Pre-Tet beauty rush in Vietnam: When demand soars, so do risks

Many are rushing to undergo skincare, facial rejuvenation, and non-surgical procedures to look good during family reunions, social gatherings, business meetings, and early-year events.

Medical experts warn the pre-Tet beauty rush increases the risk of complications.

One to two months before Tet, the number of patients seeking aesthetic consultations and treatments rises by an average of 20-30 percent compared with normal times, said Dr. Tran Vu Anh Dao, deputy head of the Department of Dermatologic Aesthetics at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital.

“People desire to improve their skin and facial appearance to feel more confident during year-end and Lunar New Year gatherings,” Dr. Dao said.

A similar trend has been observed at the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Medicine Hospital.

Dr. Ngo Thi Bach Yen, head of the skin treatment and care unit at the hospital, reported a 30-40 percent increase in clients seeking skincare, rejuvenation, acne treatment, melasma, and pigmentation disorder services.

The majority are women aged between 30 and 55.

Nguyen Phan Tu Dung, director of JW Korean Hospital, said the number of clients visiting for consultations and aesthetic procedures one to two months before Tet rises by 30-50 percent.

During the pre-Tet period, many clients favor minimally invasive methods that offer visible results with short recovery times, said several medical experts.

At the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, popular services include botulinum toxin injections to smooth forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines, lift the eyebrows, slim the jawline or reduce excessive sweating; dermal fillers to soften wrinkles, balance facial contours and fill scars; mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation; laser treatments for rejuvenation and pigmentation issues; light-to-medium chemical peels for acne and post-acne marks; and intensive skincare treatments.

Meanwhile, at the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Medicine Hospital, many clients opt for integrated approaches combining modern skincare with traditional medicine.

These include herbal treatments, thread embedding, acupuncture, acupressure massage and therapeutic massage aimed at skin rejuvenation, localized fat reduction in the abdomen, face and chin, body contouring and overall health restoration in a more natural manner.

In the high-tech aesthetic sector, Dung from JW Korean Hospital said pre-Tet beauty trends focus on comprehensive facial and smile rejuvenation.

Popular options include SMAS PRO face-lifting, non-surgical rejuvenation using advanced technologies such as HIFU and mesotherapy, along with cosmetic dental services like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening to enhance smiles.

Costly complications from rushed beauty

Doctors warn that the year-end period carries greater risks due to the widespread desire to look good fast or be beautiful in time for Tet, which is due around mid-February.

This mindset can lead clients to skip thorough consultations or choose facilities that do not meet medical standards.

Dr. Dao said the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital had treated numerous cases of complications, including vascular occlusion and skin necrosis following filler injections caused by improper technique or unverified products, and eyelid drooping and facial asymmetry after botox injections due to incorrect placement or dosage.

Other cases included skin burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after chemical peels or laser treatments unsuitable for the patient’s skin type, and prolonged redness and peeling resulting from undergoing multiple procedures in a short time or using poor-quality instant beauty products such as mixed creams.

Dr. Dung recalled treating a female patient from Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, who nearly lost her eyesight after having a nasal filler injection at a spa to look good quickly for Tet.

Within 15 minutes, she experienced severe nasal pain, dizziness, swelling and drooping of the left eyelid, and was unable to open her eye.

The cause was identified as filler mistakenly injected into a blood vessel, leading to eye damage and a high risk of blindness if not treated promptly.

According to many experts, common mistakes include undergoing multiple procedures at once without a scientific plan, trusting advertisements that promise ‘cheap, fast and instant beauty,’ failing to verify whether the practitioner is a licensed doctor or properly trained medical professional, and not following post-procedure care instructions.

“Claims such as painless, no downtime, instant beauty can create a dangerous sense of complacency,” Dr. Dao stressed.

“People need to understand that any medical intervention carries risks. Instant beauty does not necessarily mean safe or long-lasting beauty."

Many aesthetic techniques require time for the skin to stabilize and recover.

Rushing or stacking procedures within a short period not only increases the risk of complications but can also have long-term consequences for both health and appearance.

Importance of proper medical consultation

Doctors agree that beautifying oneself ahead of Tet is a legitimate and understandable desire, but it should be approached as a medical decision rather than an emotional or trend-driven choice.

“Do not let the pressure to ‘look good in time for Tet’ push you into compromising your safety,” Dr. Dao advised.

The doctor recommended seeking consultations at reputable medical facilities, where licensed dermatologists or specialists provide direct assessment and treatment, and choosing methods that suit one’s skin condition, overall health and available recovery time.

Dr. Dung emphasized that doing beauty treatments properly means ensuring safety, suitability and a clear treatment roadmap.

With thorough consultation, proper medical control and adequate recovery time, people can welcome the Lunar New Year with greater confidence in their appearance, and peace of mind about their long-term health.