Cannula Needles. Are they better to use for lip fillers?

Both cannulas and needles are standard methods for administering filler. However, as you can see, many of us find that using cannulas lessens bruising. I would suggest that you find a surgeon whose work you like and then trust his or her methodology. Best, Dr. Nazarian

I like cannulas to limit complications such as bruising swelling and it makes the treatment more comfortable.  I see less swelling long term.  Best, Dr. Emer.

The jury is really still out on the issue of whether cannulas are really better than needles for injecting fillers and each has its ardent proponents. I have extensive experience with the use of microcannulas, since they were regulatory agency approved and available in my satellite facility in Israel years before they were approved for use in the U.S. (In fact, an Israeli company is one of the major developers and suppliers of microcannulas to the U.S. and elsewhere.) Likewise, I have been using needles for injecting fillers for over three decades going back to the days of their use for injecting the original Zyderm I collagen filler product. I have personally found that needles can just as easily be used in the same fashion as cannulas, i.e. introduced through one or two injection points, rather than via multiple injection sites. In contrast to cannulas, needles do not require the prior use of a larger bore needle to make an initial entry hole through which the cannula may be inserted. Needles precisely because they are sharp-tipped glide through tissue, and do not require the pushing and shoving that cannulas require in order to get through the tissue because they are blunt-tipped. This often makes the treatment time considerably shorter with needles. In general the amount of material needed for injection is typically less with needles than cannulas and placement of the injected materials in many instances can much more precise with needles--something especially important in treating the lips. Finally, since cannula use, despite all the mraketing claims to the contrary, can also result in bruising, I really cannot say that their use overall represents a truly significant advantage over needles.When it comes to lips, using needles, I typically treat through two injection sites per lip, just as one would with cannulas. In the end, what is most important is that you seek consultation by a board certified aesthetic physician with experience and expertise in nonsurgical lip augmentation. Be sure to ask to see his/her before and after photos.

The honest answer is that it really makes no difference. The important thing is to choose an injector that you trust. Whether they use a needle or cannula doesn't matter, each injector will have a technique that works better in their hands but overall neither needle or cannula is superior across the board. Hope that helps! 

Beckluv552 Thank you for your questions.   The cosmetic surgeon's artistry and skill trump their choice of needle.  YES cannulas especially for the lip  have the advantage of less puncture points and thus less bleeding.  But  this is at the price of a decreased ability of  placement  at "perfect " angles ( Many of my colleagues will state this is not a problem in their hands)  that stated I use a combination of both cannulas and straight needles to get the best outcome for my clients. Arnica, sinnech brand, can be used to decrease bruising.

Thank you for your question! Cannulas are excellent for facial fillers. They have several significant advantages. Injecting with a cannula often leaves the patient with very little swelling. This technique also does not cause much bruising. A disadvantage to using a cannula is that it is less precise than a needle. Best of luck!

Cannulas are excellent for facial fillers. They have several significant advantages. Injecting with a cannula often leaves the patient with very little swelling. This technique also does not cause much bruising. A disadvantage to using a cannula is that it is less precise than a needle.

Injecting with a cannula often leaves the patient with very little swelling. This tecqnique also does not cause much bruising. A disadvantage to using a cannula is that it is less precise than a needle.

The reason that I love injecting lips with a cannula is because patients leave the office with minimal swelling and rarely a bruise and what you see is what you get.Occasionally I will use a needle to restore and refine the architecture of the central lip after injecting with a cannula-  because a needle is my fine paintbrush.It is standard of care to treat with either a needle or a cannula, so either method is appropriate as long as your provider is well-trained.  Safety being number one -it is reassuring to be treated with a cannula  because it reduces the risk of inadvertently injecting into a vessel.  Sure the procedure may take a little longer with a cannula, but the safety factor and the minimal bruising are worth the extra minutes it takes to treat the patient. Good luck -- enjoy your lips when you get them done.

Cannulas are a very useful tool for the placement of fillers. In general, I find that cannulas to help make a significant reduction in swelling and a dramatic reduction in bruising.  However, I do often use needles to address the philtrum and cupids bow part of the lip.  I would recommend that you seek out someone with extensive experience in lip enhancement.   They should be able to show you before and after photographs of their own patients for your review.   Any injector can have bruising, and there will always be some swelling, but seeking out an experienced injector will make sure you get a natural looking lip enhancement.