Does it matter whether a doctor uses the micro cannula technique for a nasolabial fold Bellafill injection?

Question

I’ve had other fillers for nasolabial lines and loved the results. Now I’m considering Bellafill, but have received conflicting information regarding injection technique. Should I seek out a doctor that only uses the micro cannula technique, or does a traditional needle give the same results? Thanks for any help you could provide!

Carlos Ayala, MD, FACS · Answer

Facial Fillers performed by a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon that you can trust and communicate with will be most important to assure you an excellent outcome.  
I have found that microcanulas are excellent for use in the face.  They cause less trauma and bruising.  They are less likely to injure nerves and vessels in the injected region.  They do add an additional expense to the injector.  The needles that come with the fillers were made to inject those fillers and are usually sufficient.  A physician that does use microcannulas is going the extra mile to provide the highest available service and outcome and absorbing the cost of the microcanula.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Cannulas limit bruising, swelling, and pain.  The outcomes can be the same with cannula or needle depending on the persons technique and experience. Best, Dr. Emer.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

I tend to use the micro canulas for most injections but your doc may feel more comfortable with the needles.

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! The choice of needle vs. micro-cannula for injection of filler is often dictated by the comfort level of the physicians and their personal preference. Some do most injections with traditional needles while others primarily use cannula. In my opinion and with certain exceptions, cannula offers several advantages over needle injection and I personally do most of my filler injections with cannula. The blunt end of cannula can reduce the risk of injury to other tissues and can reduce the risk of bruising and swelling. It's longer and can be slided under the skin, allowing us to do more injections and reach further areas with fewer points of entry. Patients also experience less discomfort compared with needle injection. All in all and with a few exceptions, I don't use needles for my filler treatments and prefer cannula most of the times. I hope it helps and good luck!

Michele Zormeier, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Bellafill can be injected with cannula or traditional needle.  The method of injection does not change results. By using a cannula there may be less bruising and swelling but each patient is so individualized that it’s hard to predict bruising and swelling. The most important is a well trained injector, not the method used for injection.
Please consult a local board certified facial plastic surgeon for more information and a comprehensive consultation

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

The short answer is the same complications with injection with a needle can also happen with cannulas.  Either can give good results.  What matters most is comfort level and preference of the injector.  Cannulas may allow for fewer needle sticks and therefore less bruising but there are many ways to reduce bruising.  The patient's genetics, skin condition and medications are also a factor.  Overall results, however should be comparable so that needn't be the deciding factor.

Jeffrey (Te-Shao) Hsu, MD · Answer

I prefer microcannula technique in most filler cases, for both safety and patient comfort.  Especially with Bellafill the cannulas can help ensure that the material is placed in the correct depth, not too superficially.  The only exception is using bellafill for acne scar, where a superficial placement may be needed, and subcision with needles may be helpful.

Ravi Dahiya, MD · Answer

I think using a cannula is ideal for any filler.  As others have stated cannulas can reduce the amount of bruising and potential vascular (blood vessel) occlusions. I have found that patients also experience much less discomfort when I use a cannula so I now use it for all of my fillers wherever in the face I am injecting. The only caution with Bellafill is to make sure that you have a very experienced injector.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In the end it is going to come down to injector preference. I prefer to use a cannula due to a slight safety edge and ease of injecting smoothly. Due to the long term/permanent nature of Bellafill, it is best to seek out an experienced injector.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

It does not make a difference what technique the physician uses as long as they are an experienced injector.  Some physicians feel that the cannula method limits bruising and discomfort.  These issues can be addressed by an experienced injector using a needle as well.  Bellafill should only be injected by an experienced injector who has been well trained using this product.

Does it matter whether a doctor uses the micro cannula technique for a nasolabial fold Bellafill injection?

Answers (14)

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