Aesthetic treatments can be confusing and microcannulas are all the rage. Are they really kinder to your skin? Which one is right for you?

This post will help you navigate the options, breaking down the different types of microcannulas so you can make informed decisions.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

● What are microcannulas?

● The different types and when to use them

● Flexibility, gauge sizes and sharpness explained

Micro Cannula Basics

Microcannulas have changed the face of aesthetic medicine, a safer, kinder option than traditional needles. So what are microcannulas?

Think of a microcannula as a thin, flexible tube with a rounded tip, made from medical grade stainless steel. Unlike sharp needles that puncture tissue, microcannulas slide between tissue layers.

Here’s why that’s important:

● Less Pain and Bruising: The rounded tip glides through tissue instead of cutting it.

● Lower Complication Rates: Microcannulas are less traumatic, less bleeding, swelling and infection.

● Precision is Key: Their flexibility allows you to place products exactly where you want.

● Comfort is King: Treatments are generally more comfortable and less stressful for the patient.

Imagine threading a needle with a delicate lace. A sharp needle can tear the fabric, a blunt one can slide through easily. That’s how microcannulas work with your skin.

Now that you know the basics, let’s get into the different types of microcannulas and when to use them.

The Types of Microcannulas

Microcannulas aren’t all the same; they come in different sizes, lengths, flexibility and material. Different types are better for different areas and techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the most common:

1. Flexible vs Semi-Flexible

● Flexible Microcannulas: Super duper flexible, great for delicate areas like the tear troughs, lips and temples.

● Semi-Flexible Microcannulas: A bit more rigid, great for thicker fillers or precise work in the cheeks and jawline.

2. Gauge Sizes

Gauge size refers to the diameter of the microcannula. The lower the number, the larger the diameter. Here are some common sizes:

● 22G and 23G: Thicker fillers, like cheek augmentation.

● 25G and 27G: Thinner fillers or sensitive areas like lips and tear troughs.

● 30G: Super superficial injections or tiny amounts of product.

3. Wall Thickness

The wall of the microcannula determines how flexible it is and how much it can bend.

● Thin-Walled Cannulas: More flexible.

● Thick-Walled Cannulas: More stable, better for deeper injections or thicker fillers.

4. Port Configuration

The port (opening) of the microcannula differs in size and location.

● Single Port: Most common, one opening at the tip.

● Multi-Port: Multiple openings along the cannula for even product distribution.

How Do I Choose the Right Microcannula?

It depends on:

● Treatment Area: Tear troughs and delicate areas need smaller, more flexible cannulas, cheeks need larger, more sturdy ones.

● Type of Filler: Thicker fillers need larger gauge cannulas for smooth injection.

● Injector’s Technique: Seasoned injectors may have their favorites based on personal technique.

Now that you know the different types of microcannulas, you can have a more informed conversation with your aesthetic provider and get the right tool for the job.

Flexibility, Gauge Sizes and Sharpness

We’ve covered the basics, so let’s get into flexibility, gauge sizes and sharpness—three important factors to consider when choosing a microcannula.

Flexibility: How bendy is it?

A microcannula’s flexibility is important for gliding through tissues. Delicate areas like the tear troughs or temples need more flexible cannulas.

● Highly Flexible Cannulas: Super bendy, great for superficial injections or areas that bruise easily.

● Moderately Flexible Cannulas: A happy medium between flexibility and stability, great for most treatments, even deeper injections.

How flexible your microcannula should be depends on the area and injector technique. For example, a highly flexible cannula might be good for tear trough filler, a moderately flexible one for cheek augmentations.

Gauge Sizes: What fits?

Gauge size refers to the diameter of the microcannula. The lower the number, the larger the diameter. This affects how injectables flow.

● Larger Gauge Cannulas (22G, 23G): Thicker fillers flow more smoothly through these larger gauge cannulas, great for areas that need more volume, like cheeks and jawlines.

● Smaller Gauge Cannulas (25G, 27G, 30G): Thinner fillers, like lips and tear troughs, flow smoothly through these smaller gauge cannulas.

The gauge size you choose is key to achieving your desired results with minimal discomfort. A cannula that’s too small for the filler can cause more pressure and complications.

Sharpness: Beveled vs. Blunt

Microcannulas are blunt, but the level of sharpness matters.

● Blunt Tips: Designed to slide between tissue layers, reducing trauma and bruising.

● Beveled Tips: Slightly angled, makes it easier to pierce the skin. Still gentle, but a bit more edge in certain situations.

Blunt vs beveled usually comes down to personal preference and treatment details.

By considering flexibility, gauge sizes and sharpness you’ll have a better understanding of how microcannulas can address your concerns. Now you can make informed decisions and have a more informed conversation with your provider.

What are the Pros and Cons of Each?

Flexible Microcannulas

Pros:

● Comfort: So gentle on tissues due to flexibility, less pain and bruising.

● Safety: Less likely to hit blood vessels and nerves, lower complication risk.

● Precision: Easy to maneuver for targeted delivery and even product distribution.

● Delicate Areas: Great for sensitive areas like tear troughs, lips and temples.

Cons:

● Loss of Control: Very flexible cannulas can be tricky for less experienced injectors.

● Filler Limitations: Thicker fillers may do better with larger gauge cannulas.

Semi-Flexible Microcannulas

Pros:

● Stability: A happy medium between flexibility and control.

● Thinner and Thicker Filler Options: Suitable for all fillers.

● Deeper Treatments: More stable for deeper injections or precise areas like cheeks and jawlines.

Cons:

● Slightly More Discomfort: Less flexibility means a bit more discomfort.

● Not for Superficial Work: Not the best for very delicate injections.

Larger Gauge Cannulas (22G, 23G)

Pros:

● Smoothes Thicker Fillers: Great for volumizing treatments like cheek augmentations.

● Less Clogging: Larger diameter reduces blockages.

Cons:

● More Discomfort: Can be very uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas.

● Not for Delicate Areas: Not good for very superficial injections or sensitive spots.

Smaller Gauge Cannulas (25G, 27G, 30G)

Pros:

● Less Pain: Great for minimizing discomfort, especially in sensitive areas.

● Precise in Delicate Areas: Good for lips, tear troughs and other sensitive spots.

Cons:

● Thicker Fillers are Challenging: Requires more pressure to inject, which can be uncomfortable.

● Clogging Risk: Smaller gauge cannulas are more prone to blockages with thicker fillers.

Now you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each.

Discover Dino Medical - An Expert Microcannula Supplier

Dino Medical is a leading manufacturer of plastic surgery instruments, serving over 2,000 clinics in China. With CE and ISO13485 certifications, we offer high-quality, customizable products and efficient service from design to delivery. With an annual production capacity of 2 million cannulas, we ensure fast turnaround and reliable quality for our customers. 

Feel free to consult with us! We will assess your needs and recommend the right microcannula for you.