In mid-August, Huy returned to Vietnam and visited Tam Anh General Hospital to treat his excessive sweating. "I took advantage of the summer break to return home for treatment to save on costs and visit relatives," he said.

According to Huy, the cost of treating this condition in the US is very high. One microwave-based treatment for excessive sweating costs around 50-75 million VND, while in Vietnam it's 35-40 million VND.

Similarly, Lina, 26, an Australian overseas Vietnamese student, had previously removed black and red digital tattoos on her arms, back, calves, and thighs using laser technology with minimal anesthesia. Each session cost around 8-10 million VND, with a 10-session course totaling about 80-100 million VND.

At Tam Anh General Hospital in TP HCM, Lina was advised by Doctor Tran Nguyen Anh Thu, Department of Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology, to undergo tattoo removal using pico laser technology at one-third of the cost in Australia.

Doctor uses pico laser to remove digital tattoos for Lina. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Doctor Thu said that since the beginning of July, Tam Anh General Hospital has received about 400 overseas Vietnamese clients, mainly from the US, Australia, France, and Canada, returning home for cosmetic treatments, of which overseas Vietnamese students account for over 60%. Many message to book appointments while still abroad, wanting to take advantage of their short time in Vietnam for these procedures.

Popular services include acne treatment, laser freckle removal, tattoo removal, mole removal, treatment for excessive sweating, chemical peels, HA injections, and Botox. These are short-term beauty treatments that don't require recovery time.

Doctor Thu consults with Lina. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

According to Doctor Thu, the main reason why most overseas Vietnamese students choose to return home for cosmetic procedures is the comparable technology at lower costs than abroad, along with the convenience of post-treatment care and follow-up. For example, the cost in developed countries for one tattoo removal session is about 20-25 million VND, while in Vietnam it's 4-8 million VND; laser melasma treatment is 8-10 million VND per session (around 2-4 million VND in Vietnam); laser hair removal is 20-30 million VND per session, while in Vietnam it's around 3-5 million VND.

After one microwave treatment, Huy's underarm sweating has reduced by 70%. The pico laser technology, which can handle various tattoo inks and colors with a fast recovery time and thorough anesthesia, helped Lina shorten the number of sessions and significantly reduce costs. After three nearly painless tattoo removal sessions, her tattoo ink has faded considerably.

Doctor Thu advises everyone to choose licensed beauty facilities with qualified doctors who adhere to standard medical care procedures. Avoid rushing into treatments without considering safety factors, which could lead to complications.

Minh Huong

*Names have been changed.