Why Its Better To Be Blunt

Posted: July 25, 2012

My patients who receive BOTOX® are often interested in complementing the procedure with dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM®. Fillers add volume to the skin and help dissipate fine lines and wrinkles for a younger, refreshed look. Most injectable fillers last from 6 to 9 months, but some are long lasting, five years plus.

When I administer dermal fillers, I use a special "micro-cannula" rather than a regular needle. Although they are no wider than needles, micro-cannulas have blunt/soft tips, which decrease the risk of puncturing small blood vessels under the skin. I have found that this delivery method for dermal fillers has many advantages over standard injection techniques, including:

• Less bruising

Because micro-cannulas are blunt rather than sharp, they do not injure blood vessels when inserted under the skin. This results in less bruising following the procedure and reduces discomfort during treatment.

• More precise filler placement

Needles push the injectable filler through the end of the needle tip, which requires that the injector use consistent pressure to ensure smooth results. Micro-cannulas have the opening on the side of the tube, rather than the tip. This allows the filler to be delivered more smoothly and evenly, allowing for greater precision.

• More comfortable treatments

My patients are almost always surprised by how comfortable dermal filler injections are with micro-cannulas compared to traditional needles. Not only does the rounded tip lessen pain but also the micro-cannula technique reduces the number of entry points needed during a treatment. That means fewer skin punctures and a better experience overall.