The needle versus cannula debate is frequently discussed in aesthetic medicine, particularly in regards to safety. A recent study published by the Department of Dermatology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, has suggested that cannulas are less likely to cause a vascular occlusion than needles when injecting filler. The study evaluated injection practices, injection volumes and prior intravascular occlusion events of 370 US-based dermatologists, with a total of 1.7 million injections. Results showed that one occlusion occurred per 6,410 injections via needles, compared to one occlusion per 40,882 injections with cannulas.1
With evidence indicating that cannulas are a safer method, aesthetic practitioner Dr James Shilvock and consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Mr Dalvi Humzah consider whether the industry should be replacing needles as the…
