Ms. Anh's face developed fine lines and a double chin, with dry, dull skin after childbirth. Her husband, Mr. Huy, had acne scars from puberty, resulting in uneven, easily reddened skin. Facing long waits and high costs for aesthetic consultations and treatments in the U.S., the couple decided to return to Vietnam for quicker, more affordable care.

Specialist Doctor level I Nguyen Ngoc Tran, a dermatologist at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, noted Ms. Anh's mild skin aging, reduced firmness in her face and neck, shallow wrinkles, localized fat under her chin blurring her jawline, and dehydrated skin. Mr. Huy presented with mixed atrophic acne scars, primarily on his two cheeks, featuring many tethered scar bases and an uneven skin surface.

Given the couple's two-week stay in Vietnam, Dr. Tran devised a skin rejuvenation plan for Ms. Anh. This involved Sofwave technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving facial and neck firmness and reducing fine wrinkles. Concurrently, Ms. Anh received HIFU treatment to target the fat layer under her chin, aiming for a more contoured face and defined jawline. Finally, hyaluronic acid injections were administered to hydrate her skin, enhance its quality, and restore natural smoothness.

A doctor uses HIFU to improve Ms. Anh's double chin. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*.

For Mr. Huy, the doctor prescribed laser 6D treatment for his acne scars, combined with topical medication. This technology creates controlled micro-injuries, stimulating collagen regeneration and skin matrix restructuring. This process helps improve atrophic scars with each session, resulting in a more even and smoother skin surface.

At her follow-up appointment 10 days post-treatment, Ms. Anh's face appeared firmer and more radiant, her double chin was reduced, and her skin felt more hydrated. For Mr. Huy, the initial treatment primarily laid the groundwork for skin restructuring. As acne scars often require multiple interventions for significant improvement, he received home care instructions and plans to continue his treatment during future visits to Vietnam.

Patients must adhere to doctor's instructions, use diligent sun protection, attend scheduled follow-ups, and complete the full treatment course for optimal results. Discontinuing treatment prematurely or improper care can prolong recovery and compromise effectiveness.

A doctor uses laser 6D to treat Mr. Huy's acne scars. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*.

According to Dr. Tran, not all cases permit multiple procedures simultaneously. Combining methods requires careful consideration of the patient's skin condition, recovery capacity, length of stay, and the appropriate treatment sequence. Doctors must meticulously plan to ensure technologies complement each other, minimizing irritation risks or extended recovery periods.

Individuals with short stays in Vietnam should proactively contact and schedule consultations in advance. This allows doctors to assess skin conditions and develop treatment plans suitable for their limited time. This approach optimizes effectiveness, ensures safety, and shortens recovery.

Minh Huong

*Names have been changed.