First Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon in Brazil
Scheduling the first consultation with a plastic surgeon usually 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, evaluate your anatomy, and outline a personalized plan. There is no successful plastic surgery without a well-conducted consultation. That is why I dedicate quality time to each patient who comes to see me.
Over more than twenty years of practice and more than 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. For international patients considering cosmetic surgery in Brazil, I also offer online consultations as a first step before traveling to Londrina, Brazil.
Learn more about my training and experience, get to know our office in Londrina, Brazil, or read testimonials from patients who have been through this process.
What to Expect in the First Consultation
The first plastic surgery consultation 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 want 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 complaint 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 evaluate the quality of the skin, the bone structure, the distribution of fat, the musculature, natural asymmetries, and all 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 anesthesia, the recovery time, and the expected results. I use photographs of previous cases (with patient authorization) to illustrate what is possible to achieve.
I am also transparent about what the surgery cannot do. I prefer that 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 depends largely on your preparation. The more information you bring, the more productive our meeting will be.
Prepare your questions
Write down all the questions that arise before the consultation. It is common to forget important questions at the moment. Some suggestions:
- What is the most recommended 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 any 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, and review our pre-surgical preparation guide to know exactly what to expect before your procedure.
Personalized Assessment and Digital Simulation
Each patient who enters my office is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in plastic surgery. Therefore, personalized assessment is the heart of every consultation I conduct.
Standardized Photographs
During the consultation, I take standardized 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 ensure an 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. But the simulation is a powerful tool to bring us closer to the ideal outcome.
Assessment of Proportions
I analyze facial or body proportions according to principles of balance and symmetry. What the patient desires is not always what will provide the most natural-looking result. In these cases, we discuss alternatives together until we find the ideal balance between your goals and your proportions.
Pre-Operative Testing
Safety is my absolute priority. Therefore, I request a series of exams 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 sugar
- Total proteins and fractions
- Urinalysis
Pre-Operative Cardiac Clearance
All patients undergo a pre-operative cardiac clearance with an EKG and surgical risk stratification. For patients over forty-five years old or with risk factors, additional tests such as an echocardiogram or stress test may be requested.
Medications to Stop Before Surgery
Fifteen days before and fifteen days after surgery, you should discontinue:
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and other salicylates
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, and similar OTC pain medications)
- High doses of Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba and other herbal remedies
- 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.
Individualized Surgical Planning
After the assessment and exams, we move on to the planning phase. This is the moment when every detail is defined so that the surgery occurs with maximum safety and the best possible results.
Choice of Surgical Technique
I explain the techniques available for your case and justify my recommendation. For example, for facial rejuvenation, I exclusively perform the deep plane facelift, which I consider the most advanced technique with the most natural and long-lasting results.
Complementary Procedures
Frequently, combining procedures in the same operation delivers a more natural, balanced result. We discuss together which combinations make sense for you, always prioritizing 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 completely comfortable.
Surgery Scheduling
We will define together the best date for the surgery, considering your availability, the time needed for exams, and the recovery period. My team takes care of all the logistics: operating room reservation, anesthesiologists, and hospital stay.
Check out the testimonials from patients who have gone through this process.
Consultation Time and Decision-Making Process
A first plastic surgery consultation with me lasts on average sixty to ninety minutes. This time is necessary for me to adequately assess, calmly explain, and answer all your questions.
No Pressure 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 results in a more confident, better-prepared patient, and consequently, more satisfied with the outcome.
Transparent Pricing
During the consultation, you will receive a clear cost estimate, including surgeon's fees, anesthesiologists, operating room, materials, and postoperative follow-up. There are no hidden costs or surprises.
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 each phase of your recovery and ensure the best possible result.
Online Consultation: Preliminary Assessment from Home
I understand that many patients travel from other cities, states, or even other countries 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 Is It For
The online consultation is ideal for:
- International patients who want an assessment before traveling 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 optimizes your time and allows the in-person consultation to be even more productive.
Learn more about the online consultation and schedule your appointment.
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 an incessant pursuit of excellence.
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 Choosing the Surgeon is Fundamental
Plastic surgery is not a generic procedure. The result directly depends on the skill, experience, and aesthetic sense of the surgeon. In your consultation, always check:
- If the doctor is a full member of the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery)
- If they hold a CRM registration (Brazil's medical license) with board certification in plastic surgery
- The specific experience in the procedure you desire
- If they operate in a hospital or accredited surgical facility with board-certified anesthesiologists
- If they offer complete postoperative follow-up
Learn more about my professional journey, see the gallery of results, and understand what post-surgical recovery involves.
Frequently Asked Questions About the First Consultation
Do I need a doctor's referral to schedule a consultation?
No. You can schedule directly through our WhatsApp or phone. A consultation with a plastic surgeon does not require a referral from another doctor.
How long does the first consultation last?
The first consultation lasts between sixty and ninety minutes. I reserve this time to evaluate, explain, photograph, and calmly answer all your questions.
Can I bring a companion?
Of course. In fact, I 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 already set the date for the surgery?
Not necessarily. You have complete freedom to reflect on the information received and decide in your own time. When you are ready, we will contact you to schedule the exams and the surgery date.
Is it possible to evaluate more than one procedure in the same consultation?
Yes. Frequently, patients come with interest in more than one area. We evaluate everything in the same consultation and discuss the possibility of combining procedures in the same operation when safe and recommended.
Do you offer flexible payment options?
Yes. We offer various payment options. The details are presented during the consultation, transparently. Visit our pricing page for more information.
Does the online consultation replace the in-person one?
No. The online consultation is a preliminary assessment that allows you to ask questions and get an initial assessment. An in-person physical examination is essential for definitive surgical planning.
What happens if I am not a good candidate for surgery?
I will be honest with you. If I perceive that the surgery will not bring the results you expect, or that the risks outweigh the benefits, I will clearly state that. 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 schedule the consultation?
Ideally, schedule the consultation at least thirty days in advance. This timeframe allows for all pre-operative exams, a cardiac clearance, and proper preparation for the surgery and recovery period.
Does the consultation include a simulation of results?
Yes, whenever the procedure allows. I use photographic and digital resources to show the likely result, aligning expectations in a visual and objective manner.
Schedule 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 appointment.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule your consultation now!
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Plastic Surgeon in Londrina, 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