Isn’t it enough that there are so many different fillers out there? Now we have to keep up with HOW they’re injected? Bear with me, as I think this is an important topic for anyone that is undergoing filler injections – more important that the type of filler.
What is a microcannula?
A microcannula is similar in size to a needle, but instead of a sharp point at the end, there is a rounded end with an opening on the side. Also, microcannulas are flexible and bend with pressure, as opposed to needles that are rigid and designed to pierce skin (and blood vessels).
What are the benefits of microcannula injections?
Because microcannulas are flexible and blunt-tipped, they are able to be push blood vessels out of the way. As a result, they cause less trauma to blood vessels which means less bleeding under the skin, and therefore less bruising. Patient also experience less pain and discomfort with microcannula injections. Lastly (and most importantly), microcannulas are SAFER. The most feared complication of fillers is due to intravascular injection of filler which causes occlusion of blood vessels. As a result, there can be loss of skin of the face due to compromised blood supply. Because cannulas are blunt and have a side injection port, the incidence of intravascular injection is substantially decreased.
Why aren’t all injectors using microcannulas?
Good question! I think this will change as the popularity of microcannulas increases. Unfortunately not all injectors have trained with microcannulas so there is a bit of a learning curve.
What areas are you using microcannula injections?
I perform most of my injections with microcannulas, including lips, cheeks, marionette lines, tear trough. I use needles very occasionally for fine tuning and deep injections in conjunction with microcannulas.
See the demonstration below for microcannula injection of sculptra:
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Have a great weekend.
JR
