Hong Ngoc connects international experts to advance plastic and reconstructive surgery in Vietnam

Where function and aesthetics go hand-in-hand

In modern medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery is evolving beyond purely aesthetic interventions towards a more comprehensive approach to treatment. This approach aims to improve appearance, restore function, preserve anatomical structures, and achieve long-lasting outcomes.

Clinical practice highlights the need to balance aesthetic outcomes with masticatory function in orthognathic surgery, while rhinoplasty must also prioritize nasal airflow and respiratory function. These considerations require surgeons to stay up-to-date with advances in medical technology and surgical techniques as well as to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize treatment outcomes.

In line with this approach, Hong Ngoc General Hospital places strong emphasis on expanding partnerships and promoting academic exchange with experts in Vietnam and abroad.

On October 24, Hong Ngoc, in collaboration with Facing the World (FTW), hosted an international conference entitled “Facing the World - The Crossroads Between Function and Aesthetics” at Hong Ngoc - Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital. Held under the auspices of the Vietnam Medical Association, the conference brought together 14 distinguished speakers and experts from Vietnam and the UK, representing the specialties of maxillofacial surgery, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), head and neck surgery, and plastic and aesthetic surgery.

It attracted hundreds of physicians and healthcare professionals from hospitals and specialized medical institutions across Vietnam, providing a professional forum for advancing the standardization and quality of clinical care, with the goal of achieving an optimal balance between functional restoration and aesthetic outcomes for patients.

Advancing technology and clinical expertise across three specialized areas

The conference featured three scientific sessions - Maxillofacial Surgery, Rhinoplasty, and Breast Surgery - focusing on technical advances, treatment approaches, and clinical experience in managing complex cases.

The Maxillofacial Surgery session explored orthognathic surgery, individualized treatment planning for different patient groups, the use of robotic technology in reconstruction following head and neck cancer, the treatment of congenital ptosis, and the application of 3D technology in facial reconstruction. These topics highlighted the importance of balancing functional outcomes with facial aesthetics.

The Rhinoplasty session focused on the management of vascular tumors in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, principles for balancing nasal form and function in rhinoplasty, and key considerations in nasal reconstruction.

The Breast Surgery session addressed breast implant longevity, the use of autologous tissue in managing implant rupture, the treatment of complications associated with non-resorbable fillers, microsurgical breast reconstruction following mastectomy, and the evolution of breast augmentation techniques in clinical practice.

In addition to the specialized presentations, the conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary discussion, enabling physicians to exchange experiences and evaluate treatment options from multiple perspectives. These discussions aimed to optimize surgical outcomes, ensure safety, and improve patients’ quality of life.

Strengthening international partnerships to enhance clinical capabilities

Amid growing international integration, technology transfer and continuous medical education are key factors in helping private hospitals in Vietnam strengthen their capabilities and competitiveness, meet growing domestic healthcare needs, and attract international patients seeking medical services.

“More than a decade of collaboration with Hong Ngoc General Hospital has extended beyond charitable surgical programs to include advanced training and the transfer of advanced surgical techniques to Vietnamese physicians,” Ms. Katrin Kandel, Executive Director of FTW, said in her address to the conference. “We highly value the Hospital’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure that meets international standards, creating the conditions necessary to perform complex surgical procedures.”

Representing Hong Ngoc General Hospital, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Dinh Tung MD, PhD, Distinguished Physician, Senior Specialist - Head of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Hong Ngoc - Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital, Hong Ngoc - Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital, said that organizing international scientific forums forms a part of the Hospital’s strategy to standardize clinical practice and improve the quality of care. Hong Ngoc - Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital has achieved international healthcare accreditation from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) under the EQuIP7 standards, attaining the highest assessment level. This provides a foundation for delivering specialized surgical procedures subject to stringent requirements for infection prevention and control and risk management.

Alongside its academic activities, Hong Ngoc General Hospital and FTW continue to run their annual humanitarian surgical program, Dream High. The program helps hundreds of patients experiencing financial hardship who have congenital anomalies or post-traumatic sequelae gain access to specialized treatment.

These combined efforts to advance clinical expertise, adopt innovative technologies, and fulfill social responsibilities contribute to strengthening the position of Vietnam’s private healthcare sector within the regional and international medical landscape.