For an international patient, plastic surgery in Brazil is not a single appointment. It is a sequence of decisions that begins before the flight and continues after the patient returns home. A safe plan defines what can be assessed remotely, what must be confirmed in person, and how recovery will be supervised.
1. Online consultation and preliminary screening
The first consultation helps clarify the patient’s goals, medical history, prior operations, medications, nicotine use, weight stability and previous facial injectables. Photographs and video are useful, but they do not replace physical examination. The proposed operation therefore remains provisional until Dr. June Favarin examines tissue quality, facial movement, scars and anatomy in person.
2. Medical preparation before travel
Patients receive individualized instructions about laboratory tests, prescriptions, supplements, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, GLP-1 medications and nicotine. These instructions must be coordinated with the prescribing physician when necessary; patients should not stop medication on their own.
Travel planning should include a companion when advised, flexible flights, suitable accommodation and enough time in Brazil for postoperative review. Our preoperative checklist for surgery abroad explains these steps in more detail.
3. In-person assessment and confirmation of the plan
After arrival, the surgical plan is confirmed through examination and updated medical information. For facial surgery, this may include assessment of the brow, eyelids, midface, jawline and neck; eye health; previous fillers, biostimulators, threads or permanent substances; and dermatologic ultrasound when the history or examination makes it useful.
The appropriate procedure may be smaller, different or staged compared with the initial proposal. A safe decision can also be to postpone or contraindicate surgery.
4. Surgery in a hospital setting
Major operations are performed at Hospital São José with an anesthesiology team and hospital monitoring. The hospital environment supports sterile technique, perioperative observation and access to additional resources if an unexpected event occurs. It reduces avoidable risk but cannot eliminate complications. Learn more about Belvivere’s hospital-based surgical pathway.
5. The first days of recovery
Swelling, bruising, tightness, fatigue and temporary sensory changes are expected after many facial operations. Their intensity depends on the procedure and the individual. Scheduled reviews allow the team to assess incisions, circulation, eye closure, facial movement and signs of hematoma, infection or other complications.
Concierge support can help organize transport, accommodation and practical communication. It complements—but never replaces—medical follow-up. See the international-patient concierge services.
6. Flight clearance and follow-up at home
After major facial surgery, Belvivere generally plans for the patient to remain in Brazil for at least 15 days, although the appropriate period may be longer. Flight clearance depends on the actual recovery, not a fixed calendar. A patient should not travel with uncontrolled pain, progressive swelling, breathing difficulty, fever, visual symptoms or another unresolved concern.
After returning home, follow-up continues remotely and may be coordinated with a local physician when needed. Scars, edema and tissue settling evolve for months, so the early appearance is not the final result.
A coordinated journey, not a surgical package
International care should never compress evaluation, surgery and departure into an inflexible itinerary. The purpose of planning is to protect safety, preserve facial identity and provide enough time for responsible postoperative care.
