Advantages and disadvantages for using cannula needle for lip augmentation?

Question

Hi, I've had 2 lip injections done previously using normal needles and I had a lot of swelling and bruising and I'm thinking of finding a clinic that uses cannula needle. But before that, can you tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using cannula needles for lips? Thanks.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Short of less bruising, there is no difference between using the cannula for lip augmentation or just using small needles. The product placement is virtually the same. However, you can still bruise and swell with the cannula so I would use plenty of ice just in case. Good luck in your area.

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for sharing your question! I use cannula for most filler injections and I really cannot see a disadvantage in using it for lip injection. Fewer entry points, less risk of damaging blood vessels and other sensitive structures, more control and more precise injection of the filler, improved results, and reduced bruising and swelling are among the advantages. The only disadvantage I can think of is that not all doctors use cannulas for filler injection and it might be hard to find a highly experienced cannula injector in some area. At my practice, I use cannula whenever possible and my patient never have to pay extra for that. I hope it helps and good luck!

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

The cannulas ease delivery to the sites you want to improve in a lip augmentation, which improves results. Because they are blunt, they cannot accidentally pierce a blood vessel, which reduces the risk of bruising. I use a combination of both needles and cannulas depending on which tool would be most appropriate for each individual and unique situation. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist will give you the answers you need.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

In general using a cannula technique can be a safer delivery of product. A cannula has a blunted tip which avoids penetrating major vessels. With that said, bruising and swelling is still possible especially in the lips. Of course this varies patient to patient. Lip swelling can also be a result of type and amount of product used. Avoiding blood thinners at least one week prior to treatment may reduce your chances of bruising.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend injections with cannulas because it helps limit swelling and/or bruising. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical and full lip. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The cannula is less accurate and more traumatic than series puncture and push ahead filling methods accomplished with a sharp needle.  The cannula is too blunt to get into certain tight places at the lip edge and small lip lines.  The cannula does not live up to its promise.  Doctors use the cannula thinking that it protects them from intravascular injection but it does not accomplish this.  Knowing your anatomy and placing small amounts of products with each injection protects from vascular accidents.  The local anesthetic needed to make the cannula placement comfortable distorts the tissue leading to less accurate treatment.  Focus on finding the right doctor to do the service rather than what needle they use.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

mwc520.   Astute question.  Cannulas have blunt tips, but still need needle or pointy scalpel to pierce skin to allow penetration into lip.  Once in, blunt tip causes less trauma, but injection of filler also causes trauma and swelling. Primary advantage of cannula is avoidance of penetrating blood vessel, and possible injecting material into artery causing blockage and damage.  Highly recommended when injecting below eyes.  In any event seek out experiences injector MD. Good luck!

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

There are a couple of advantages to using cannula - the biggest one being that there is less of an incidence in bruising as there is not as much trauma to the lips.  The same goes for swelling, although a fair bit of that also has to do with the product used and its water affinity.  Disadvantage when compared to a needle is that you may not have as much control as a needle, depending on what it is that your lips need (volume vs definition vs hydration).  Depending on what I am doing, I may prefer a cannula over a needle.  But most of the time I will use needles.  Best things to decrease bruising are decreasing the amount of unnecessary trauma that your lips undergo during the procedure. Best of luck! I hope some of this helps.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. With the use of blunt cannulas, the incidence of bruising and swelling is much less than with a needle. Also, there is a less risk of intravascular injection. I hope this helps.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

You don't need to decide which delivery method to use. The skill of the injector is more important than the method used. Well done, bruising and swelling should be minimal, whether needles or cannulas are chosen. Concentrate your research on finding the best board-certified dermatologist who can show you beautiful and natural results augmenting the lips with hyaluronic-acid-based fillers, such as Volbella and Restylane Silk.