Less Pain, Swelling & Bruising With Use Of New Blunt Tipped Micro-Cannulas

By George Bitar, MD

Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute

. http://www.bitarinstitute.com

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Less Pain, Swelling & Bruising With Use Of New Blunt Tipped Micro-Cannulas

Blunt tipped micro-cannulas are newly FDA approved devices used by plastic surgeons and other expert injectors to inject popular fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Belotero, Radiesse and Fat. Because their tip is not as sharp as the traditional needles, recent studies have shown that patients experience less pain, swelling and bruising than with traditional needles. The results of the treatment and longevity were both found to be excellent and safer than traditional techniques.

Filler injections were, until recently, performed mostly with traditional hypodermic needles supplied by the manufacturers. Patients are either given topical anesthesia, a nerve block, ice/cool air, or no anesthesia depending on the area to be injected. A sharp needle is then introduced through the skin to inject the filler in the desired location and level of the tissues. While the results are excellent, there are disadvantages to this technique including the pain of multiple injections, swelling and bruising caused by the sharp needle injuring the small blood vessels of the face, and the potential for embolization of filler to surrounding blood vessels of the face. The FDA approval of micro-cannulas has the potential to revolutionize the experience of filler patients everywhere.

Micro-cannulas have several advantages that are beneficial to patients. Larger areas can be treated from one or two ports without additional sticks. Multiples passes can be safely made in the tissues to improve the aesthetic results. Less tissue injury results in less bruising and swelling. Because the cannulas are available in multiple lengths and diameters, entire anatomical regions such as lips and naso-labial folds can be treated with a single injection thereby reducing trauma to the tissues. Patients have described the pain of injection as mild compared to the moderate pain experienced with traditional injection techniques.

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we remain committed to introducing the latest advancements in aesthetic surgery in the most ethical manner to improve the experience and outcomes of our patients. We are thrilled that our patients are experiencing the benefits of this new technique that will rapidly become the new standard of care.