In the field of dermatology, filler is a material injected into the skin for a variety of cosmetic reasons. It can help smooth out lines and wrinkles and fill in larger voids/hollows. At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, all our dermatology providers have extensive experience and training in the use of facial dermal skin fillers. We love doing these procedures for our patients, and they love their results. In this article, we will walk you through some of the most common areas people get fillers, as well as the difference between a cannula and a traditional needle for skin filler.
Cannula vs Traditional Needle For Skin Filler
Most Common Areas For Fillers
Filler works for many areas on the face—the hollows under the eyes, folds between the nose and lips, the lips themselves, cheekbones, jawline, and in other areas. Two of the most common areas are the hollows that develop with aging underneath the eyes (infraorbital hollows) and the large crease between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds). Injectable filler in these areas will plump up the tissues, reducing the sunken nature of the skin. As a result, improving its appearance, and giving a more youthful look.
Fillers have been used in dermatology for more than two decades, and have become much safer over time. At this time in 2021, most facial fillers consist of a substance known as hyaluronic acid. This substance is native naturally to our skin. In other words, with filler injections, we are not injecting a foreign material. In fact, it is rather one that is chemically identical to our normal skin. As we age, our skin loses its hyaluronic acid, and we develop bumps, wrinkles, hollows, and irregularities which can be improved by adding hyaluronic acid (filler) back into the skin.
For the longest time, filler was primarily injected into these areas by repetitive needle sticks. The best dermatologists know that it is very important to reduce patient discomfort and minimize potential complications with any procedure. For this reason, at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, we have always used a topical numbing preparation prior to using filler. Also, over the last few years, we have been using more of a newer technique for filler delivery, involving a blunt-tipped cannula.
Advantages of a Cannula
A cannula is a special type of metal tube, which is like a long needle. Compared to a traditional needle, a cannula is longer and has a blunt tip rather than a pointy tip. Given all that, it is much easier and safer to put filler through larger areas of the skin without creating multiple needle sticks for multiple separate entry points. With filler for a given area, we generally enter through one small spot. Because of the blunt tip, a cannula needle is much less traumatic to the deeper tissues.
What advantages does this give us? It is a win-win all around with the cannula. We can treat larger and broader areas. Because there is less trauma to the deeper tissues, we tend to see less bruising. Our patients also seem to prefer this technique, as it is more comfortable.
To use a cannula, we first must make a small entry point whole with a traditional needle. Generally, we use and apply topical anesthetic first to make the use of the entry point needle nearly painless in most cases. The use of the entry point needle is necessary because the cannula is blunt-tipped. Unlike a traditional needle, a cannula cannot pierce through the skin. Again, this is also why a cannula can be much safer than a traditional needle.
Types of Fillers
At our clinics, we can use a cannula for any of the large arrays of fillers that we offer. These fillers include:
- Allergan Fillers: Volbella, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Voluma
- Merz Fillers: Radiesse
- Galderma Fillers: Kysse, Defyne, and Lyft
Additional Resources:
Skin Fillers in Omaha – Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands
Our comprehensive offering of fillers enables us to take care of virtually every situation where facial dermal filler can benefit our patients.
If you have an interest in fillers, please reach out to us to schedule a consultation. A consultation will involve us assessing your face and reviewing your goals. We will also discuss which filler or fillers may be best for you, as well as what you can expect in terms of results. We can also review other cosmetic services that we have to offer, including Botox, micro-needling, and dermaplaning. In most cases, after consultation, we will schedule a special separate appointment that works well for your schedule to return to have filler treatment.
Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands | Best Dermatologist Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA | Board Certified Dermatologists
At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, our vision is to deliver the highest level of dermatological care, using the most advanced technology and evidence-based medicine in a personalized and compassionate environment. Click here to schedule a filler appointment today.
