Constant development and introduction of innovative solutions in the field of aesthetic medicine is associated with the replacement of traditional methods and previously well-known products with new ones. Such a phenomenon can be observed on the example of a needle, which is more often replaced by cannulas. Everyone knows what both products look like, but do we know what they are for and how they should be used, and above all, what are the differences between them?

There is no unequivocal answer to the question which option - whether a needle or a cannula - is better. It all depends on the type of surgery to be performed.

Needle and cannula - what do they look like?

In appearance, they differ little, the cannulas resemble traditional needles, but the differences appear if we look at their structure. The needle is nothing more than a tube that is not filled inside, empty, and at the end is cut and sharply ended at an angle of 45 degrees, which is why it is designed to penetrate the skin, piercing or cutting the tissue.

The cannula, like the needle, is also a hollow tube, but it is properly profiled, the end is not sharply cut, and the edge is sharp. The difference is also that the opening through which the preparations are administered is located on the side of the cannula. In addition, the work with the cannula is facilitated by the centimeter scale along the entire length, which helps in the precision of administration of the preparation and the depth of puncture and gives full control over the procedure, minimizing the risk of complications. The cannulas are soft, "blunt" and their surface is slippery, which protects the blood vessels against the risk of violation during the procedure.

In aesthetic medicine, needles with a diameter of 27G to 32G (0.4mm - 0.23mm) and a length of 4-13mm are most often used.

In the case of volumetric treatments, 27G and 13mm needles are most often used, while in mesotherapy it is better to use a shorter needle with a smaller diameter.

The cannula works best during procedures where the puncture site is even a few centimeters away from the treatment site. This one is blunt, and its blade is rounded, so it does not damage the vessels and can cover a greater distance subcutaneously. In aesthetic medicine, cannulas with a length of 4-7 cm and a diameter of 22-27G (0.7-0.4 mm) are most often used.

Are the cannulas used in aesthetic medicine the same as those used intravenously?

Absolutely not. Cannulas used in aesthetic medicine differ in construction from intravenous ones. Intravenous, i.e. peripheral, is much shorter, which is placed in the vein for some time with a steel needle (venflon). Thanks to this, it is possible to administer drugs, drips or other necessary fluids intravenously. The cannula that is used in aesthetic medicine is definitely more flexible, and the opening for administering the preparations is located on the side, which facilitates the procedure and administration of preparations under the skin, and its very delicate structure allows you to intervene even in the most sensitive areas.

Does the needle become unnecessary?

Some may argue that the traditional needle can be completely replaced by a less invasive cannula, and specialists will be more willing to use it due to the safety of work and low risk of error. However, this is not true. Some treatments in aesthetic medicine clinics cannot be performed with a cannula and traditional needles are used, e.g. lip modeling, filling marionette lines or facial needle mesotherapy. All this is due to the precision of administration of the preparations and the lower risk of damage to the tissues under the skin, and thus greater patient satisfaction and shorter convalescence.

Precision - needle or cannula?

The needle ensures much greater precision of the procedure, and the effect we get is more natural, but there is a risk that redness, swelling and bruises may appear during the recovery period.

The cannula, on the other hand, does not cause tissue damage because it is inserted between the blood vessels and is inserted into places where there are free spaces and there is no resistance, so the risk of bruising is much lower, and thus the precision is lower. The advantage is that the use of the cannula requires only one puncture to perform the procedure, which is to cover a larger area. You can freely change the direction and depth of work without having to remove and re-piercing. This is not possible with a needle and you have to puncture the same area several times.

Treatments and methods of performing treatments

It should always be taken into account that the choice of the device is decided by a doctor or specialist. This may be guided by his preferences and experience, but also by the specificity of the procedure and the individual needs of the patient.

So what procedures should be performed with a needle or cannula?

Mesotherapy – usually performed with a needle (4mm with a diameter of 30-32G). In this case, it is about the largest possible number of punctures and the administration of the smallest possible amount of the preparation for each puncture, then full control over the procedure is maintained. The treatment itself is largely about stimulating and revitalizing the skin, so in this case the best choice will be a traditional needle.

Volumetry - in this case, the decision belongs to the specialist, his skill and experience. Often the choice is also dictated by the area where the procedure is to take place, as well as the patient's preferences.

Lip augmentation - most specialists in this case prefer a needle. It is more precise, and the lips look much more natural afterwards, so as to give them the right shape and rebuild the asymmetry of the lips.

Treatments Profhilo, Jalupro Classic or HMW, Neauvia Hydro Deluxe - in this case the most appropriate choice is a needle. From 29G to 32G.