Improving Lip Volume Case # 1036
Lip fillers using a blunt cannula
Using blunt cannulas for hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection in the lip and the area around the mouth has is being used more often. This is due to higher safety features and shorter downtime than sharp needles.
What is a blunt-tipped cannula?
As its name suggests, a cannula is not sharp but flexible with a blunt head. In the last five years, more injectors have been relying on cannulas to implement facial fillers in general. The main advantage of using the cannula is the reduction of patient discomfort of the traditional hypodermic needle, including pain, bruising, swelling, redness. A cannula pushes its way (slide) through the dermal layer with minimal injury to the surrounding vessels and nerves. This is specially correct for lower gauge cannulas such as 25G. Using a long cannula (2 inches) allows the practitioner to reach different lip areas from one entry point by directing the cannula tip to different areas. The most advanced cannula is Sterglide from the TSK lab, as it provides the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility. The injector does not need to apply any local anesthetic before the procedure with the blunt cannula, which is considered an advantage. This injection method is perfect for adding volume, but it would be more challenging to enhance an anatomical feature such as lip philtrum.
Case 1036
A female in her mid-twenties gets lip augmentation using HA fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane every six months using a sharp hypodermic needle. We discussed the advantages of using a blunt cannula. After taking the medical history, full assessment, and the required consent form, we proceeded with small particle hyaluronic fillers using a 25G 2-inch cannula with only two entry points at the commissure.
Results
It is important to understand that this is a cosmetic procedure and not a medical one. In other words, the results are customed to the client’s personal preference and expectations and their facial features and appearance.
The pictures were taken directly before and after the procedure of lip fillers.
Team
Albany Cosmetic and Laser Center team, who worked on this case, are Dr. Kamal Alhallak (Ph.D.), R.N. Dima Omran, and Dr. Salem Tomi M.D.