Cannula Versus Needle: What’s Better?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly injected into many areas of the face, including the increasing popular tear trough. At the present time, there is no one standard technique for this area when it comes to using a needle or microcannula.

A recently published article looked to determine a preference between these two different techniques. In the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ( May 2022 ), a new study was published. This study did a systemic review of previous research articles investigating hyaluronic acid tear trough injection techniques.

A total of 42 previous studies were used. No statistical differences in reported aesthetic results, patient satisfaction, or incidence of adverse advents were found between the needle and cannula methods. The authors of this study concluded that no evidence was found to support the preference for the needle or cannula techniques into the tear trough could be determined.

Providers may have their preferences for one technique or the other based on their comfort and beliefs. Many providers use both techniques. At this time, there is no proven benefit of either technique over the other.