Dr. Andrew Compton is a master injector with the cannula technique, one of the safest methods available for facial contouring and volumizing. If you’re planning to get dermal fillers, it’s important to know that needles aren’t the only option available and that the cannula technique offers a number of benefits.

What Is a Cannula?

A cannula is a medical tool that resembles a very thin tube. It is inserted into the body to either administer or drain fluids and semi-fluids.

For surgical procedures like liposuction, the cannulae that are used have sharp ends. When dermal fillers are administered with the cannula technique, blunt cannulae are used.

During dermal filler injections with the cannula technique, the blunt cannula is inserted into your skin to inject the dermal filler into the treatment site. Because a blunt cannula is not a sharp injection tool, this makes the administration of the fillers safer and more comfortable.

Benefits of the Cannula Technique

It is ideal for reaching deeper in the skin layers: Needles are shorter than cannulae. Because of this, it makes it difficult for them to reach deeper layers of the skin. A blunt cannula’s length makes it much easier to target deeper skin layers. This reduces the need for multiple injections.

Its precision offers improved cosmetic results: A cannula can easily be maneuvered inside the skin, gently moving tissues aside and reaching down into specific areas requiring more volumizing or lifting. Because of this, it can create finely contoured results.

It is a gentler option: Needles are sharp-edged tools. This is what makes them so easy to insert into the skin. However, needles can cause pain when they are used to inject dermal fillers. Many patients experience bleeding, swelling, and bruising when needles are used. Since cannulae have a blunt end, they don’t cause as much pain, discomfort, or bruising.

It is safer than needles: The sharp edges of needles can sometimes snag on skin tissues, arteries, and veins, causing them to tear. This can cause bleeding, bruising, painful skin injuries, and worse. Blunt cannulae don’t snag or rupture tissues when maneuvered inside the skin, making the dermal injection process significantly safer.

It is more efficient: You can deposit larger amounts of filler and cover a greater dermal area using cannulae.

How Does the Cannula Technique Work?

Dr. Compton starts with a consultation to identify the treatment areas. During this, he talks to the patient about the results they can expect and the benefits of the cannula technique. He also asks about their complete medical history and walks them through the steps of the procedure.

On the day of the treatment, topical numbing cream is applied to the targeted areas to make the treatment more comfortable. A small needle is used to puncture the surface of the skin, creating the surface opening point for the cannula to pass through. The cannula is then gently inserted and maneuvered in the treatment sites, depositing filler.

The best thing about cannula injections is that they minimize the chance of bruising, even with 3-5 injections. Dr. Compton’s patients typically experience no bruising after their dermal filler treatments with the cannula technique.

Contact Us Today

Dr. Andrew Compton has the years of experience necessary to effectively perform the cannula technique during a dermal filler treatment. Schedule your consultation today by contacting our office.