Medical & Safety FAQs at Dr. Koko Vietnam
Understanding your health, treatment options and potential risks is an important part of deciding whether to have cosmetic surgery. These answers provide general guidance. Your surgeon’s assessment and personalised medical instructions determine what is appropriate for you.
What if I have allergies?
Tell the medical team about all known allergies and previous reactions, including reactions to medication, anaesthesia, latex, antiseptics or adhesives.
Explain what happened during each reaction and provide any relevant medical records. Mention your allergies during consultation and again before treatment. This information helps the medical team plan suitable precautions.
Can I have cosmetic surgery if I have a medical condition?
A medical condition does not automatically rule out surgery, but it can affect your suitability, anaesthesia, healing and recovery.
Tell your surgeon about conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, sleep apnoea, thyroid disorders and bleeding or clotting problems. Include any history of blood clots or complications from previous surgery.
Further tests, specialist advice or treatment of an existing condition may be needed. Your surgeon may recommend changing, postponing or declining the proposed procedure based on your assessment.
What medical information should I disclose?
Provide an accurate medical history, including:
Current and previous medical conditions.
All prescribed medicines, non-prescription medicines and supplements.
Allergies and previous reactions to anaesthesia.
Previous operations and any complications.
Smoking, vaping, nicotine use and alcohol consumption.
Pregnancy, possible pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Relevant test results and specialist reports.
Do not leave out information because you think it is unrelated. If your health or medication changes after consultation, inform the team before surgery.
What checks are required before surgery?
The required checks depend on your procedure, medical history and anaesthesia plan. They may include an examination, blood tests or other investigations requested by the medical team.
Dr. Koko Vietnam arranges pre-operative assessment before surgery. Your surgeon reviews your suitability, with anaesthesia assessment where applicable. Additional checks may be needed if a concern is identified.
Pre-operative screening helps guide decisions, but it cannot eliminate every surgical risk.
Can surgery be postponed after I have booked?
Yes. Surgery may be postponed if you develop an illness, test results need further investigation, preparation instructions have not been followed or the medical assessment identifies a concern.
Tell the team promptly about new symptoms, medication changes or other health developments. Your readiness for surgery must be assessed even when a date has already been arranged.
Do I need to stop smoking or vaping?
Smoking can increase the risk of complications involving breathing, wound healing and recovery. Tell your surgeon about cigarettes, vaping and all nicotine products you use.
Your surgeon will explain the restrictions and cessation period appropriate for your procedure. Discuss nicotine patches, gum or other stop-smoking treatments with the medical team rather than assuming they are suitable.
Be honest about any continued use, as this may affect the decision to proceed.
Should I stop my medication before surgery?
Do not stop prescribed medication or change the dose yourself.
Give the medical team a complete medication and supplement list. They will explain what to continue, adjust or temporarily stop and when. Some medicines affect bleeding, blood sugar or anaesthesia, so individual instructions are essential.
If you are unsure about a medication on surgery day, contact the medical team before taking or skipping it.
How are implants and surgical materials selected?
Selection depends on the proposed procedure, your anatomy, medical assessment and a discussion of the available options.
If an implant or other material is proposed, ask about its manufacturer, product name, relevant regulatory status, risks and follow-up requirements. Your surgeon should explain why it is being considered for your case.
No implant or surgical material is free of risk. Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require further surgery. Request the relevant product information and implant documentation when applicable.
What risks should I discuss with my surgeon?
Risks vary by procedure and patient. They can include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, dissatisfaction with the result and the need for further treatment.
Anaesthesia-related complications and blood clots are also important considerations where relevant. Your surgeon should explain both the common risks and serious complications associated with your proposed treatment.
Ask how your health history affects these risks, what alternatives are available and what happens if a complication occurs.
What happens if a complication occurs?
The response depends on the complication and when it develops. Treatment may involve further assessment, medication, additional monitoring, another procedure or hospital care.
Before surgery, discuss the facility’s emergency arrangements, follow-up plan and how complications would be managed. Ask which costs are included in your quotation and which additional treatment costs could apply.
After discharge, follow your written instructions and contact the medical team promptly about concerning symptoms.
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
Seek urgent medical care for symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, collapse, heavy bleeding or sudden severe deterioration. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply.
For other new or worsening symptoms, contact the medical team using the details provided in your discharge instructions. If you have returned home, local medical assessment may be needed. Tell the treating clinician about your recent surgery.
What should I consider before having surgery abroad?
Consider the surgeon’s qualifications, the facility’s licence and authorised scope, the proposed procedure and the arrangements for aftercare.
You also need a practical plan for recovery accommodation, support, follow-up, unexpected treatment and travel changes. Confirm what your insurance covers, including any exclusions for planned cosmetic surgery.
Allow time for the follow-up your surgeon recommends. Fitness to fly depends on your procedure, health and recovery; a booked flight does not determine medical readiness to travel.
Can I read reviews or speak with a previous patient?
You can ask our international patient team where to find published patient reviews and patient experiences shared with consent.
If you would like to speak with a previous patient, ask whether a consent-based introduction is available. Patient contact details should not be shared without permission.
Reviews can help you understand someone’s experience, but they cannot predict your result or replace consultation with your surgeon.
How can I discuss my concerns before deciding?
Start with a free online consultation through the Dr. Koko Vietnam international patient team. Share your goals, clear photos and relevant medical information so an initial assessment can be arranged.
Your surgeon is responsible for medical assessment and treatment recommendations. Our international patient team assists with communication and coordination.
Every patient and case is different. Procedure suitability, technique, treatment planning and an individual quotation are determined after consultation and assessment.