rooms, advanced monitoring equipment, and a dedicated nursing team. The choice of hospital is deliberate: the infrastructure and support available directly contribute to a safer and smoother recovery.

What payment methods are accepted?

I accept bank transfer (PIX, TED, or DOC), cash (Real, Dollar, Euro, or Pound), and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Elo, among others). Payment for the consultation and medical fees can be discussed directly during the appointment. For detailed information about costs, please visit the investment page.

Does health insurance cover the procedures?

The aesthetic procedures performed in my clinic are elective surgeries and, therefore, are not covered by health insurance. In cases with a functional component — such as rhinoplasty combined with deviated septum repair that affects breathing — there may be partial coverage depending on the plan. This is assessed during the consultation.

Smoking. Can I have plastic surgery?

Smoking significantly compromises healing and blood circulation, increasing the risks of complications such as skin necrosis, infection, and widened scars. I request that my patients stop smoking at least 30 days before and 30 days after the surgery. In some procedures, such as facelift, this requirement is even stricter. Honesty about smoking habits is essential for me to plan your surgery safely.

What tests do I need to do before the surgery?

Pre-operative tests vary depending on the procedure and your overall health. In general, I request a complete blood count, coagulation panel, blood glucose, kidney function tests, an EKG, and pre-operative cardiac clearance. For eyelid surgeries, an ophthalmologic evaluation may also be necessary. All tests are ordered during the consultation and should be completed well in advance so that we can review the results together before the surgery date.

Do I need to be hospitalized? For how long?

Most surgeries require a 24-hour hospitalization. You will be admitted on the day of the surgery, approximately one hour before the scheduled time, and will be discharged the next day. In minor procedures — such as otoplasty or isolated blepharoplasty — discharge may occur on the same day, after a period of observation. I assess each case individually to ensure that discharge occurs only when it is clinically safe.

Can I combine more than one surgery on the same day?

Yes, as long as it is medically appropriate and the total surgical time remains safe. Common combinations include facelift with blepharoplasty and fat grafting, or rhinoplasty with chin implant. The decision to combine procedures takes into account your overall health, the estimated surgical time, and the risks involved. We discuss all options during the consultation.

What are the risks of plastic surgery?

Every surgery involves risks, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia reactions, asymmetries, and unwanted scars. My role as a surgeon is to minimize these risks as much as possible through refined technique, rigorous planning, careful selection of the hospital, and close postoperative follow-up. During the consultation, I openly discuss the specific risks of the procedure you are considering, so that your decision is informed and safe.

What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a doctor who performs aesthetic procedures?

A plastic surgeon is a physician who has completed a residency in general surgery followed by a residency in plastic surgery, totaling at least 5 years of surgical training after medical school. In Brazil, the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) is the certifying body for these professionals -- comparable to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in the United States. Physicians from other specialties may perform some cosmetic procedures, but they do not have the same surgical training. Always verify that your surgeon is board-certified. I am a full member of both the SBCP and the ASPS, with CRM-PR 17.388 and RQE 15.688.

Do I operate on patients who have already had surgery with another doctor?

Yes. I receive patients who wish to revise or enhance the results of previous surgeries performed by other professionals. These cases, called secondary or revision surgeries, require careful evaluation, as the anatomy has already been altered. During the consultation, I assess what has been done, what can be improved, and what the realistic limitations are. I am transparent about what can be achieved in each case.

How much rest do I need after the surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. In general, I recommend light rest for 7 to 14 days, during which you should avoid strenuous activity, sun exposure, and anything that significantly raises blood pressure. Normal daily activities can be resumed gradually. Vigorous exercise is usually allowed after 4 to 6 weeks. I provide detailed post-operative instructions in writing at discharge and closely monitor your recovery during regular follow-up appointments. Please also see my post-surgical recovery page.

Do you treat international patients considering medical tourism in Brazil?

Yes. I regularly welcome international patients who travel to Londrina, Brazil for cosmetic surgery. I am fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, so I can communicate directly without interpreters. My team assists with all logistics — hotel recommendations near the clinic, airport transportation, and close postoperative follow-up during your stay. For patients abroad, the process typically begins with an online consultation, followed by an in-person evaluation one to two days before the surgery. Brazil is recognized worldwide for its excellence in plastic surgery, and my training at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute combined with advanced techniques from the United States ensures results that meet the highest international standards.

Still have questions?

If your question was not answered here, please contact me directly. I will be happy to answer your questions in person. To learn more about each procedure, visit the specific pages, read testimonials from my patients, or browse the before and after gallery. You can also review the pre-surgical preparation guide, learn about my background and training, or schedule a first appointment or online consultation. You can also contact the Zamarian Clinic directly.


Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.

Plastic Surgeon in Londrina - Brazil

Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil

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