Dermatology and Skin Aesthetics Department - University Medical Center HCMC

The Dermatology and Skin Aesthetics Department at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City combines medical dermatology, procedural dermatology and skin aesthetics within a multidisciplinary teaching hospital. It is located in Area A at the hospital's main campus, with department space published on the first and eighth floors. The main address is 215 Hong Bang, Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The department treats conditions affecting skin, hair and nails and also offers selected aesthetic procedures. This hospital setting can be useful when a skin problem overlaps with another medical condition or requires laboratory, pathology, imaging, anaesthesia or another specialty. It does not mean that every cosmetic procedure is medically necessary or covered by insurance.

Medical dermatology, hair and nail assessment

The official department scope includes diseases of the skin, hair and nails, as well as advice on skin care and the use of cosmetics. Patients may attend for acne, inflammatory or infectious skin disease, pigment changes, hair loss, nail problems or an uncertain lesion. The final diagnosis and treatment plan depend on examination rather than the appearance of a photograph alone.

Bring a list of medicines and skin products, details of allergies and records of previous biopsies, laser sessions, isotretinoin, fillers or other procedures. Photographs showing how a rash changed over time can be useful. A rapidly spreading rash with fever, blistering, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or extensive skin pain needs urgent assessment rather than a routine aesthetic appointment.

Acne, scars and post-treatment recovery

The department publishes care for acne and post-acne skin, including recovery after acne treatment and management of atrophic, raised or otherwise problematic scars. A scar plan may use more than one method because colour, depth, texture and tendency to form keloids are different problems. The equipment list includes fractional laser systems, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma among available resources, but availability does not establish that all are appropriate for one patient.

Ask what diagnosis is being treated, which device or product is proposed, how many sessions are expected and what improvement is realistic. Active acne may need control before aggressive scar treatment. Travellers should allow enough time for redness, swelling, crusting or follow-up and avoid scheduling a first procedure immediately before a long flight or important event.

Pigment, vascular and benign skin lesions

Published services include assessment and treatment of pigment lesions such as melasma, freckles and brown spots, vascular lesions and benign growths including warts, moles and sweat-gland tumours. The department also performs minor dermatological procedures. A lesion should be diagnosed before removal; a cosmetic label should not replace evaluation when its nature is uncertain.

Ask whether dermoscopy, biopsy or pathology is needed and whether the sample will be examined after removal. Changing colour or shape, spontaneous bleeding, ulceration or persistent growth should be mentioned clearly. The hospital environment provides access to pathology and other specialties when clinically required, although the exact pathway and cost should be confirmed.

Laser, light and radiofrequency unit

The Laser, Light and Waves Unit, established in 2024, supports treatment and research using laser, light, radiofrequency and related energy devices. The department lists Discovery Pico and fractional pico systems, AcuPulse CO2 and fractional CO2, Lumenis M22 IPL, Fotona, VBEAM, biological LED and radiofrequency equipment. It also publishes tattoo removal, hair removal, skin rejuvenation, tightening and treatment of selected pigment or vascular concerns.

Device names do not determine suitability. Skin type, diagnosis, recent sun exposure, medicines, previous scarring and treatment settings affect risk. Before treatment, ask for the exact device and indication, anticipated downtime, number of sessions, eye protection, aftercare and the plan for burns, pigment change or infection. Marketing descriptions of brightening or rejuvenation are not guarantees.

Injectables, thread procedures and facial treatment

The department's official scope includes botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, microneedling and thread procedures, along with non-surgical facial contouring. These are medical interventions requiring individual assessment, product identification and informed consent. The hospital also runs professional training in several of these techniques, but training activity should not be confused with a promise that every procedure is available at every appointment.

For an injectable, request the generic product name, manufacturer, sealed packaging, batch details and amount. Discuss previous filler, medicines affecting bleeding, pregnancy, active infection and relevant immune or neurological conditions. The consent process should cover common temporary effects, uncommon serious complications and how to obtain urgent help after leaving the hospital.

Booking, hours and finding the department

The department publishes telephone +84 28 3952 7117 and email dalieuthammyda@umc.edu.vn. University Medical Center's general outpatient hours are Monday–Friday 06:30–12:00 and 13:00–16:30, and Saturday 06:30–12:00; it is closed for routine outpatient care on Sundays and public holidays. The emergency department operates continuously.

These are hospital-wide hours, not proof that every dermatologist or laser session follows the same timetable, so structured department hours remain blank. Book through the hospital or UMC Care and confirm the doctor, first- or eighth-floor destination and whether the appointment is for medical dermatology, a procedure or aesthetic consultation. Arrive early for registration.

International patients, language and records

The hospital publishes a pathway for foreign patients and can provide English medical records within its authority when requested. Its expert clinic offers interpreter support by arrangement, but no department page guarantees that every dermatology appointment is conducted in English. Ask for language support while booking and do not wait until consent is being signed.

Bring a passport or identification, insurance information and previous records. Request copies of prescriptions, pathology, procedure notes, product labels and device-treatment details before leaving Vietnam. The department email can help with logistical questions, but urgent clinical problems should be directed to the treating team or emergency care.

Insurance, costs and deciding between medical and aesthetic care

University Medical Center accepts Vietnamese BHYT under applicable eligibility and referral rules. Diagnostic and medically indicated dermatology may be handled differently from elective skin aesthetics, lasers, fillers or cosmetic packages. International direct billing also depends on the insurer and prior approval. Obtain a written estimate and confirm which elements are insured, self-paid or require a deposit.

Readers comparing specialist options can consult our guide to dermatology clinics in Ho Chi Minh City. Choose the route that matches the problem: an uncertain or symptomatic lesion belongs in medical assessment first, while an elective aesthetic goal should still include diagnosis, realistic expectations, informed consent and a follow-up plan.