Why do I use Microcannulas?
Micro-cannulas are mini flexible versions of liposuction cannulas borrowed over from Plastic Surgery. This could be a long discussion but the brief version of my reason is for: Safety and Results
- Safety from injuring nerves.
- Safety from injuring blood vessels.
- Safety from injuring glands and ducts.
- Better Results: I can get a smoother and wider fanning result.
- Better Results: I can usually have less bruising with my patients.
- Better Pain management: Patients usually tell me that there is less pain with this technique.
Drawbacks to using blunt tipped micro-cannulas?
- Sometimes it takes more time.
- It is more costly for sure.
- It is more complicated.
- There is a definitely a technical learning curve. I can say that I am much more adept at this now than compared to two years ago.
What are the differences between brands of micro-cannulas?
- Price
- Flexibility of the cannula
- Location of the opening: some are closer to the tip and some are further back.
- Packaging of introducer needles with the cannula – some come with the cannula, some come separately. (Like batteries sold separately).
- The presence of markings on the hub of the microcannula “needle” which shows the directionality of the opening at the tip.
What I use for micro cannulas
I have been using micro cannulas to inject dermal fillers for several years. There are differences between the brands but I haven’t yet decided which ones I’d like the best. I’ve used Magic Needle and Dermasculpt associated with CosmoFrance. Right now I am mostly using Dermasculpt. I have the 25G – 2 inch microcannula which I buy several hundreds of these at a time. I’m starting to use this as my all purpose cannula for Cheeks, Tear Troughs, and Lips. I have somehow found that this cannula is more comfortable for the patient and the 2 inch reach is very nice to have. The other cannula I use from time to time is the 27G – 1.5 inch. This is my usual cannula for tear troughs and for shorter lips. But my thought process changes from time to time regarding which one I prefer. I like the stiffness of the 25 gauge microcannula. There are many options and I think one has to try several of these to see if they are worthwhile. One should check often with their price policies too, as I got caught once with a surprise in their pricing of microcannulas because I was using an older order form. I wasn’t too happy when I found out about the pricing / policy changes. At that point I needed to tell them about a bent 25 guage 2 inch microcannula which I received in the past. I have only received one bent (still in the package). If I have time, I’ll post the picture of the bent one. Regardless the cannulas are great, I don’t have a need for the directional marking of the side opening – that isn’t a feature that is currently useful for me.
I use Voluma, Juvederm, Radiesse and Belotero with all these cannulas.
I hope these ramblings about micro-cannulas for dermal fillers are helpful. For me they have been a great addition to what I do with Botox and Fillers. And I should add that I still inject directly with the sharp needles which are supplied in the dermal filler packaging.
Next, I probably need to probably write about a question a Botox trainee asked me recently: “Which do you inject first, Botox or Filler, if it’s going to overlap in location?” I have some thoughts on that. Till next time
