Training & Mentors
From the Pitanguy Clinic to Deep Plane in the United States
My journey in plastic surgery: the masters who shaped my career
I am Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Brazil. CRM-PR 17,388 | RQE 15,688. Over more than 20 years and 8,000+ surgeries, I have had the privilege of learning from internationally respected plastic surgeons. On this page, I share the training journey that brought me here — and the mentors whose teachings I carry into surgical planning, technical execution, and patient care.
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Subscribe on YouTubeIvo Pitanguy Clinic: where it all began
My plastic surgery training was at the Ivo Pitanguy Clinic — the 38th Ward of Santa Casa in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most influential schools in the history of Brazilian plastic surgery. Professor Pitanguy did not teach just surgical technique: he taught a philosophy of respect for the patient, ethics, the pursuit of excellence, and naturalness. Every surgeon trained in that environment carries this foundation for life. It was there that I operated on my first thousands of cases under close supervision. The discipline, rigor, and humanistic approach of Prof. Pitanguy are the foundation of everything I do today.
Dr. Tim Marten: Deep Plane Facelift education
Dr. Tim Marten, of San Francisco, is internationally recognized for his work in Deep Plane facelift surgery. During ASAPS meetings in the United States, I learned from Dr. Marten's teaching on the technical details and surgical judgment behind the Deep Plane technique. Dr. Marten developed and refined an approach that influences my work today: sub-SMAS dissection with release of key facial retaining ligaments, vertical elevation of the deep structures, and comprehensive neck treatment. This education deeply shaped my surgical practice.
Dr. Mike Nayak: refinement and deep neck lift
Dr. Mike Nayak, of St. Louis, is internationally recognized for facial rejuvenation and deep neck lift work. Learning from Dr. Nayak during ASAPS meetings deepened my knowledge of the deep neck lift and complementary techniques to the Deep Plane. With Dr. Nayak's teaching, I refined my approach to neck treatment — platysmaplasty, subplatysmal fat removal, digastric muscle treatment, and submandibular gland management. These details can influence contour, longevity, and naturalness when the indication is appropriate.
Dr. Gary Alter: female intimate surgery training
Dr. Gary Alter, of Los Angeles, created the Wedge technique for labiaplasty, an important approach in female intimate surgery. I trained directly with him in the USA, learning not only the surgical technique but the sensitivity and care this specialty demands. Today I perform the Wedge technique as taught by Dr. Alter, with attention to function, anatomy, aesthetics, and individualized indication.
SBCP, ASPS, and continuing education
I am a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the Association of Prof. Ivo Pitanguy's Alumni (AExPI). I regularly attend national and international congresses, staying current with advances in the specialty. A plastic surgeon's education never ends. Every congress, every exchange with colleagues, and every challenging case is an opportunity to refine judgment, safety, and technique.
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Frequently asked questions about training and mentors
Where did Dr. Zamarian complete his plastic surgery training?
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr. completed his plastic surgery training at the Ivo Pitanguy Clinic and the 38th Ward of Santa Casa in Rio de Janeiro, after medical school and general surgery residency at the State University of Londrina. This training shaped his emphasis on ethics, naturalness, anatomy, and patient-centered surgical planning.
Which mentors influenced his Deep Plane facelift approach?
Dr. Zamarian's Deep Plane facelift approach was influenced by learning from Dr. Tim Marten and Dr. Mike Nayak in the United States during ASAPS meetings. These experiences reinforced deep-plane anatomy, retaining-ligament release, vertical repositioning, deep neck treatment, and individualized surgical indication.
What training supports his female intimate surgery work?
Dr. Zamarian trained directly with Dr. Gary Alter in Los Angeles for female intimate surgery, including the Wedge technique for labiaplasty. This training supports an approach focused on anatomy, function, discretion, and individualized indication for each patient.
Do training and mentorship guarantee a surgical result?
Training and mentorship do not guarantee a surgical result, because outcomes depend on anatomy, health status, healing, technique selection, and postoperative care. They are important E-E-A-T signals, but the decision to operate must always come after medical evaluation, discussion of risks, and realistic expectations.
How can patients verify Dr. Zamarian's credentials?
Patients can verify Dr. Zamarian's credentials through CRM-PR 17.388, RQE 15.688, the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Credential verification is especially important before any elective plastic surgery, including international medical travel.
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To learn about the individualized treatment I can offer you, review the results context page, understand the costs involved, or review the pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery guides. You can also start with an online consultation if you are coming from another city or country. Contact my clinic to schedule your consultation.
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.
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Portuguese (BR) | English (US)