MyLaoSMILE Returns for a 6th Visit, Transforming 15 More Young Lives

Patients and their family await for the Singapore team to arrive to give them a warm welcome

The Singapore-based plastic surgery team from MyLaoSMILE organisation returned to LFHC this December 2025, continuing a mission that has now touched the lives of over 140 children across Laos.

During their 6th visit, the MyLaoSMILE team performed 15 cleft lip and palate surgeries as well as fixed contractures and scars.  All provided entirely free of charge. Specialized surgical care like this is usually found only in the capital, Vientiane, or in other countries. These procedures take just a few hours and address issues that, if not treated, can cause lifelong difficulties with feeding, speech, and social inclusion

Many of the children treated this month came from remote provinces. Their families made long journeys on difficult roads to reach Luang Prabang. This shows the determination of Lao families and the reach of LFHC's outreach program, which makes sure these opportunities are known even in the most isolated communities.

MaiMai Before & After

Among the memorable moments is the story of MaiMai, a bright-eyed 3-year-old who arrived at LFHC quite shy and guarded. Her small face carrying the quiet weight of a condition she had known her whole life.

Her family had made the long journey, hoping for a change they could barely dare to imagine.

One and a half months after her surgery, MaiMai's mother sent word back to the team and sent the picture above. Her daughter, she said, is full of energy,  bright, happy, and recovering beautifully. The scarring is minimal, and her speech is normal. It is the kind of update that reminds everyone on the team exactly why they do this work.

Watch the highlights of MyLaoSMILE’s recent visit:

Video Credit: Mr Adri Berger

Thank you to the entire MyLaoSMILE team of surgeons, nurses, and every volunteer who made the journey to Luang Prabang this December. Your dedication continues to create ripples of change that extend far beyond the operating room.

We look forward to welcoming you back. Until then, the smiles say it all.

Stay tuned — more patient updates and success stories from this visit are coming soon.