A smooth facelift experience starts long before you land in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. The weeks leading up to surgery shape how safely you’ll heal and how relaxed you’ll feel once you arrive.
This guide pulls together everything international patients need to prepare: consultations, medical clearance, what to stop taking, how to handle language barriers, and exactly what to pack. Abmedi’s medical travel team can also help you coordinate many of these steps.
Travel Readiness Checklist for Medical Tourists
| Timeline | Task | Done |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks before | Research surgeons and hospitals; send photos for assessment | ☐ |
| 7 weeks before | Complete a virtual consultation; receive a written plan and quote | ☐ |
| 5 weeks before | Confirm surgery date; pay deposit; book flights (flexible return) | ☐ |
| 4 weeks before | Apply for a Vietnam e-visa or confirm visa exemption; buy complication insurance | ☐ |
| 3 weeks before | Get medical clearance from your doctor; stop smoking and nicotine | ☐ |
| 2 weeks before | Stop blood-thinning medications and supplements (with approval); adjust diet | ☐ |
| 1 week before | Confirm airport pickup, accommodation, and coordinator contact | ☐ |
| 2 – 3 days before surgery | Arrive in Vietnam; in-person consultation and pre-op tests | ☐ |
| Stay length | Plan 12 – 14 days total | ☐ |
Step-by-Step Preparation for Overseas Patients
Booking Virtual Consultations & Medical Clearances
1. Send your photos. Most clinics start with a photo assessment. Take clear, unfiltered photos in natural light: front, both profiles, and both 45-degree angles, with your hair pulled back and no makeup.
2. Book a virtual consultation with the surgeon. Use a video call to discuss your goals, the recommended technique, and expected recovery. Make sure you’re speaking with the surgeon, not only a sales coordinator. Not sure which procedure to ask about? See our mini vs. full facelift guide.
3. Get a written treatment plan and itemized quote. Compare inclusions carefully with our Vietnam facelift cost guide.
4. Arrange medical clearance at home. Your surgeon may ask your primary care physician for:
– Complete blood count (CBC) and metabolic panel
– Coagulation tests (PT/INR)
– ECG, especially if you’re over 50 or have heart conditions
– Blood sugar control (HbA1c) if you’re diabetic
– Written confirmation that conditions like high blood pressure are well controlled
5. Share your full medical history, including medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and any reactions to anesthesia.
Pre-Surgery Health Protocols & Quarantine/Testing Rules
As of 2026, Vietnam has no COVID-19 quarantine or mandatory pre-arrival testing for international travelers. Entry rules can change, so check the latest guidance from your government’s travel advisory and your airline before departure.
Your hospital may still run its own pre-op screening on arrival, such as:
- Repeat blood tests and ECG
- Blood pressure check
- A screening test if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection
- Pregnancy test, when applicable
If you develop a cold, fever, or infection before your trip, tell your coordinator immediately. Surgery may need to be rescheduled for your safety.
What to Avoid Before Facelift Surgery
Medications, Supplements, and Smoking Restrictions
Stop smoking and all nicotine products (cigarettes, vapes, nicotine patches, and gum) at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the skin and greatly raises the risk of skin necrosis and poor wound healing.
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you’ll typically need to stop these 10 to 14 days before surgery:
- Aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
- Vitamin E (high doses)
- Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, and turmeric supplements
- St. John’s wort
- Herbal teas or diet products with unknown ingredients
Never stop a prescribed medication, especially blood thinners, without speaking to your prescribing doctor. Acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) is usually acceptable for pain.
Also avoid alcohol for at least one week before surgery, and pause retinoids or chemical exfoliants on your face as directed by your surgeon.
Dietary Guidelines 2 Weeks Before Surgery
Good nutrition supports faster healing:
- Prioritize protein: Lean meat, fish, eggs, tofu, and legumes help tissue repair.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Reduce salt to help limit post-op swelling.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Limit processed foods and sugar, especially if you’re diabetic.
- Follow fasting instructions: Typically no food or drink for 6 to 8 hours before anesthesia.
Communication & Travel Logistics
Overcoming Language Barriers (Medical Translators & Staff)
English is widely spoken in Vietnam’s international hospitals, but medical conversations require precision. To keep communication clear:
- Choose a provider with English-fluent coordinators who attend every appointment with you.
- Ask whether your surgeon speaks English or whether a professional medical interpreter will be present.
- Request all documents in English, including consent forms, discharge instructions, and medication lists.
- Write down your questions before each appointment and repeat key instructions back to confirm.
- Save your coordinator’s 24/7 contact number and set up WhatsApp or Zalo for quick messages.
Patients who travel with Abmedi for facelift surgery in Vietnam can request an English-speaking coordinator for their appointments. Learn how to evaluate international patient services in our guide to the best facelift surgeons and hospitals in Vietnam.
Essential Packing List for Facelift Surgery & Recovery
Documents:
– Passport (valid for at least 6 months), e-visa approval, and return ticket
– Travel and medical complication insurance documents
– Medical records, test results, and medication list
– Printed treatment plan and quote
Clothing:
– Button-up or zip-front tops, so you don’t pull anything over your head
– Loose, comfortable loungewear and slip-on shoes
– A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a light scarf
Recovery essentials:
– Travel neck pillow and an extra pillow to keep your head elevated
– Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer
– Lip balm and saline eye drops
– Reusable cold packs (or ask your hospital to provide them)
– Mineral sunscreen SPF 50+
– A long phone charging cable, a power adapter (Vietnam uses Types A, C, and F), and entertainment for downtime
Optional comforts:
– Arnica (only if approved by your surgeon)
– High-protein snacks
– Compression socks for the flight home
For a realistic look at the days after surgery, read our facelift recovery timeline for Vietnam. You can also review whether a facelift in Vietnam is safe, learn what to expect from your facelift results over time, and compare destinations in our Vietnam vs. Thailand facelift guide.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a qualified, licensed plastic surgeon or your own physician. Always follow the specific instructions your surgical team provides.
