More Australians are having surgery overseas than ever before, and the reasons are consistent across almost every case: cost, access to experienced surgeons, and a structured recovery away from daily life.
These are the five procedures that come up most often, what drives the decision to go overseas for each one, and what the process looks like in practice.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure for Australian women going overseas by volume, and the cost gap is the clearest reason why.
In Australia, breast augmentation typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000 AUD. In Vietnam, all-inclusive packages start from $5,000 AUD with no compromise on implant quality. Both Mentor and Motiva implants are available.
The recovery timeline also suits the Vietnam stay structure well. Most clients stay 9 days, covering surgery, overnight hospital monitoring, wound assessments, and a final surgeon review before flying home. Implants gradually settle into their final position over 3 to 6 months after returning home.
For a detailed week-by-week breakdown, see our breast augmentation recovery guide.
If you want a sense of what results can look like, our breast augmentation before and after gallery shows outcomes from clients coordinated by COS MEDCONNECT.
2. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Demand for tummy tuck surgery overseas is particularly strong among women post-pregnancy or post-weight loss. In Australia, abdominoplasty ranges from $15,000 to over $30,000 AUD. In Vietnam, a full tummy tuck starts from $8,000 AUD, representing a saving of 60 to 70 per cent on comparable procedures.
Abdominoplasty requires more recovery time than breast augmentation, which is part of why the structured Vietnam stay suits it well.
Most clients stay 12 to 14 days, covering surgery and the initial recovery period before flying home. It is also frequently combined with liposuction, allowing clients to address multiple areas in a single trip rather than returning for a second procedure.
For a detailed recovery breakdown, see our tummy tuck recovery week-by-week guide.
3. Liposuction
Liposuction sees consistently high demand across age groups, driven by localised fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
In Australia, liposuction costs between $10,000 and $30,000 AUD depending on the number of areas treated. In Vietnam, the cost difference makes treating multiple areas in a single trip genuinely accessible rather than prohibitive.
VASER liposuction is available, which uses ultrasound energy to selectively break down fat before removal. Recovery is faster than abdominoplasty, and most clients fit comfortably within the standard 10-day Vietnam stay before flying home.
4. Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty has become one of the fastest-growing procedures for Australians going overseas, particularly for revision cases where Australian pricing is very high.
Primary rhinoplasty in Australia typically costs between $10,000 and $18,000 AUD. Revision rhinoplasty, which involves correcting a previous result, costs significantly more and can be harder to access through the Australian system.
Vietnam has internationally trained surgeons with experience in both primary and revision rhinoplasty. Initial healing fits within the standard 10 – 14 days stay. Swelling continues to resolve over 6 to 12 months, so final refinement takes time, but this is consistent with rhinoplasty recovery anywhere in the world.
5. Facelift
Facelift surgery attracts an older demographic, typically women aged 45 to 65, and the cost differential overseas is among the highest of any procedure on this list.
In Australia, a deep plane facelift costs between $20,000 and $35,000 AUD. That figure, combined with the technical complexity of the procedure and the importance of surgeon experience, is what drives significant interest in Vietnam.
Deep plane facelift is available, targeting the deeper structural layers of the face for more natural and longer-lasting results than a standard facelift. Most clients stay 14 days in Vietnam. Final results become visible over 3 to 6 months as swelling resolves and the tissue settles.
For more on what the procedure involves, see our guide on deep plane facelift surgery.
Seeing real outcomes can help with the decision. Our before and after gallery covers results across all procedures coordinated by COS MEDCONNECT. Individual results vary between clients based on anatomy, procedure type, and how the body heals.
What These Procedures Have in Common
All five share the same profile: high cost in Australia, meaningful savings overseas, a recovery timeline that fits a structured medical tourism stay, and outcomes that depend on surgeon quality rather than geography.
For Australians choosing Vietnam specifically, three factors keep coming up: proximity (direct flights from Sydney or Melbourne take around 8 to 9 hours), transparent AUD pricing with no currency conversion, and on-the-ground coordinator support throughout the stay and after returning home.
How to Choose Which Procedure Is Right for Your Trip
Not every procedure suits every person or every trip. A few things are worth working through before you decide.
Recovery time vs available leave. Breast augmentation and liposuction fit within a 9 to 10-day stay. Tummy tuck and facelift require 12 to 14 days. If your leave is limited, the procedure you choose needs to fit that window.
Combining procedures. Some procedures work well together, such as tummy tuck with liposuction, or breast augmentation with a lift. Your surgeon will advise on what is safe to combine based on operating time and your overall health.
Surgeon experience with your specific case. A surgeon’s experience with the procedure type and complexity of your case matters more than almost any other factor. This is worth asking about directly before you commit.
Your candidacy. Not every person is a candidate for every procedure. Your weight, health history, and anatomy all affect what is appropriate and what the surgeon can achieve. A consultation comes before a booking, not after.
If you are ready to explore which procedures suit your situation, starting with a free assessment is the most straightforward next step.
COS MEDCONNECT – Australia’s cosmetic surgery coordinator in Vietnam
COS MEDCONNECT is an Australian-founded medical tourism company that coordinates cosmetic surgery procedures in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The company connects Australian clients with qualified surgeons, managing the full journey from online consultation and travel logistics through to post-operative recovery support.
Website: cosmedconnect.com
Email: hello@cosmedconnect.com
Facebook: facebook.com/cosmedconnect
Instagram: @cos_medconnect
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure for Australians overseas?
Breast augmentation is the most common procedure by volume. It combines a significant cost saving compared to Australia with a straightforward recovery that fits a 9-day Vietnam stay.
Why is cosmetic surgery in Vietnam so much cheaper than in Australia?
The lower cost comes down to economics, not quality. Labour, hospital overheads, and operational costs in Vietnam are a fraction of what they are in Australia, which is what drives the price difference. Implant brands, surgical techniques, and clinical standards remain the same.
How much can Australians save on cosmetic surgery in Vietnam?
Most procedures cost 60 to 70 per cent less in Vietnam than comparable procedures in Australia. The savings are largest on higher-value procedures like facelift and abdominoplasty.
Can I combine procedures in a single trip to Vietnam?
Yes, some procedures can be combined safely. Tummy tuck with liposuction and breast augmentation with a lift are common combinations. Your surgeon will advise on what is appropriate based on operating time and your overall health.
How long do I need to stay in Vietnam for cosmetic surgery?
It depends on the procedure. Breast augmentation requires 9 days. Liposuction requires a minimum of 10 days. Rhinoplasty requires 10 to 14 days. Tummy tuck requires 12 to 14 days. Facelift requires 14 days.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All cosmetic surgery procedures carry risks, and individual results vary. The information provided reflects general clinical guidance and may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before making any decisions about cosmetic surgery. COS MEDCONNECT coordinates cosmetic surgery procedures and is not a medical provider.
Jane is the founder of COS MEDCONNECT. She enjoys sharing knowledge about cosmetic surgery and is passionate about helping people find trusted providers
