Cannula in facial harmonization: what it is and when to use it

A cannula is a thin, flexible tube with a blunt (rounded) tip and the exit hole on the side, used to place fillers and biostimulators. Unlike the needle, it does not cut the tissue with its tip: it needs an entry point, made beforehand with a needle, and it advances by pushing structures aside.

Cannulas vary in gauge and length. Thicker gauges tend to be stiffer; thinner gauges are more flexible and allow work in delicate areas. The choice belongs to the licensed professional, depending on the area and the product.

What are the advantages of the cannula?

• A single entry point allows a wide area to be treated in a fan pattern.
• It tends to cause less bruising and swelling than multiple needle punctures.
• The blunt tip reduces, but does not eliminate, the chance of vascular injury.

And the limits?

The cannula offers less precision for pinpoint, deep deposits, such as those placed on the bone, where the needle is often preferred. It also requires familiarity with the anatomical planes, because the tactile feel is different.

The key point is not to treat the cannula as a guarantee of safety. Vascular occlusion can happen with any instrument, and areas such as the nasolabial fold and the tear trough call for extra care and hyaluronidase on hand.

Also called: microcannula, blunt-tip cannula.