What Is A Micro Cannula?

In the field of medical aesthetics, micro cannulas have gained popularity among medical aesthetic practitioners and patients worldwide as a filling tool. With its unique design, it offers a safer, more comfortable, and more effective treatment option for patients requiring medical aesthetic procedures. This article will explore its design, common models, usage and advantages to provide you with a better understanding of this product.

Description

Unlike traditional sharp needles, micro cannulas feature a blunt tip and a side-port design; it is precisely these characteristics that minimize trauma to the patient during aesthetic procedures while enhancing the therapeutic results of the filler. Furthermore, the outer surface of the blunt cannula features centimetric depth markings, enabling medical users to accurately gauge the depth of the needle tip and thereby achieve precise filling.

Cannula Size and Applications

Micro cannulas are available in a variety of specifications (gauges) and lengths. They range from 18G to 30G in gauge and from 25mm to 70mm in length. Generally, thicker cannulas are used for deep tissue treatments, high-volume filling, or the injection of high-viscosity hyaluronic acid; thinner cannulas are used for superficial injections, treatments in delicate areas, or the injection of low-viscosity fillers. The following are some applications of these sizes:

18G to 22G (50mm, 70mm)

Treatment areas include the forehead, temporal region (temples), deep malar region (cheekbone area), mandibular angle, and hollows of the cheeks.

Injections targeting these areas typically involve the periosteum or deep fat pads. Consequently, when injecting high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, collagen, or autologous fat, using a larger-gauge needle reduces injection resistance and effectively lowers the risk of puncturing major blood vessels. Clinically, needles ranging from 18G to 22G in gauge and 50 mm or 70 mm in length are commonly selected.

23G to 25G (38mm, 50mm)

Treatment areas include the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, malar fat pads (malar prominence), soft tissues of the cheeks, as well as the nasal tip and bridge.

Injections targeting these areas are typically performed in the mid-to-deep subcutaneous tissue. Consequently, medium-gauge micro cannulas are commonly selected in clinical practice; many medical aesthetic practitioners prefer the 25G micro cannula, as it allows for the smooth injection of medium-viscosity fillers while maintaining good maneuverability within the tissue.

27G to 30G (25mm, 38mm)

Suitable treatment areas include the tear troughs, fine lines around the eyes, the lips (for augmentation or contouring), and superficial wrinkles.

These sizes are specifically designed for superficial tissue areas characterized by thin skin and a dense network of blood vessels. The use of a slender, blunt-tipped cannula helps reduce the risk of bruising in sensitive areas such as the periorbital region; however, due to its extremely narrow gauge, it is suitable only for injecting low-viscosity, small-molecule fillers or “skin boosters” (hydrating products). Furthermore, extreme caution must be exercised during the procedure to avoid accidentally puncturing small blood vessels.

Directions for Use

Before use: disinfect and apply anesthetic cream.

Before using a micro cannula, the treatment area should be disinfected and a topical anesthetic cream applied to reduce the patient’s sensation of stinging.

Operational procedure

Because the tip of a micro cannula is rounded and cannot penetrate the skin, a sharp needle is typically provided for the initial puncture. To facilitate the insertion of the micro cannula and prevent the skin from rapidly retracting after the puncture, the accompanying sharp needle is usually of a larger gauge than the cannula itself; for instance, a 25G micro cannula is often paired with a 23G sharp needle.

First, create a tiny puncture point: Uses the accompanying sharp needle to create an entry point in the skin area requiring filling.

Next, inject the filler: After withdrawing the sharp needle, pinch the skin on both sides with your fingers, slowly insert the micro cannula, and advance it to the deepest point of the intended position. Once safety is confirmed, inject the solution steadily and evenly while withdrawing the micro cannula.

Finally, massage the skin: After withdrawing the micro cannula, massage the skin using standard medical aesthetic massage techniques to ensure more even filler distribution.

Benefits of Using Micro cannula

Precision Injection

Thanks to the blunt-tip design and depth markings on the micro cannula, the practitioner can precisely control the insertion depth and ensure injection symmetry. Furthermore, the side port design allows the product to disperse laterally—avoiding the strong forward impact force typical of sharp-needle injections—thereby enabling precise dosage control and uniform distribution of the injected material.

Minimizing Trauma

Micro cannulas feature a smooth, spherical tip. When advanced subcutaneously, the absence of a sharp cutting edge allows the cannula to glide along the natural curvature of flexible blood vessels or nerves—or deflect away from them—thereby bypassing rather than piercing these structures. This significantly reduces the risk of vascular perforation and nerve injury. Furthermore, micro cannulas enable extensive coverage without the need for multiple skin punctures, thereby minimizing trauma to the skin surface.

Rapid Recovery

Because micro cannulas are less likely to damage blood vessels, they result in fewer hematomas or bruises. Additionally, they offer a wide injection coverage area, eliminating the need for multiple punctures and causing minimal trauma to the skin surface, thereby accelerating the recovery process.