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?

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

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.

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

John Tanqueray, MBBCh · Answer

This is a good question and it is often discussed amongst medics too. I believe there is a place for both , and for me there are certain areas that lend themselves better to cannula, and some to needle. Cannula is less traumatic to tissue, and is definitely a good option if there are sensitive structures, such as blood vessels, in the area being treated. Cannula is also great if I want to distribute product over an area as it is comfortable and avoids the need for lots of injections. However accuracy is not quite as good as with needles, and sometimes more product is required for the same result.There is nothing wrong with needles as long as the practitioner knows where and at what depth he/she is placing it, and has a good understanding of facial anatomy.

Imogen Bexfield, BChD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for such a great question. In all honesty it does depend on the area being treated. For nose to mouth lines I will always use Cannula as there are blood vessels near the nose that make it higher risk to use a needle in that area. Similarly, with under eye tear trough filler I would always use a cannula. However, for lips and often cheeks the risk is much lower and therefore I often use a needle. As long as you are being treated by an experienced practitioner who is well qualified then you put yourself in the safest hands.

Justin Harper, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi gb54, You are correct when you say that there is a higher rate for necrosis when needles are used. This happens because the needle point is sharp and can puncture veins or arteries which occludes it. Cannulas sort of slide over, under or beside these structures and are safer.However, the risk is minimal if you got to a doctor who:1. is an expert on anatomy2. experienced and skilled (meaning the majority of his/her practice is on injectibles.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.

Dermal fillers, which is safer: needle or cannula?

Answers (8)

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