Medical Tourism Spotlight: How One Australian Found a New Look in Hanoi

Jason Harrigan, a 57-year-old Australian, became an unexpected social media sensation after sharing his cosmetic surgery journey in Vietnam, with videos reaching over 80 million views. The clips, filmed over seven days, document each procedure on his face, beginning with his signature greeting, “Hello, I’m Jason from Australia.”

What drew attention was the rotating team of doctors performing different steps in his treatment, prompting speculation online. Some viewers jokingly suggested he had been kidnapped, while others raised safety concerns. Jason, however, remained unbothered, explaining that he had struggled with self-image for 20 years and was motivated to improve his appearance affordably.

In Australia, the procedures he sought were quoted at around $59,000 USD, a cost he could not justify. In Hanoi, he completed the same procedures for $4,000 USD. Jason chose to undergo the surgery without general anesthesia. Over the first few days, surgeons removed excess forehead skin, corrected drooping eyelids, and performed other facial refinements. Videos documenting the process were shared on TikTok with his consent. After three months of recovery, Jason reported satisfaction with the results, noting his mother also praised the transformation.

Medical tourism, including cosmetic procedures, is a growing global industry. About 15,000 Australians travel abroad each year for medical treatment, attracted by lower costs. Experts warn of potential risks such as infection and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Vietnam’s medical tourism market alone reached approximately $700 million in 2024 and is projected to approach $4 billion by 2033, growing around 18% annually. Many international visitors cite dramatic cost savings, with dental and cosmetic procedures costing 20 to 40 times less than in the United States. The Jason Harrigan story illustrates both the allure and global attention that affordable, high-quality medical services in Vietnam can generate.