Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

Question

I am thinking of having Fillers but most of the Drs I have had consultation with say they use needles. This is putting me off as I believe there is a higher risk of tissue necrosis with needles. How much more of a risk is it?

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

I personally use cannulas for the most part, although for fine tuning I may use needles, I think cannulas are much safer to use, but more technically difficult to use.

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. A cannula is a better option over the needle. You will have less swelling, bruising, and pain. However, it is imperative that the physician knows how to use them correctly. Consult with local physicians until you find one you are confident in. Good luck!

Adel Kishawi, MD · Answer

Hi
Thank you for this question. The answer is not an easy one to be honest and it depends on the treatment you are having, your anatomy, previous treatments int he same area, expertise of the aesthetic practitioner applying the treatment and finally, what you are comfortable with.
I know you might still be puzzled but needles can achieve a more accurate results generally speaking compared with cannulas while cannulas on the other hand would reduce the number of injecting points resulting in a less chance of bruising to a treatment with needles.
The main determining factor for me is the consultation, clinical assessment and how much of trust and confidence was transferred to you by your practitioner during that consultation 
Please, choose wisely 
Kind regrads
Dr Adel

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Generally, it is thought that blunt tip microcannulas are safer then needles when injecting fillers because of reduced risk of intravascular injection. Microcannulas also help reduce bruising and swelling related to the injection. In my practice, I use both needles and microcannulas. The microcannulas are used in vascular areas like the tear troughs while needles are used in areas where more controlled placement of the filler is required such as lip lines and folds. Both are useful and both can be used safely as long as the injector is experienced.

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. A Cannula is generally safer than a needle and with less bruising, pain and swelling. However, some results are better achieved when using needles. Needles are often used alone or in combination with cannulas and away from the ¨danger zone¨of the face. I hope this help. Please see an expert. All the best, Dr.Michon

Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

Answers (8)

Answer: Microcannula versus needle for filler injection

Answer: Microcannula versus needle for filler injection

Answer: Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

Answer: Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

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Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

Answers (8)

Answer: Microcannula versus needle for filler injection

Answer: Microcannula versus needle for filler injection

Answer: Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

Answer: Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.