Hi everyone! I’m someone who loves researching science-based beauty methods. In modern aesthetics, the race against time to preserve youth has never slowed down.
In the past, if you wanted a tighter, lifted face, you’d immediately think of painful, intimidating surgical facelifts with cutting and skin removal. Today, however, collagen thread lifting has created a true revolution.
But along with the hype come countless questions like: “Does it hurt?” “How long do results last?” and especially: “Is collagen thread lifting safe?”
Today, let’s sit down and analyze this thoroughly—based on scientific and medical evidence.

Before judging safety, we need to understand what this method really is.
Collagen thread lifting (also called thread insertion/thread lift) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical aesthetic procedure. There is no cutting or major incision.
A doctor uses special biocompatible medical threads and inserts them beneath the skin. These threads form a supportive “internal framework” that helps lift sagging tissue and improves facial contour almost immediately.
The real magic, however, lies in the biological stimulation effect. Once the thread is inside the skin, it creates a beneficial “controlled inflammatory response,” which triggers your body to produce new collagen and elastin around the thread.
This newly formed collagen strengthens the skin from within, improving firmness, elasticity, and overall radiance. That’s why I like to call it an “internal + external” approach: immediate mechanical lifting on the outside, plus deeper skin regeneration on the inside.
This is the “million-dollar question” for anyone considering the procedure. The short answer is:
YES—but only if it’s done correctly.
According to reputable medical organizations such as the FDA (United States), many biostimulatory threads used in aesthetics have undergone strict safety evaluation. They are designed to be highly compatible with the human body and can dissolve naturally over time, leaving no harmful residue.
However, to truly answer “Is collagen thread lifting safe?”, we must look at three essential factors. If even one is missing, safety is no longer guaranteed.
There are many thread types on the market today, such as PDO, PCL, or even “24K gold threads.” In reputable clinics like Foxy M.D Cosmetics & Clinic, the most commonly used options are typically high-quality PDO or newer-generation PCL threads.
These threads are strong, durable, and most importantly bioabsorbable—they break down into CO₂ and water and are eliminated naturally through the body.
On the other hand, if you choose cheap, unlicensed providers using poor-quality threads (non-absorbable plastic threads or unknown materials), the risks increase significantly—such as infection, tissue necrosis, or granulomas (hard lumps).
Thread lifting may not be major surgery, but it requires highly advanced technique. The doctor must have a deep understanding of facial anatomy—especially nerve pathways and blood vessels.
Incorrect placement can cause major issues:
If inserted too shallow, threads may show under the skin, creating bumps or uneven texture.
If inserted too deep, the needle may injure nerves (potential temporary facial weakness) or affect salivary glands.
This is why thread lifting should be performed by experienced medical professionals—not by untrained technicians.
Even though the procedure uses only tiny needle entry points, infection risk still exists.
A proper thread lift must be done in a sterile environment, with fully sterilized instruments and strict protocols.
Many abscess and severe infection cases reported in the media come from procedures done in non-sterile spa settings. In other words, safety depends heavily on making a smart choice about where you get it done.
Not everyone is a good candidate. Identifying the right patient is also key to both safety and results.
Age: usually 30–50
Skin condition: mild to moderate sagging, early laxity, nasolabial folds, slight double chin, crow’s feet
Goal: wants facial rejuvenation but doesn’t want surgery and can’t afford long downtime
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: local anesthesia and post-procedure medications may pose risks
Severe aging/heavy skin laxity: too much loose skin may require surgical lifting for meaningful results
Certain medical conditions: bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, active skin infections
Keloid-prone skin: requires careful consideration and doctor consultation

To help you feel more confident, here’s a typical professional protocol used in reputable clinics. A standard session usually takes about 60–90 minutes:
Step 1: 1-on-1 consultation
The doctor evaluates aging level, skin laxity, and designs lifting vectors to determine how many threads are needed.
Step 2: Cleansing and numbing
Makeup removal and disinfection are performed, followed by topical numbing and local anesthesia injections.
Step 3: Mapping the thread design
The doctor marks the insertion and direction lines for precision.
Step 4: Thread insertion
Using specialized needles/cannulas, the doctor places threads into the deep dermis or SMAS layer depending on your needs.
Step 5: Trimming and final check
Threads are tightened to achieve the lift, excess is trimmed, and cold compress is applied to reduce swelling. You’ll also receive aftercare guidance.
Alongside safety, pricing is a common concern—and honestly, there’s no single price for everyone. Each face is a unique “case.”
Generally, prices range from a few million to tens of millions of VND, depending on:
Number of threads used
A small area (like smile lines) requires fewer threads than full-face + double chin lifting.
Type of threads
PDO, PCL, barbed threads, mono threads, gold threads—newer, stronger, longer-lasting threads typically cost more.
Clinic reputation and doctor’s expertise
Large clinics with qualified specialists (like Foxy M.D) usually cost more than small spas—but you’re paying for safety and accountability.
Degree of aging/sagging
More laxity means more complex technique and sometimes a combination of thread types.
Vs. Surgical facelift: thread lifting is less invasive and downtime is short (3–5 days vs. 1–2 months), but results last ~3–5 years vs. ~10 years for surgery.
Vs. HIFU/Ultherapy: HIFU is non-invasive but results are more gradual and moderate; thread lifting gives immediate lifting.
Vs. Filler: fillers restore volume, but don’t lift tissue strongly. Doctors often combine fillers + threads for the best overall rejuvenation.
Even though thread lifting can be safe, it’s important to acknowledge possible risks.
Swelling and bruising: common and usually resolves in 3–7 days. Cold compress helps.
Infection: redness, heat, increasing pain, pus. Often caused by poor sterility—see a doctor immediately.
Thread visibility / allergic reaction / granulomas: more likely with low-quality threads or incorrect placement.
Temporary facial weakness: a rare but serious risk if a nerve is affected. This requires medical management and time for recovery.
Results depend 50% on the doctor and 50% on aftercare. To keep thread lifting safe and stable, remember these key rules:
First 3 days:
Avoid strong jaw movements (big laughing, wide opening of the mouth). Eat soft foods (porridge, soup).
Facial cleansing:
Clean gently with saline. Avoid strong rubbing, massage, or facial steaming for at least 2 weeks.
Diet & habits:
Many doctors recommend avoiding sticky rice dishes, chicken, water spinach, seafood for 1–2 weeks to reduce inflammation risk (clinic guidance may vary). Avoid alcohol and smoking—both slow healing and reduce collagen regeneration.
Medication & follow-up:
Take prescribed anti-inflammatory/pain relief medication as directed and return for follow-up as scheduled.
1) Does it hurt?
With numbing and local anesthesia, most people feel minimal pain—only mild tightness during insertion. After numbing wears off, there may be mild soreness for 1–2 days.
2) How long do results last?
Typically 3–5 years, depending on thread type, technique, and individual metabolism. Threads dissolve over time, but the collagen produced can still maintain improvement beyond that.
3) Can I wear makeup right away?
Ideally avoid makeup for 24–48 hours, since needle entry points are still healing and makeup may increase infection risk.
4) Can men do thread lifting?
Absolutely. Men’s skin is usually thicker, so doctors may choose stronger threads or different designs for optimal lift.
So, is collagen thread lifting safe?
Yes—it’s a modern, effective, and relatively low-risk rejuvenation option when done in the right place, by the right professional, with the right materials.
It can be a lifesaver for people who want youthful facial contours but don’t want major surgery. However, beauty requires wisdom—never trust your face to low-quality providers just because of cheap advertising.
Take time to research, consult directly with a qualified doctor, and choose the most suitable method for your condition. If you’re in Da Nang or nearby areas, Foxy M.D Cosmetics & Clinic is a reputable option you may consider.
Hope this detailed breakdown helps you feel more confident and informed. Wishing you always stay radiant, beautiful, and confident in your choices! ✨