Needles or cannulas for Aesthetic Treatments
In the not too distant past most dermal fillers were administered using a hypodermic needle. In fact, did you know that some dermal fillers are even actually supplied with two short needles, as this method of injection is so often recommended by manufacturers? In recent years, however, increasing numbers of aesthetic practitioners have favoured the use of an aesthetic cannula, particularly when administering certain treatments and working with larger treatment areas.
There are several advantages to overlooking the supplied needles in favour of a blunt-tipped cannula instead. As I believe it is important for my clients to be fully informed about the treatments they might be interested in receiving, I wanted to take a few minutes today to explain the differences between cannulas and needles and what impact those differences could have on the experience and outcomes of cosmetic treatments.
The primary differences between cannulas and needles
Needles are, obviously, very sharp, whereas cannulas have a blunt, rounded tip. One of the primary side effects from administering dermal fillers with a needle is the post-treatment bruising and swelling that can occur, as there is a chance that the needle will pierce blood vessels beneath the skin which will result in bruising. Experienced practitioners will, naturally, use their extensive understanding of facial anatomy and take measures to minimise the risk, but it is impossible to guarantee that no bruising will occur post-treatment.
As cannulas have a blunt tip, they do not pose the same risk of bruising as they will often push past the blood vessels beneath the skin and cause markedly less trauma in the process. Additionally, as cannulas are flexible, multiple areas of the face can be treated via a single needle hole which will further reduce the risk of bruising.
Reducing risks associated with dermal filler treatments
The most severe complications that arise after dermal filler treatments occur when fillers are inadvertently injected into blood vessels and arteries. This will lead to blockages and will impair blood flow to that area of the skin. In addition to ensuring your treatment is conducted by an experienced and highly professional aesthetic practitioner, it is worth noting that the risks of this occurring when a cannula is used is minimal.
Which delivers better results: Needles or cannulas?
Cannulas are often significantly longer than needles and this, combined with their flexibility, means that they often allow for a smoother and more consistent delivery of filler in certain areas of the face, particularly around the jawline. Cannulas are also often preferable when treating particularly sensitive areas of the face, including around the eyes where injection can be painful and bruising occurs more frequently.
This inherent flexibility can also sometimes be a disadvantage when administering filler treatments in other areas of the face. Many aesthetic practitioners prefer to use small needles when treating fine lines around the lips and mouth because it allows them to retain the precision and control needed to inject small amounts of filler to produce natural looking results.
Which is more painful: Needles or cannulas?
As the length and flexibility of cannulas mean that larger areas can be treated through a single injection site, some patients may find them less painful than treatments administered by a needle which will need to pierce the skin multiple times in order to deliver the filler consistently across the treatment site.
The most knowledgeable aesthetic practitioners will have experience administering dermal filler treatments with both cannulas and needles. Some will prefer one method over another, and most will tailor their choices depending on the area being treated, the unique structure of each client’s face and their desired outcome.
If you would like some more information about dermal fillers, the process I use here at the clinic, or to arrange a personal consultation with myself, my friendly team are always on hand to help with any questions or queries.
