Does a cannula weaken or comprise cheek muscles when having under eye fillers via the cheek?

Question

For under eye fillers done using cannula through cheek

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Hi thanks for asking this question. Micro cannulas have several advantages over needles when injecting the under eye (tear trough) area: There is less pain, less bruising and less risk of injecting into a vessel. The cannula is typically not passed through the muscle when injecting into this area, so you do not need to worry about causing any damage. In fact, even if it was passed through the muscle, it would be unlikely to tear the muscles because the micro cannula would simple push through between the fibers.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. When this procedure is performed by a board-certified, experienced dermatologist, it is a very safe treatment that does not damage tissue or affect the muscles in any way. Cannulas are often used for this area because they tend to cause less bruising than needles and the filler can be more evenly distributed. However, either technique is highly effective when performed by a qualified injector. Choose your doctor based on experience, training, and expertise and you should see a good result.

Bryan Brandon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. In general, using a cannula to place filler under the eye (typically into the tear trough) is not significantly traumatic to the muscles of the cheek. It can, however, cause some bruising or swelling, as can any technique when doing filler under the eye. Thus it is always prudent to avoid having filler done immediately prior to any big event in the small chance that you do bruise.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Injection cannulas are both safe and effective.  There is no harm to the facial musculature any more than with the use of a needle when using injection cannulas.  They are particularly effective around the eyes where the skin is thin and injection of filler needs to take place in very specific layers to create an attractive and balanced orbit.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

no cannulas do not damage tissue or compromise the muscles from insertion through the cheek or under the eye area. Please see an expert for treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

No, cannulas will not weaken cheek muscles when entering the cheek to tunnel to the under eye area or otherwise.  It is a safe technique and the manipulation will stimulate collagen formation to support the underlying structures.  Good question that others may be concerned about also.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no difference in the effect of needles or canulas on the muscles in the face. Fillers are not placed in the muscles but over them or, especially in the under eye area, above where the muscle originates from the bone directly on the bone. The advantages of canulas is that they cause less bruising, can lay more even lines of filler, and, potentially, are safer by bouncing off vessels instead of penetrating them. However, in the big scheme of things, whether the injector uses a needle or canula is not important. What is important is the knowledge and skill of the injector.

Does a cannula weaken or comprise cheek muscles when having under eye fillers via the cheek?

Answers (7)

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