From 13 to 18 October 2025, FV Hospital will once again welcome the return of American Professor and Surgeon McKay McKinnon, a world-renowned specialist in plastic surgery and the treatment of giant tumours. His expertise continues to provide hope to patients in Vietnam affected by neurofibromatosis and other complex deformities.

Surgery Saves Young Girl’s Eye from Rare Neurofibroma

Among the patients successfully treated by Prof McKay McKinnon during his most recent visit to Vietnam was young Nguyen Dinh Huyen Nhi, born in 2020, from Da Nang. Since birth, she had been living with two rare conditions: a neurofibroma in her left eye and fibrous dysplasia in her right leg. The tumour caused her left eyelid to swell and droop, covering her vision, while her enlarged right leg made it impossible for her to walk on her own. Her family searched tirelessly for treatment in many places, but without success.

At the end of 2023, during his mission at FV Hospital, Prof McKinnon personally performed surgery on Nhi, removing part of the tumour in her left eye, reconstructing the orbital roof, and adjusting her eyelid. The result was remarkable, her face became more balanced, and her vision preserved. However, Prof McKinnon cautioned that her left eye still requires timely, definitive treatment to prevent irreversible damage. During his upcoming mission at FV in October, Nhi will be re-examined so that further treatment can be planned.

“Now my daughter is confident at school, has more friends, and is no longer shunned. This is a gift I will be grateful for all my life,” said Ms Nhung, Nhi’s mother, emotionally.

Regaining Her Life After 20 Years with Neurofibromatosis

Huynh Ngoc Khanh Vy, born in 1993, Ho Chi Minh City, is also another patient whose life has been transformed by the skill of the American professor.

Vy had been living with neurofibromatosis since the age of 12. Over time, small tumours gradually spread across her body, with one particularly large mass on her left knee causing severe pain and limiting her mobility. For years, she went in and out of hospitals, yet no definitive cure could be found.

Her life changed in 2019 when she met Prof McKay McKinnon. After examining her, he recommended surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct the area around her left knee. The operation was successful, removing most of the tumour. In 2023, Vy underwent a second surgery with him to address the remaining tissue completely.

Today, Vy is pleased to share that she can walk with ease and live more freely than ever before. The expertise of the American professor has profoundly transformed her life.

“I have undergone many surgeries, so I’m used to it. But when Prof McKinnon operated on me, I was very nervous. I had heard so much about his skill, how he successfully treated many cases where neurofibromas never returned, and how he always ensured the best cosmetic results, so I placed great hope in him. I’m so happy that the surgery went exactly as I had hoped!” Vy shared with excitement.

Vy added that she is eagerly awaiting the professor’s return to Vietnam this October, when she is scheduled to undergo another surgery to completely remove the remaining small tumour in her left knee.

A Master of Reconstructive Surgery on a Humanitarian Mission Worldwide

Little Huyen Nhi and Ms Khanh Vy are among hundreds of Vietnamese patients whose lives have been transformed thanks to the exceptional skills of Prof McKay McKinnon. For decades, Prof McKinnon has travelled the world, working with hospitals and humanitarian organisations to provide free treatment for thousands of patients with life-threatening conditions. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time each year to take part in charitable surgical missions or to treat patients in developing countries. He says he considers himself fortunate in life and views this humanitarian mission as a way of giving back, finding fulfilment in seeing his patients reclaim their lives.

With more than 40 years of medical practice, he has given patients not only restored appearance and function, but also the chance to begin a new chapter in life.

From 13 to 18 October 2025, Prof McKay McKinnon, a world-renowned plastic surgeon, will return to Vietnam to provide consultations and perform surgeries for patients with complex and rare tumours and deformities at FV Hospital.

To make an appointment, please contact us on (028) 3511 3333.