How much will I reduce my chances of swelling with a cannula for lips?

Question

I had an injection last time and they where very swollen the next day I did not go to work. I want to get my lips done again with a cannula however I need to go to work the next day, generally speaking will I look absurd if I go out or will cannula dramatically reduce swelling ?

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Both traditional needles and micro-cannulas work quite well for injections. But, as you can imagine, micro-cannulas do have their advantages. With micro-cannulas, no anesthesia is required and the injections are comfortable because of the lidocaine present in fillers. A cannula-based procedure also takes less time and will have you out of the office after just a few minutes. In my experience, a micro-cannula allows the procedure to be performed through a single entry point, allowing volumization to be less painful. However, both treatments result in some degree of swelling and bruising as your body adjusts. I recommend visiting a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-depth consultation. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

To limit swelling during lip filler injections you should:1) use cannulas because they are blunt ended2) take arnika and bromelain pills 3) use ice packs4) use LED red light such as lighstim5) avoid blood thinners, vitamins, or fish oils before treatment
To limit pain during lip filler injections we:1) use numbing cream2) use ice packs3) use vibrational devices4) offer pronox gas
Please see an expert to get the best treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I prefer to use a micro cannula to inject the lips to prevent swelling and/or bruising. Look for a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is an expert in fillers to discuss your desired results and concerns. 
I hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  There are a number of steps you can take to help reduce swelling - be conservative in the amount of filler placed in a single setting, avoid fillers that attract water such as Juvederm Ultra Plus, ice immediately after treatment, sleep with your head a bit elevated on the night of treatment, and consider bromelain/arnica supplementation.  Though a cannula can reduce your swelling I think it best to have your injector select the treatment manner that allows them to get the best result.  Hope this helps.

Benjamin Killey, MD · Answer

I have completely switched to using microcannulas for lip filler because I think it gives a superior result aesthetically when molded/sculpted well.  Plus, since a microcannula is much less traumatic to the tissue than a sharp needle, it almost never bruises and seems to swell a bit less than the needle method.  The vast majority of my clients think the microcannula is less painful as well....though it is a bit strange the first time you try it.  That said, expect lips to swell for the first 1-2 days after lip filler regardless of which technique is used.  If this wouldn't work with your job, then I would wait until you have a couple of days off.

Ravi Jain, MBBS · Answer

but this has not been scientifically proven yet. Swelling is largely dependent on the type of filler used and your own body's response. I would advise any patient that has to have no swelling the next day or two, to postpone the treatment for a time more suitable.

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Cannulas  are less traumatically hence reduce swelling  when compared to injections using needles, however swelling will still occur, since swelling depends on other factors such as how much and what kind of fillers are used.

Maeve Kenningham, MBChB, MRCGP · Answer

Hello there. In general cannulas are less traumatic to the lips and so less vessels punctured. However the swelling may also be related to your lips reaction to the filler itself.  I always tell my patients what product in whatever range I’m using. For example was it Juvederm Volift? Speak to your Aesthetic Dr about your concerns so maybe they would try a less cross linked range?

Adil Sarwar, MD · Answer

This is a very good question! I have injected lips with both needles and cannula and I genuinely do not feel there is a significant difference with post op swelling between the two. In my opinion needles are better as they provide razor sharp accuracy, and have personally moved away from cannulas when performing lip augmentation. 
I think it may be better for you to arrange your procedure on a Friday so you have a couple of days to recover? Please do not hesitate to ask any further questions

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many lip augmentation procedures using dermal fillers or lip implants for over 30 years. The use of a cannula should reduce the swelling but there are other factors that effect the degree of swelling.  Injection technique, injection time, us elf blood thinners pre treatment and the degree of posst treatment activity are contributing factors.   Following my beauty principles, the lips should be full with the upper lip approximately 75 % the size of the lower lip for the lips to appear balanced. The lips can be augmented using a dermal filler or a Permalip implant.
Dermal fillers and lip implants offer a much more reliable volume for augmentation of the lips than permanent fillers or fat injections which are associated with increased, unwanted, side effects.
Hope this helps.

How much will I reduce my chances of swelling with a cannula for lips?

Answers (10)

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