Thread Lift in Vietnam: Non-Surgical Facial Lifting with Immediate Results

Thread Lift in Vietnam: During the procedure, doctors insert biodegradable threads (usually PDO, PLLA, or PCL) beneath the skin to reposition soft tissues and support sagging areas. Once placed, the threads create an immediate lifting effect while also stimulating the body’s natural healing response. According to global aesthetic reports from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, minimally invasive procedures such as thread lifts have grown rapidly, with over 3.7 million non-surgical skin tightening treatments performed worldwide annually.

I. Understanding Thread Lift Procedures- Thread Lift in Vietnam:

1. What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging facial skin using special dissolvable medical threads placed under the skin. Unlike traditional facelift surgery, thread lift treatment does not require large incisions or general anesthesia, making it a popular option for patients seeking facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

The treatment is often considered a non-surgical alternative to facelift surgery, particularly suitable for people experiencing early signs of aging such as mild skin laxity, drooping cheeks, or a soft jawline. Because the threads gradually dissolve over time, the body naturally replaces them with newly produced collagen that helps maintain firmer and more youthful skin.

2. How Thread Lift Technology Works

Thread lift technology works through a combination of mechanical lifting and biological stimulation. The procedure begins with the insertion of ultra-thin biodegradable threads under the skin using fine needles or cannulas.

Once placed, these threads anchor into the deeper layers of the skin and gently pull the tissue upward, creating an immediate lifting effect. At the same time, the threads trigger collagen production—a process known as neocollagenesis. Collagen is an essential protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, but its production declines with age. Research published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that collagen levels decrease by approximately 1% per year after age 20, which contributes to sagging skin and wrinkles.

As the body gradually absorbs the threads over 6–12 months, newly formed collagen continues to tighten and strengthen the treated areas. This means patients often experience progressive improvement in skin texture and firmness for several months after the procedure.

3. Common Areas Treated with Thread Lift

Thread lifts are versatile and can be used to treat several areas of the face and neck where mild to moderate skin sagging occurs.

• Cheeks and Mid-Face One of the most common treatment areas is the mid-face, where threads can lift drooping cheeks and restore youthful facial contours.
• Jawline and Lower Face Thread lifts can redefine the jawline and reduce the appearance of jowls, creating a more sculpted lower face.
• Eyebrow Lift Specialized threads can elevate the outer brow, helping open the eyes and reduce the tired or drooping appearance of the upper face.
• Neck Tightening Threads placed in the neck area can tighten loose skin and improve early signs of neck aging.

These treatment areas are increasingly popular worldwide. Market research suggests that the global thread lift market exceeded USD 150 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at over 7% annually through 2030, driven by the growing demand for non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures.

4. Benefits of Thread Lift

Thread lift treatments offer several advantages compared with traditional surgical procedures.

• Immediate Lifting Results Patients can often see visible lifting immediately after treatment, with further improvement as swelling subsides and collagen production increases.
• Minimal Downtime Unlike surgical facelifts that may require weeks of recovery, thread lift patients typically return to normal activities within 1–3 days.
• Natural-Looking Facial Rejuvenation Because the procedure lifts existing tissues rather than removing skin, the results appear natural and subtle.
• Long-Term Collagen Stimulation Even after the threads dissolve, collagen regeneration continues to improve skin firmness and elasticity. Results typically last 12–24 months, depending on the type of thread used and the patient’s skin condition.

II. Popular Thread Lift Techniques Used in Vietnam

Overall, each thread lift technique offers different advantages depending on the desired lifting strength and treatment longevity. PDO threads are the most widely used because they are safe, affordable, and effective for mild skin sagging. PLLA threads provide stronger collagen stimulation, making them suitable for moderate aging signs and deeper wrinkles. PCL threads offer the longest-lasting rejuvenation effects thanks to their slower absorption and stronger stimulation of collagen and elastin. Meanwhile, cog (barbed) threads create a stronger mechanical lifting effect, making them ideal for contouring areas such as the jawline and cheeks. In modern aesthetic practice, doctors often combine these techniques to achieve both immediate lifting and long-term skin regeneration.

Thread Type	Material	Main Effect	Duration of Results	Best For
PDO Threads	Polydioxanone	Mild lifting and skin tightening	~12 months	Early signs of aging
PLLA Threads	Poly-L-Lactic Acid	Strong collagen stimulation	18 – 24 months	Moderate skin sagging
PCL Threads	Polycaprolactone	Long-term skin regeneration	24 – 36 months	Long-lasting rejuvenation
Cog Threads	PDO or PCL with barbs	Strong mechanical lifting	12 – 24 months	Jawline and cheek lifting

In modern aesthetic medicine, doctors often combine multiple thread types in one treatment session. For example, cog threads may be used for structural lifting while smooth PDO threads stimulate collagen to improve overall skin quality.

Thread Lift Method	Vietnam (Estimated Cases / Year)	Korea	Thailand	USA	Global Rate
PDO Thread Lift	45,000 – 60,000	~250,000	~120,000	~40,000	~36–40%
PLLA Thread Lift	15,000 – 20,000	~120,000	~40,000	~15,000	~10–15%
PCL Thread Lift	10,000 – 15,000	~100,000	~30,000	~10,000	~20%
Cog / Barbed Threads	10,000 – 20,000	~150,000	~50,000	~20,000	~20–25%

PDO thread lift remains the most widely used technique globally, accounting for about 36–40% of all thread lift procedures. In Vietnam, an estimated 45,000–60,000 cases are performed each year, reflecting the growing demand for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. Countries with strong aesthetic industries such as South Korea and Thailand report much higher procedure volumes, while PLLA, PCL, and cog threads are increasingly used for longer-lasting lifting and stronger facial contouring effects.

1. PDO Thread Lift

PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are the most widely used dissolvable threads in aesthetic medicine and are commonly applied in thread lift procedures across Vietnam and Asia. These threads are made from surgical suture material that has been safely used in medical procedures for decades.

PDO threads work by creating a temporary supportive structure under the skin, which helps lift sagging tissues while stimulating collagen production. They are particularly effective for mild to moderate skin laxity, making them suitable for patients in their late 20s to early 40s who want subtle facial rejuvenation.

PDO threads typically dissolve within 6–9 months, but the lifting effect can last around 12 months thanks to ongoing collagen regeneration. Studies show that PDO treatments can increase skin thickness by approximately 20–30% during the first 4–6 months after treatment.

Because of their safety profile and affordability, PDO threads remain the most frequently performed thread lift technique worldwide.

2. PLLA Thread Lift

PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) threads are considered a more advanced thread type that provides stronger collagen stimulation and longer-lasting results compared with PDO threads. PLLA threads dissolve more slowly, typically within 12–18 months, allowing them to maintain structural support for a longer period. As the threads gradually break down, they stimulate fibroblast activity that promotes collagen remodeling and skin tightening.

Clinical studies indicate that PLLA threads can increase collagen production by up to 40–60% within the first year, helping improve skin elasticity and firmness. Visible lifting effects usually last 12–18 months, with some patients maintaining results for up to 24 months. This technique is often recommended for patients experiencing moderate facial sagging, particularly around the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline.

3. PCL Thread Lift

PCL (Polycaprolactone) threads represent one of the most advanced thread lift technologies currently available. These threads have a slower absorption rate and can remain under the skin longer than PDO or PLLA threads.

PCL threads typically dissolve over 18–24 months, providing longer-lasting lifting effects. In many cases, the aesthetic improvement can last up to 2–3 years, making them one of the most durable thread lift options available today.

In addition to mechanical lifting, PCL threads stimulate both collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and structural support. This makes them particularly suitable for patients with more noticeable skin laxity or deeper facial folds.

4. Cog Threads for Facial Lifting

Cog threads, also known as barbed threads, are designed with tiny hooks or barbs along the thread surface. These barbs anchor into the surrounding tissue, allowing doctors to physically lift and reposition sagging skin.

Unlike smooth threads that mainly stimulate collagen, cog threads provide a strong mechanical lifting effect immediately after placement. They are commonly used for areas that require structural support, such as:

• Jawline contouring
• Cheek lifting
• Mid-face rejuvenation

The facial lifting segment accounts for nearly 68% of global demand for resorbable lifting thread procedures, highlighting the popularity of techniques such as cog thread lifting for facial contour improvement.

5. Combination Treatments with Thread Lift

Many aesthetic clinics in Vietnam now combine thread lifts with other non-surgical procedures to enhance results and improve overall facial rejuvenation.

Thread Lift + Dermal Fillers Dermal fillers can restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks or nasolabial folds while threads lift sagging tissues. This combination helps create more balanced facial contours.

Thread Lift + Laser or Skin Rejuvenation Treatments Energy-based treatments such as laser resurfacing or radiofrequency therapy can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance collagen remodeling. When combined with thread lifts, these therapies can significantly improve overall skin quality.

This combination approach is increasingly popular because it allows doctors to address both structural lifting and skin quality, producing more natural and longer-lasting aesthetic results.

III. Thread Lift Cost in Vietnam vs Other Countries

Thread lift procedures in Vietnam are significantly more affordable compared with many developed aesthetic markets. On average, a thread lift treatment in Vietnam costs between $300 and $1,200, depending on the number of threads used, the treatment area, and the clinic’s expertise. This price advantage has made Vietnam an increasingly attractive destination for patients seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Country	Average Cost per Treatment (USD)	Estimated Cases / Year	Market Characteristics
Vietnam	$300 – $1,200	80,000 – 100,000	Rapidly growing aesthetic market with affordable pricing
South Korea	$1,500 – $3,000	300,000+	Global leader in aesthetic technology and facial lifting procedures
Thailand	$800 – $2,000	120,000 – 150,000	Major medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia
United States	$2,500 – $5,000	50,000 – 80,000	High treatment costs with advanced cosmetic clinics
Australia	$2,500 – $4,500	20,000 – 40,000	Premium aesthetic services with strict medical regulations

In comparison, the same procedure in the United States typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, while in South Korea prices usually range between $1,500 and $3,000. Countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand offer treatments from around $800 to $2,000, while in Australia the cost may reach $2,500 to $4,500. The lower cost in Vietnam is mainly due to lower operational expenses and competitive pricing in the rapidly growing aesthetic medical market.

At the same time, the number of thread lift procedures is increasing globally. South Korea performs hundreds of thousands of thread lift treatments each year, while countries such as Thailand and the United States also report tens of thousands of cases annually. Vietnam is also experiencing steady growth, with over 80,000–100,000 thread lift procedures performed each year, reflecting the rising popularity of minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments.

IV. Why Choose BeDental Vietnam for Thread Lift

BeDental Vietnam is becoming a trusted destination for thread lift treatments thanks to its experienced aesthetic team and modern techniques. The clinic has performed over 1,200 thread lift procedures in recent years, with a patient satisfaction rate reported at over 92%. Doctors specialize in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation and use high-quality medical-grade threads such as PDO, PLLA, and PCL to ensure safe and natural-looking results.

At BeDental, every patient receives a personalized facial analysis and treatment plan to achieve balanced and harmonious facial contours. The clinic also offers transparent pricing, international patient support, and professional aftercare, helping ensure both safety and long-term treatment results.

V. Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Lift

Is thread lift painful? Thread lift procedures are usually performed with local anesthesia, so patients typically experience only mild discomfort during treatment.

How long do thread lift results last? Results generally last 12 to 24 months, depending on the type of threads used and individual skin conditions.

How many threads are usually needed? Most treatments require 4 to 12 threads, depending on the treatment area and the degree of skin sagging.

Is there downtime after a thread lift procedure? Downtime is minimal. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1–3 days, although mild swelling or bruising may occur temporarily.

Conclusion

Thread lift has become one of the most popular non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments worldwide thanks to its ability to lift sagging skin with minimal downtime. With advanced techniques such as PDO, PLLA, PCL, and cog threads, patients can achieve natural-looking facial lifting while also stimulating long-term collagen production.

Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for thread lift procedures due to its affordable treatment costs, experienced aesthetic specialists, and modern medical technology. Clinics like BeDental Vietnam provide safe, personalized treatments that help patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance without the need for invasive surgery.

BeDental: Trusted Dental and Aesthetic Clinic for International Patients

Founded in 2012, BeDental is one of the leading brands in dentistry and cosmetic surgery in Vietnam, trusted by many international patients. With over 10 years of experience and thousands of successful treatment cases, the clinic specializes in services such as veneers, dental implants, orthodontics, and aesthetic treatments.

Equipped with modern technologies like digital X-ray, 3D scanners, and CAD/CAM smile design, BeDental ensures precise and efficient treatments. Combined with experienced doctors, English-speaking support, and transparent pricing, the clinic has become a popular destination for foreigners seeking high-quality dental care in Vietnam.

TS.BS Nguyễn Hữu Quang, Phó trưởng khoa Phẫu thuật tạo hình thẩm mỹ và Phục hồi chức năng, Bệnh viện Da liễu Trung ương - Cố vấn chuyên môn khoa tạo hình thẩm mỹ tại Bedental - Nơi công tác hiện tại : Phó trưởng khoa tạo hình thẩm mỹ tại Viện Da liễu Trung Ương. Bác sĩ Quang đã có hơn 10 năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực điều trị da liễu và phẫu thuật tạo hình thẩm mỹ Hiện bác sĩ đang công tác tại Bệnh viện da liễu Trung ương và đồng thời khám chữa bệnh, cố vấn chuyên môn về da liễu và phẫu thuật thẩm mỹ tại Bedental