What is the difference between using a cannula for fillers vs. using a regular needle?

Question

I have had filler a couple times in different areas of my face and its been done with a cannula and with a regular needle. Is one technique better than the other?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Jpetril87! This is an excellent question. The benefits of a cannula include less chances of complications, less swelling and bruising and less downtime. In addition,  a cannula is able to fill several areas with one entry point. With a needle, we are able to deliver the injected product into the places desired more precisely. However, with a needle the skin gets pierced multiple times repeatedly and there is increased risk of bruising. I hope this was helpful!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Physician preference and experience typically dictate the choice of cannula or Needles. Needles allow for more precise placement of the filler, although there may be a somewhat higher chance for bruising following treatment. Accordingly, they are preferable in areas where placement within the skin is critical, such as under the eyes or if filling a very fine, etched line or wrinkle. Cannula advocates claim that the cannula is safer to use and less likely to give rise to bruising. The truth is that when smaller gauge cannulas are used, they can puncture and pierce blood vessels much like needles. And large gauge cannulas do allow for precise placement, nor can they be used in thin-skin regions. I have used both and generally prefer the needle for most areas. More important than cannula vs. needle is that you seek consultation and treatment by an experienced, board certified aesthetic physician: dermatologist, plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or ENT plastic surgeon, and make sure to ask to see his/her personal before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The use of a cannula versus a needle to inject fillers is based on the preference of the physician performing the injections.  I would not say that one gives better results than the other, but some physicians prefer using a cannula and some prefer using a needle.  Some physicians may use both a cannula and a needle as well.

Ellen Robertson, MD · Answer

Hi there, great question. Needles are traditionally used to inject dermal fillers, but they can be uncomfortable and require multiple pokes. With a cannula you can often have just 1 or 2 access points, so less needle sticks in the sensitive layer of the skin, to treat a fairly large area. Cannulas are also blunt at the tip and so less traumatic to the tissue. I believe cannulas are safer to use in delicate treatment areas such as the tear trough. However, there are some areas and instances where a needle is necessary! Hope this helps.

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

This is a great question! One isn't necessarily better than the other but they both have their niche's when it comes to filler. A needle is more precise when placing filler but it can cause damage (bruising) because it is a sharp tip which can break blood vessels. A cannula is a dull tube that delivers the filler and can push the blood vessels out of the way instead of bursting them. However, there is less control and precision with a cannula. It all depends on the area that is being treated and which of the two options or even both would cause the best result. Hope this helps!

Kirk Lozada, MD · Answer

This is somewhat like the Mac vs. PC debate. Because cannulas do not have a sharp tip, the thought is that they have a lesser chance of poking into a blood vessel and causing an issue. This has not been supported by the evidence and cannulas can certainly cause vascular injuries like needles. One benefit to a cannula is a single entry poke, whereas needles require multiple needle sticks for the injections. Some people only use needles or only use cannulas but great injectors say they are both tools and to use all of your tools, learn to use both. So many injectors, me included, have areas where we use a needle, some where we use a cannula, and some where we use both! Hope this helps!

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not a matter of canula or needle, but a matter of the injector and their knowledge and experience. You should pick who does any injections based on these factors and their results.

What is the difference between using a cannula for fillers vs. using a regular needle?

Answers (8)

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