Frequently asked questions.

No special preparation is needed. If available, bring recent photographs from multiple angles, recent blood-work results, a list of current medications (including supplements), and any history of prior surgery or anesthesia. That said, the consultation is designed for the surgeon to listen and examine — you do not need to "prepare" in the usual sense.

Absolutely encouraged. Surgical decisions often involve family, and a companion can help you remember details discussed. We are happy to answer questions from both you and your relatives.

There is no limit — and no "correct number." Many patients consult 2–3 times over several months before deciding. Some decide after a single visit; others return a year later. We do not impose time pressure, do not require a deposit at the first consultation, and do not offer "book today" discount campaigns.

We perform reconstructive surgery on children (congenital anomalies, post-trauma, burn reconstruction) when there is a medical indication and in coordination with pediatric services. We do not perform purely aesthetic surgery on patients under 18, except for select cases with a clear medical indication (for example, prominent ears causing assessed psychological impact).

This is a decision made by your surgeon in coordination with the anesthesiologist. Anticoagulants (aspirin, warfarin, NOACs) and some supplements (ginkgo, high-dose garlic, fish oil) are typically discontinued before surgery. Never stop medications on your own — especially cardiac, diabetes, or blood-pressure medications — without explicit guidance.

Yes, significantly. Smoking impairs tissue perfusion and increases the risk of flap necrosis, wound infection, and post-anesthetic pulmonary complications. We require patients to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before major surgery and maintain abstinence for 4 weeks afterward. For some procedures (abdominoplasty, mastopexy), smoking is a relative contraindication.

The surgeon you met and who examined you in consultation is the surgeon who performs the operation. We do not use a "one surgeon consults, another operates" model. The surgeon's name is on the surgical consent before you sign it.

Yes. Every general-anesthesia case has a specialist anesthesiologist present continuously from start to finish — not only a nurse anesthetist. You will meet the anesthesiologist in a pre-operative consult, not on the morning of surgery.

No. You are under general anesthesia (or local with sedation for some smaller procedures) and feel no pain during the operation. Post-operative pain management is a separate plan, discussed in advance and based on multimodal analgesia.

Intraoperative awareness is a rare event in modern anesthesia with BIS (Bispectral Index) monitoring. We use BIS monitoring for prolonged general-anesthesia cases to minimize this risk.

In some cases, medical photographs are taken for medical-record purposes and outcome tracking. These are kept in your medical record and are not used for marketing or public display unless you sign a separate written release. You may request that no photographs be taken.

It depends on the procedure. General-anesthesia cases generally require at least one inpatient night for recovery monitoring. Major procedures (abdominoplasty, breast reconstruction) may require 1–3 nights. The specific length is communicated in your pre-operative consult.

You receive the direct contact number of your post-operative nurse coordinator. A structured follow-up schedule is set at discharge — typically 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. You may reach out at any time if you notice anything abnormal.

Yes. Every surgery leaves a scar — this is a biological reality, not a technique question. Your surgeon will explain the planned scar location and size for the specific procedure. Scars are placed in concealed locations (hairline, lid crease, axilla, inframammary fold, bikini line) depending on the operation. We do not use the phrase "scar-free."

Scars progress through stages: pink and raised (first 3 months), beginning to flatten and fade (3–6 months), and continuing to mature toward their final appearance (6–12 months, sometimes 18 months). Some individuals have a tendency toward keloid or hypertrophic scarring; this is evaluated and managed separately.

It depends on the procedure. Light walking is generally encouraged early (within days of surgery) to reduce thromboembolic risk. Gym, running, and swimming are typically resumed at 4–6 weeks after moderate surgery, and 6–8 weeks after major surgery (abdominoplasty, breast surgery). Your surgeon will give a specific timeline.

Not in the first days — especially while on opioid analgesics or with limited shoulder/arm motion. Safe return to driving usually takes 1–2 weeks for facial procedures and longer for breast and abdominal surgery.

Common to all surgery: post-operative bleeding, seroma, hematoma, surgical-site infection, anesthesia-related events, and deep vein thrombosis. Each specific procedure carries additional procedure-specific risks — your surgeon will present these in full before you sign consent. We do not withhold information about risk.

Your operating surgeon is primarily responsible for managing complications. The hospital has 24/7 physician coverage and the capacity for on-site emergency intervention. For complications beyond our scope, we have an established transfer pathway with a partner general hospital.

Some cases benefit from a minor revision (touch-up) at 6–12 months — this is a normal part of plastic surgery, not a sign of a "failed" operation. Revision policy is discussed clearly before surgery and recorded in writing.

Surgical pricing varies meaningfully with individual clinical assessment: case complexity, expected operating time, materials, and inpatient duration. An accurate quote can only be made after the surgeon has examined you. A flat published price list is more likely to mislead than to inform.

Our standard quote includes: surgeon fee, anesthesiologist fee, operating room cost, surgical materials, peri-operative medications, standard inpatient stay, and the standard follow-up schedule (1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months).

No. Any charges beyond the standard quote (extended inpatient stay due to complication, additional materials not in the original plan) are disclosed and require your agreement before they are incurred. There are no surcharges announced after the fact.

Yes. We partner with selected financial institutions that provide flexible payment solutions. Details and eligibility are provided once you have an official quote. Approval rests with the financial institution, not the hospital.

Purely cosmetic surgery is generally outside insurance scope. Procedures with a clear medical indication (post-cancer reconstruction, post-trauma, congenital deformities affecting function, breast reduction with medical indication) may be considered. Our administrative team supports preparation of the medical documentation required.

Yes. Several surgeons and our international coordinators speak English; some surgeons speak Korean. When needed, we arrange professional interpretation for consultations and surgical consent — this is a standard service, at no additional charge. See the International Patients page for more.

Our international coordination team provides formal medical invitation letters for medical-visa applications. The visa decision rests with Vietnamese consular authorities and is not within the hospital's scope of commitment.

It depends on the procedure. Typical minimums: 7–10 days for minor facial surgery; 10–14 days for rhinoplasty; 2–3 weeks for major breast or body surgery. The international coordinator will prepare a detailed itinerary including key follow-up dates before you return home.

Yes. You have the right to refuse surgery at any point before anesthesia — including after you have signed consent and arrived at the operating table. This patient right is protected under Vietnamese law. Any funds already paid are addressed under the transparent refund policy documented in the contract.

Yes. Personal data and medical records are processed under Decree 13/2023/NĐ-CP on personal data protection. Information is not shared with third parties beyond internal treatment and appointment coordination without your separate written consent.

No, unless you sign a separate written consent specifically for that purpose — distinct from the surgical consent. You may withdraw this consent at any time and request the images be removed.

Internally first: contact hospital management or the Quality Assurance office at info@thegioidep.vn or in person at reception. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, you have the right to escalate to the Department of Health or the Ministry of Health. We respect this right and will provide complete medical records on official request.