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Cannula vs Needle: Injection Technique Comparison

Sep 24 2020

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Author: Cathy Longley

Non-surgical and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments are still very popular. These include Botox and dermal fillers. They remain top choices for many people. Patients want to enhance their features or pause aging for a year or two. They can do this without surgery.

Traditionally, these injectable cosmetic treatments used hypodermic needles. Over time, aesthetic cannulas became a viable option. Practitioners use them for soft fillers, especially on larger facial areas. They may lead to safer injections with fewer side effects.

Both tools are suitable for the job. Each has its own pros and cons. In this article, we compare cannula vs needle. We break down their advantages and disadvantages. We also explore how seasoned cosmetic injectors choose which tool to use.

Let’s delve right in!

Cannula vs. Needle: What’s the Difference?

There are many differences between cannula and needle. Their design is the main factor. This design influences the injection technique of cosmetic practitioners.

The biggest difference is the edge or tip. The cannula is also called a microcannula or blunt-tip cannula. Its rounded edge cannot puncture the skin alone. A needle must first make an entry point. Then the cannula can access the area and deliver the product. The blunt tip can push veins and arteries aside. This may cause less pain, swelling, and bruising. It also lowers the risk of severe side effects, like vascular occlusion.

On the contrary, the needle has a thin, sharp tip. It can readily penetrate the skin. It delivers the product without much manipulation. Needles are ideal for precise work or delivering product supraperiosteally.

However, the needle is stiff and limited in length. More entry points are needed to access all spots. This can cause trauma to the skin. This is especially true during lip augmentation treatment. The cannula is the opposite. It is longer and more flexible. It can reach treatment points with one insertion point.

Cannula vs Needle for Cosmetic Injection Treatments

Today, some dermal filler products come prepackaged with cannulas. Most still come with needles. Practitioners also order cannulas separately. This gives injectors more freedom to choose their preferred technique.

Using cannula vs needle has risks and benefits. This affects patient safety, comfort, and experience. Here is a quick rundown of the advantages of using cannula for cosmetic injection treatments.

Reduced Bleeding, Bruising, And Significant Downtime

The main concern with needles is their sharp, unbending nature. They have a higher chance of puncturing a vein or artery. This can cause pain, bruising, or swelling. If the needle enters an artery, there is a risk of vascular occlusion. This could lead to infection, tissue death, or even blindness in rare cases.

Using a cannula lowers this risk. Its tip is not sharp enough to rupture veins or blood vessels. This depends on the cannula gauge and injection technique. A higher gauge means a narrower cannula. An aggressive technique can still cause complications. A wider cannula with a slow, gentle technique reduces risk. Another advantage is that the injector feels slight resistance. This lets them adjust pressure or change direction. Some patients feel the cannula in their skin. It is not painful, but they describe it as “odd.”

Fewer Entry Points Required Equals Less Discomfort and Less Risk of Bruising

The cannula does not need multiple entry points. It can even re-enter the same point many times. The patient feels less discomfort from fewer pokes. The experience of receiving aesthetic injections is very important. Patients can usually return to normal life right away. They have less bruising and swelling compared to needles.

When to Use Needle Injection Technique

Despite the benefits of using a cannula for dermal filler injections, needles are still useful. The needle offers precision for small amounts of filler. This is true in these cases:

• Doing quick touch-ups to maintain stunning results
• Delivering product deep under the SMAS to lift lateral cheeks
• Enhancing small areas like the lip’s cupid’s bow
• Improving fine lines and acne scars on the skin’s surface

Learn Both Cannula and Needle Injection Techniques with APT!

Both cannula and needle techniques have their merits. This shows the importance of mastering both methods. Aspiring injectors can feel confident in their skills. They will be prepared for any clinical challenge.

APT Injection Training offers intensive courses for registered medical practitioners. You don’t have to choose between cannula vs needle. We help you become an expert in both techniques. Sign up for our Foundation Toxin & Basic Filler Certificate. Also, take our Basic Lower Face Cannula Training to see for yourself.

For more information on our BOTOX and dermal filler certification courses, please contact us today! A member of the APT Team will get in touch with you immediately.