During consultations, we often experience clients who are just starting that reference dozens of different technologies that have no relation or compatibility with one another. They ask about one device because they heard about it from a friend, another system they saw at a tradeshow, and different technology they viewed at a local competitor’s office. This type of due-diligence will lead you down a path of confusion and uncertainty. Selecting the right repertoire of treatments and technologies is much more straightforward than that.
There is a consistent formula most new Med Spa’s follow when just starting their businesses. It’s composed of many of the highest-volume aesthetic procedure offerings in global aesthetics over the past decade. There will naturally be variability in what you decide to provide and what your competitor is offering; however, establishing some of the most fundamental treatments in aesthetics as a core to your business helps create a firm foundation for your immediate success.
Let’s take a look at 5 of the essential treatments and technologies for your new MedSpa startup:
This is an obvious choice and the first start for many when launching their new Med Spa. Offering fillers and injectables are a great initial revenue source with minimal investment. This type of treatment doesn’t require surgery, it’s easy to perform, and patients typically see results. It’s Not Just for Wrinkles
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that relaxes muscles for up to several months. Botox is well-known for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, face, and neck. However, doctors also use Botox to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Migraines are severe headaches accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and noise. Chronic migraines last four or more hours and occur at least every other day. Botox injections into muscles in the head and neck every 12 weeks can prevent migraines from occurring frequently and lessen their effects.
Overactive bladder contracts unexpectedly and frequently. This can cause loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence), frequent urination, and the urgent and sudden need to urinate. Urologists can inject Botox into the bladder using a cystoscope, a unique instrument inserted through the urethra. Botox injections can help the bladder contract more regularly and normalize urination.
Hyperhidrosis is another name for excessive underarm sweating. When nerves in the underarm trigger the sweat glands to produce sweat, even in the absence of standard stimuli like fear and embarrassment. Some dermatologists and neurologists practice Botox injections into the muscles responsible for pumping sweat to the surface of the skin. This lessens the amount of sweat produced in your underarms.
Crooked Eyes (Strabismus), unbalanced muscles around the eye contract pull one eye in an abnormal direction. This produces crossed or misaligned eyes. Strabismus can lead to an inability to focus, blurred vision, double vision, lack of depth perception, and eye soreness.
Eyelid muscle spasms—or blepharospasm—cause uncontrollable and frequent blinking, eye twitches, watery eyes, pain or irritation of the eye and eyelids, and closing of the eyelids.
Cervical dystonia (also called spasmodic torticollis) is a nerve disorder that causes muscles in the neck and shoulder to pull involuntarily. This leads to uncontrollable head tilting and turning muscle tremors and pain. Botox injections can relax the neck and shoulder muscles and relieve the symptoms of cervical dystonia.
Upper Limb Spasticity
Upper limb spasticity is a condition in which the arm muscles involuntarily contract. People with upper limb spasticity may experience regularly clenched fists, stiff elbows, wrists, and fingers, inability to control arm movements, and pain. Different nervous system conditions can cause upper limb spasticity, including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and injury to the spinal cord or brain. Botox injections into affected arm muscles can reduce the effects of upper limb spasticity.
At FaceMed, we specialize in creating precise products for your Spa, so you don’t have to look around for all your products. When it comes to Botox injections, choose from out ultra fine syringes.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep the skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
The global hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers market size was valued at USD 3.4 billion in 2018 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period. Increasing demand for youthful and flawless skin via non-invasive and outpatient aesthetic dermatology techniques is expected to drive the market. Furthermore, a rise in medical tourism for aesthetic procedures is anticipated to aid the market.
FaceMed can provide your Spa with the appropriate microcannulas of various sizes so that you can perform your procedures without being hindered.
Consistently one of the most popular, in-demand procedures in aesthetics for the last decade is hair removal treatments. This is where technology plays a significant factor in the efficacy of your laser hair removal services. Understanding what skin type your client is, what color their hair is, etc. are critical factors in deciding what technology is right for you. There are several FDA approved technologies that all have varying levels of treatment effectiveness.
Skin Analysis Consultation Tool
This is one of the most underestimated investments you can make. The consultation is key to your upsell success. Having an advanced imaging tool that determines underlying skin conditions and helps better connect your patients’ problems with your customizable solutions is simply a win-win in an aesthetic setting. You can monitor your patient’s treatment progression, all while maximizing your revenue.
Understanding the Fitzpatrick skin-typing scale related to the wavelengths available to target hair removal is very important. For example, a 1064nm wavelength is typically used to target darker skin types, whereas a 755nm Alexandrite is mostly used for skin types 1-4. There are machines out there that offer dual-wavelength capabilities 1064nm/755nm to target the range. Still, these are typical solid-state lasers, and quality ones are expensive to purchase and even more expensive to maintain throughout its life.
Our LAMBDA Fx laser is convenient and safe for all skin types with a pain-free mode. At less than 25% of most lasers’ cost, it’s an affordable option to start up your luxury Spa.
There are single wavelengths out there that can effectively target the range of skin types using different pulse durations, specifically, 808nm or 810nm diode technology. These technologies are typically lowering initial investment cost and lower recurring maintenance costs. Through industry innovation, they can be a part of a multi-modality platform that offers other treatment capabilities.
PRP procedures are increasingly becoming one of the highest volume treatments in aesthetics due to its effectiveness and versatility. Being that, it’s one of the first considerations for a new Med Spa to offer in their launch. Like fillers and injectables, the initial investment is relatively low for a centrifuge and complementary treatment kits. PRP can also be an excellent complementary procedure to many other aesthetic treatments, such as micro-needling.
PRP procedures are a great procedure to add given the low barrier to entry however another alternative is PEP Factor for skin and scalp rejuvenation. This propriety blend of oligopeptides and nutrients is a safe and effective alternative to PRP and aids in both visibly brighter skin and healthier scalp and visibly thicker hair. In addition, there is no need for expensive PRP kits, or handling and processing blood products. This saves the patient from unnecessary needle sticks and saves you time and money by making more efficient use of your space and time.
Microneedling has swiftly emerged as one of the hottest treatments and technologies in Aesthetics. Utilizing tiny needles to penetrate the skin to generate new collagen for smoother skin and overall rejuvenation has allowed for an alternative solution to this treatment with a less intense delivery than competing technologies.
There are essentially two solutions when it comes to Microneedling; standard Microneedling using a Microneedling Pen and Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling, which maximizes the treatment outcome by combining RF delivery with microneedles to target the collagen for a more productive product effectively. The investment between the two is quite the jump; however, as Microneedling Pen’s are a relatively lower initial investment cost while RF Microneedling machines are a more considerable initial investment.
Undoubtedly one of the most in-demand procedures in Aesthetics. Correcting sun damage using an IPL (intense pulsed light) technology has skyrocketed in aesthetics. The specific technology you select is critical when it comes to producing quality results for your patients. IPL devices are one of the most saturated technologies available for sale by a multitude of different manufactures. Not all IPL’s are made equal. Two of the primary factors in an IPL’s effectiveness are Joules and Pulse Duration. The great thing about this technology is that you can typically find it as apart of a multi-modality platform.
The ablative LAMBDA Fx CO2 lasers provide excellent skin rejuvenation and resurfacing through the vaporization of tissue with subsequent heating. This laser has multiple modes with a peak power of 60 Watts on Scanning Mode. It comes with various handpieces, including scanning handpieces, cutting handpieces, and gynecology handpieces.
How’s the Photorejuvenation Market?
The photorejuvenation market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. The key contributors to the market growth are the rising burden of skin diseases and people’s increasing preferences towards non-invasive procedures. According to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2017, skin diseases contributed to around 1.76% of the total global burden diseases measured in DALYs.
Skin disorders largely depend on age. As age increases, the risk of acquiring skin disorder also increases. Some of the reasons include changes in the connective tissue, reduction in the skin’s strength and elasticity, and reduced secretions from sebaceous glands. Hence, these factors are expected to fuel the demand for photorejuvenation market growth.
Half of the cosmetic procedures are performed in the united states, and the projected global growth is 12.2%. People are also looking for skilled people in achieving the functions, opening up space for highly trained physicians to grow. In 2016, 17 million non-invasive procedures were performed, of which 90% were women.
Global “Aesthetics Market” Research Report 2020-2026 is a historical overview and in-depth study of the Aesthetics industry’s current and future market. The report represents a basic overview of the Aesthetics market share, competitor segment with a basic introduction of critical vendors, top regions, product types, and end industries.
This report gives a historical overview of the Aesthetics market trends, growth, revenue, capacity, cost structure, and critical driver’s analysis. The report further investigates and assesses the current landscape of the ever-evolving business sector and the present and future effects of COVID-19 on the Aesthetics market.
The global Aesthetics market size is projected to reach USD 7162.1 million by 2026, from USD 6745.3 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 5.7%% during 2021-2026.
This shows that investing in creating a Spa can be affordable and worth the investment due to the vast growth that has already happened and is projected to occur. We at FaceMed are happy to support you in any product needs so that your Spa succeeds in this market.
When there’s a market where patients are less willing to undergo considerable downtime and do not want a significant surgical procedure, the demand for soft-tissue fillers increases. According to data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 2.1 million hyaluronic acid filler treatments were performed in 2015. That makes hyaluronic acid filler treatments the second most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States after neuromodulators; the latter is frequently performed in concert with soft-tissue filler injections.
Physicians have advanced beyond filling rhytides at the forefront of aesthetic medicine developments and are now targeting specific facial sites for deep volumetric augmentation. Evidence for significant volume loss in specific deep fat compartments and facial bones during the aging process is well documented in the medical literature. The aging process occurs in all anatomical layers of the face and rejuvenation should therefore not be limited to dermal signs of aging.
Injection of fillers at strategic target sites can reconstruct youthful anatomy and thereby provide the patient with a natural result. As the relatively new field of aesthetic medicine develops, practitioners are using filler products and techniques with established safety profiles to reduce complications and to increase patient satisfaction. To provide natural-looking results, the physician must have a thorough knowledge of the anatomical changes taking place during the aging process and be able to place fillers in the specific target areas that have lost volume. The practitioner should also be aware of the key anatomical features of each injection site and choose an injection technique that is safe and effective.
The facial arterial system, in particular, represents a danger zone for filler injections, as the intra-arterial injection can potentially lead to widespread necrosis and even blindness. Blindness can occur by injection in an artery in proximity to the orbit and requires rapid specialist intervention. Minimizing the risk of intra-arterial injection of fillers is therefore of paramount importance.
Technological developments include the introduction of the blunt-tipped, or non-traumatic cannula as an alternative to the sharp needle. With a sharp needle, the placement of the needle tip is considered very precise. It is therefore assumed that positioning the tip at the periosteum is relatively easy and will result in precise placement of filler products.
However, the final placement of the filler at this level cannot be guaranteed.
Treatment with non-traumatic cannulae results in significantly fewer bruises and lower pain scores and is gaining in popularity. However, non-traumatic cannulae are more difficult to maneuver to the periosteal level and cannula techniques are therefore wrongly regarded as less precise than those using a needle. Placing the tip of a sharp needle on the periosteum is often thought to be a safe technique to avoid intra-vascular embolization for two main reasons.
First, there are very few arteries running over the periosteum, making it almost an avascular area. Second, it is assumed that a needle with an artery in its trajectory, will completely pierce the artery and exit the other side, avoiding injection of product in the lumen of the artery.
In this cadaver dissection study, our aim was to determine the final position of the injected product using sharp needle vs non-traumatic cannula techniques in a split-face approach. A secondary aim was to study the safety profiles of both injection techniques, related to adjacent arterial danger zones.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPDermal fillers improve volume loss or enhance facial features. Their use is increasing at a rate of 10% or more per year worldwide. Adverse events are usually minor and consist of bruising, swelling, asymmetries, and nodularity. More significant complications are fortunately rare and include infection, granuloma, skin necrosis, and blindness. This blog will concentrate on techniques to minimize the risks of having a vascular event.
There are 2 ways a blood vessel can become occluded. If an artery is entered and filler is injected within the lumen (Intraluminal), the filler will travel down the vessel until it gets lodged. At this point, the filler stops the flow of blood to areas that are dependant on this blood supply.
Smaller pieces of the filler can break off and flow into areas far from the initial injection and into the very small arterioles. There are theories that an inflammatory response/cascade exacerbates the injury to the skin and dependent structures. This is Dr. Weiner’s opinion on the etiology of the majority of vascular occlusion cases.
A second way a vessel can occlude is if there is external compression of the vessel by filler. This is plausible in areas of compartmentalization, such as in the nasal tip. If the pressure within the nasal tip exceeds the pressure within an artery, the flow will stop. Unfortunately in this area, vascularity is so poor that peripheral flow doesn’t occur.
External compression is not a major problem in most areas of the face in Dr. Weiner’s opinion. Most vessels can be ligated during surgery and there is no resultant skin necrosis – proving that peripheral flow can make up for an externally compressed vessel.
The worst cases of vascular occlusion result in blindness. This is the result of a filler embolus that travels through an anastomosis between the external and internal carotid systems. The filler backs up into the central retinal artery which feeds the retina. Blood flow is blocked to the retina and blindness ensues.
In most cases, early recognition of a vascular event can be reversed with hyaluronidase if a hyaluronic acid filler was used. Minimal or no sequelae are seen if action is taken within the first 4-6 hours. Unfortunately, even immediate action for blindness related to a filler complication has little or no success.
There have been about 100 reported cases of blindness from fillers, with most of the cases coming out of Asia. This is certainly underreported though. The areas of most risks for blindness are injections in: glabella, nose, periocular, and NLF. Fat is the most common filler causing blindness, but all fillers have been implicated. Any area of the face is at risk for vascular occlusion/necrosis.
Ninety-eight cases of vision changes from filler were identified. The sites that were high risk for complications were the glabella (38.8%), nasal region (25.5%), nasolabial fold (13.3%), and forehead (12.2%). Autologous fat (47.9%) was the most common filler type to cause this complication, followed by hyaluronic acid (23.5%). The most common symptoms were immediate vision loss and pain. Most cases of vision loss did not recover. Central nervous system complications were seen in 23.5% of the cases. No treatments were found to be consistently successful in treating blindness.
Techniques for optimizing safety during dermal filler administration:
The bottom line is that complications can occur with dermal fillers, even during a routine procedure. Use of larger gauge microcannulas greater than 25 gauge may minimize the risk of vascular complications but does not make it zero. Many measures can be taken to minimize risks. Choosing an experienced injector will result in safer and better outcomes.
Sources
In a recent study conducted by The People’s Republic of China, multiple doctors tested various types of microcannulas to measure their differences and effectiveness. Let’s dive into what the study talked about and how they came to the conclusions that they did.
Soft-tissue augmentation is a mainstay of cosmetic enhancement for the face and has grown immensely in popularity. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has a long list of used filler types. They are calcium hydroxyapatite, collagen, fat, hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. That’s a long list of choices, but of all these unique types of fillers, hyaluronic acid is used the most.
Why? Because of its hygroscopic properties, biocompatibility, and reversibility, hyaluronic acid is viewed as the most common dermal filler with which to restore volume loss.
Hyaluronic acid injection complications are local injection-related side effects that manifest as edema, pain, bruising, erythema, itching, and ecchymosis; the most concerning difficulty is vascular occlusion. It doesn’t sound too appealing at first. However, blunt-tipped can provide some reassurance.
Hyaluronic acid gels can be injected using sharp needles or blunt microcannulas. Studies have shown that the blunt microcannula with a side port presented improvements in mitigating pain and adverse effects, which has a degree of correction similar to a needle.
Some scholars state that the use of the microcannula is ideal for deeper nasolabial fold and lip augmentation and in areas requiring a larger filler volume, such as the mid-face and jowl regions.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPIt’s clear that micro cannulas have superior results compared to sharp-tipped needles, but which microcannulas work the best?
Microcannulas’ use is limited by the injection area and the physician’s choice, but the differences between microcannulas constructed by different manufacturers have not been carefully investigated.
This study was designed to compare the microstructures and properties of different microcannulas by several trials and provide guidance for clinical application.
Materials
The study chose nine types of microcannulas that are widely used internationally. These microcannulas are available in gauges ranging from 18 to 30; the 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge. All microcannulas have a blunt tip with a precision laser-cut lateral side port for filler extrusion and a plastic pedestal that fits on any Luer lock syringe.
The physician may choose a different gauge or length because of the requirements of injection, including the technique being used and the area being filled.
In this study, all microcannulas are 25-gauge.
Methods
Scanning Electron Microscopic Images of the Microcannulas.
The microcannulas were sectioned and mounted onto a stub. A scanning electron microscope was used to obtain a high-definition image of the blunt tip, side injection port, and inner surface through each microcannula’s side port. For each microcannula, three new microcannula tips were measured.
The microcannulas had various tip shapes. The microcannula’s hole was oval (microcannulas 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7), pointed rounded (microcannulas 8 and 9), or a unique form (similar to the rounded trapezoidal structure) (microcannula 2).
The ports of the Microcannulas were mainly oval, but the lengths were different, and some ports were three times larger than the others. There were two port edge forms; some (microcannulas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) were smooth, and others (microcannulas 3, 8, and 9) were rough. The edge form depends mainly on the technical process, and the laser cutting generally results in a smooth shape.10 For the inner surface, most microcannulas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) had inner surfaces with a cord-like structure; only microcannula 9 had an oval structure inner surface, and the difference demonstrated that they had different surface processes.
Material
The inner surfaces of some microcannulas (2 and 8) had visible impurity, and the exterior of microcannula 7 had a stripe-like structure.
Only microcannulas 1 and 9 met the requirement concerning carbon composition; the other microcannulas had a higher composition with a significant difference. For other elements, all microcannulas met the American Society for Testing and Materials requirement; microcannula 9 was the only one that fits the American Society for Testing and Materials composition standards for all elements.
Elasticity
The elastic moduli of microcannulas 2 and 7 are smaller than those of other microcannulas. The yield strength was analyzed; the yield strength of microcannula 9 was the highest. There was a significant difference in the mechanical properties among the microcannulas.
Injection Speed
Microcannula 1 had the highest speed compared with other microcannulas, and microcannula 9 was the slowest one in the test. The difference in the time spent between microcannula two and microcannula 9 was more than 7-fold.
The result of the injection force test showed that some microcannulas could easily puncture the aorta with a higher force; it was difficult for microcannula 4 to puncture the aorta.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPCompared with the traditional sharp needle, there is a definite advantage for blunt microcannulas to reduce patient discomfort, bleeding, and bruising, attributable to its rounded tip.
In the electron microscopy results, there are nine types of microcannulas, which are mainly oval, pointed, or rounded, and microcannula 2 exhibits a unique form. From the point of stress, it is microcannulas 2, and 7 show significant differences with others.
It was more comfortable for the sharper microcannulas to penetrate the tissue, and the patient may feel more comfortable. By contrast, when blunt microcannulas meet dense tissue, such as ligaments and fascia, there will be a certain degree of discomfort from the tissue shift caused by the resistance. However, a blunter microcannula has a lower probability of piercing the vessels and is therefore safer.
This issue is further investigated in the vessel piercing test. The results show that the tips of microcannulas 2, 8, and 9 are sharper, and the others are blunter.
For microcannulas 2 and 8, the carbon content is higher than the American Society for Testing and Materials standard level, and the carburizing treatment of the microcannula surface is mainly considered. Carburizing treatment is a chemical heat treatment process in which the steel is put into the carburizing medium to be heated and preserved, making the carbon atoms enter the surface.
Generally, the surface carbon content increases with increases in the carbon atmosphere concentration, diffusion time, and diffusion temperature, whereas the internal carbon content is less affected. As the carbon content increases, the hardness and wear resistance of the material is often higher, as is the brittleness. The plasticity and toughness are worse, which may lead to a fracture in bending and stretching deformation. Microcannula 9 is the only one that fully conforms to American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
It is essential for physicians to feel the injection during the operation; therefore, the study designed an injection speed experiment that was aimed at determining the time of each microcannula injection, and the volume of hyaluronic acid under constant pressure indirectly reflected the smoothness of the operative process. Smoothness is related to the inner diameter and the smoothness of the inner wall.
From a fluid mechanics standpoint, all other things being equal, the time spent for the liquid to pass through a microcannula depends on the larger area of the inner section and the side port section. When the inner part is larger than the side port section, the outflow of liquid is restricted by the side port, and the inner diameter makes no difference and vice versa.
For microcannulas 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9, the inner section is larger than the side port section, and, along with the reason for differences in smoothness, the result of injection speed can be explained. When changing between different microcannulas, physicians should be fully aware of the smoothness of different microcannulas. They should first adapt to the actual injection handle and then inject to avoid making the injection volume too large or too small. Although injection technology of hyaluronic acid has become increasingly mature, complications are frequent.
One of the most serious is the microcannula piercing the blood vessels, which can lead to vascular embolization. There have been many cases of embolism reported in the literature that have resulted in skin necrosis and blindness. A competent physician must, as much as possible, reduce the risk of vascular embolism to zero. On the one hand, we should be familiar with the anatomical structure of different injection areas to avoid blood vessels during the injection.
On the other hand, it is also imperative to choose a suitable injection tool. A few studies have shown that the microcannula with a blunt tip is better for avoiding punctured blood vessels than a sharp tip. The results showed that microcannula 4 struggled the most to penetrate the blood vessels, and the relative safety was high.
If you’re a doctor who wants to purchase microcannulas, then explore FACE Medical Supply’s store for all our available microcannulas. We carry multiple sizes to suit whatever your needs are.
Reference for Summary
Comparison of Microstructure and Properties of Different Microcannulas for Hyaluronic Acid Injection.
Many spas, cosmetic offices, and doctors offer dermal filler injection services to their patients. Each and everyone has their unique way of performing these procedures. Many of these offices, however, rely primarily on sharp tip dermal fillers. Many more are beginning to realize the many advantages of blunt tip Microcannula treatment. Even though the Microcannula technique is safer, effective, and less painful, doctors still use sharp-tipped needles.
In this article, we dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both Sharp Tipped needles and Microcannula technique. We want to give you a clear understanding of why so many practitioners are switching over and why patients love them for it. Sharp tipped needles aren’t all that bad, however, with a few advantages still.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPThe Microcannula technique has reconstructed the cosmetic industry and offered doctors with a novel, innovative way of providing facial fillers injections. The approach allows physicians to slip the blunt tip cannula under the patient’s skin sleekly and without tearing the epidermis. Patients looking to enhance their appearance can now do so without having to endure a painful procedure that has nasty side effects connected with sharp-tipped needles.
Essentially, microcannula is a modernized variant of the traditional hypodermic needles used to administer injection treatments. Rather than having a sharpened tip, this technique utilizes a dull end that makes an injection procedure much more pleasant. It has a bendable shaft, allowing it to move quickly compared to a traditional needle’s stiffness that restricts it.
Microcannula (Blunt Tipped Needle)
At the source of the filler injection using Microcannula, your Doctor creates a minute entry point in your skin using a precise, sharp needle. This is a vital step since the Microcannula has a blunt tip and is incapable of penetrating the skin by itself. The insertion location is minimal and does not cause substantial pain or bleeding.
Then the Doctor skillfully inserts the Microcannula into the small opening and glides it under your skin to reach the sections of filler injection. The Microcannula then slides within the spaces connecting the tissue. It can be moved under the skin without any injuries to tissue. Patients typically do not feel much pain, if any, as the Doctor guides it under their skin.
Sharp Tipped Needle (Hypodermic Needle)
Sharp tip needles use a skinny, short, sharp needle to inject dermal fillers. Multiple injection points are required when using needles, which can increase the risk of hitting a vein. If a vein is hit with a needle, there’s a higher chance of bruising after the procedure.
Using the Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment during the injections was quite different. The pain was described as 3 (mild) for injections with the microcannula. Patient discomfort is reduced to the level where topical anesthesia alone consistently suffices even for injection of the lips, and local nerve blocks are not necessary.
That pain level increased to 6 (moderate) for injections with the hypodermic needle. Bruising and ecchymosis were more marked following the use of the hypodermic needle.
Microcannula and Hypodermic needles scored pretty close to each other. Overall, the Global Aesthetic Improvements Scale (GAIS) results were excellent (55%), moderate (35%), and somewhat improved (10%) one month after the procedure, decreasing to 23%, 44%, and 33%, respectively, at the six-month evaluation. There were no significant differences in the GAIS score between the microcannula and the hypodermic needle. However, pain during the recovery can be higher after the use of sharp-tipped needles.
Utilizing Microcannula for filler injection offers numerous advantages over hypodermic needles, such as:
Advantages of Sharp Tipped Needle
Although the cannula method of injecting dermal fillers offers many benefits, there are still cases when sharp needles can be the right choice. When a minimal amount of filler for touchups are injected in small places like the cupid’s bow of the upper lip or the temples, a needle is still the best option.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPThis study goes on to describe the potential of adverse effects. Of the 666 filler procedures using the microcannula technique, three treatments (0.5%) produced adverse events on the day of service, and during the two-week follow up 32 procedures (4.8%) produced adverse effects. In total, only 5.4% of treatments produced adverse events.
Cannulas may not be ideal for filling acne scars or injecting extremely fine lines located on the skin’s superficial surface. Microcannulas, since they are blunt-tipped, cannot make their entry point, requiring the use of a sharp needle to start an entry point.
A risk concerning the sharp needle is not just penetrating the blood vessel but shooting the filler into it, leading to vascular occlusion. That can result in much more severe complications. Again, there are specific standards that practitioners take to ensure that this doesn’t happen; however, it is something that must be acknowledged when using a needle.
Greater Pain. Using a sharp needle will create a lot of tissue, tearing only always. This tearing will cause pain for the patient and create a more unpleasant experience.
More Bruising. The needle won’t slide easily and will cut veins and tear the tissue causing more bleeding, which will lead to bruising that takes a while to disappear.
Less Predictable. It’s difficult for practitioners to know exactly what the damage the needle will cause.
There are many benefits to using microcannulas in sensitive invasive procedures. Here are a few examples of where microcannulas becomes invaluable to Doctors.
Vascular Compression
Technique matters greatly for evading vascular compression, but blunt tips make the probabilities of it happening much less possible. To stop unnecessary extrusion force when injecting fillers through blunt microcannulas that are invariably longer than the typical 13 mm to 19 mm sharp needles, a larger gauge is selected.
Ecchymosis
The risk of penetrating a blood vessel with a correctly used blunt microcannula is significantly reduced. Chances of ecchymosis, which may be recorded in regions such as the nasojugal fold, the upper eyelid, and the pre-jowl sulcus.
Collagenesis
It has been suggested that a blunt microcannula multiple times through an area may stimulate collagenases. This theory is persuasive by extrapolation from the collagenases observed with repeated back-and-forth passage of cannulas during liposculpture.
If you’re a doctor who wants to purchase microcannulas, then stop by FACEMed’s Store for all our available microcannulas. We carry multiple sizes to suit whatever your needs are.
As many cosmetic doctors and patients can attest, swapping the sharp needle for a blunt tip microcannula improves the outcomes of a procedure. The wide variety of microcannula choices has allowed doctors to perform both cosmetic and more invasive procedures harmlessly. The Microcannula technique is available in five different sizes. At FACE Medical Supply, you can find 18, 22, 25, 27, and 30 gauge microcannulas at various lengths. We sell high-quality microcannulas that will perform any filler injection task you need. The results show that microcannula injections are the future.
These microcannulas can be safely employed with a variety of cosmetic methods and fillers of any type and viscosity, including Lip augmentation, soft augmentation of the facial filling, plumping cheeks, wrinkle-reducing, plumping cheeks, reducing saggy skin and bags under the eye.
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Sources
L;, Fulton J;Caperton C;Weinkle S;Dewandre. “Filler Injections With the Blunt-Tip Microcannula.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23135654/.
Loghem, van, et al. “Cannula Versus Sharp Needle for Placement of Soft Tissue Fillers: An Observational Cadaver Study.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 15 Dec. 2016, academic.oup.com/asj/article/38/1/73/2698769#110268380.
Simply put? The clinical benefits. Benefits from blunt microcannulas include elimination or near elimination of the risks of accidental intravascular injection. An intravascular injection is an injury to vital neurovascular structures within the areas of injection. Many researchers agree that a blunt microcannula of 27 gauge or above is unlikely to puncture blood vessels or nerves if it is used with proper technique. A Microcannula will push tissue aside as it traverses the path of least resistance through the tissue. So what other benefits do Microcannulas have?
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPTechnique matters for avoiding vascular compression, but blunt tips make the chances of it happen far less likely. To prevent excessive extrusion force when injecting fillers through blunt microcannulas that are invariably longer than the typical 13 mm to 19 mm sharp needles, a larger gauge is selected.
In general, a microcannula of 27-gauge or larger diameter is used in place of a 30-gauge sharp needle, and a microcannula of 25 gauge or larger diameter in place of a 27-gauge sharp needle. The decreased extrusion force facilitates the increased flow of filler products that can cause the deposition of inappropriately large filler boluses if the injector is unused to the small volume micro-threading technique that is best suited to microcannulas.
The decreased or eliminated the risk of piercing a blood vessel with an appropriately used blunt microcannula compared to sharp needles results in a significantly reduced risk of ecchymosis, which may be particularly noted in regions such as the nasojugal fold, the upper eyelid, and the pre-jowl sulcus. In the researcher’s experience, ecchymosis with blunt microcannulas is minimal and, for many patients, nonexistent.
If ecchymosis does occur, it may be at the insertion site of the sharp pilot needle, or in areas of increased tissue resistance if the microcannula is applied with inappropriate force. Increased tissue resistance may be due to fibrosis, in patients who have previously had face-lifting surgery or multiple injection sessions with collagen-stimulating volumizers such as PLLA. These situations may be considered relative contraindications to the use of blunt microcannulas.
According to researchers, the tolerability of blunt microcannulas is equal to or greater than that of sharp needles. Patient discomfort is reduced to the level where topical anesthesia alone consistently suffices even for injection of the lips, and local nerve blocks are not necessary. There may be some discomfort during the injection, especially if a microcannula is passed multiple times through a zone of tissue fibrosis. Some patients dislike the noise of a blunt microcannula passing through tissue, and we recommend forewarning patients of this and playing music to provide auditory distraction during the injection procedure.
It has been suggested that the back-and-forth passage of a blunt microcannula multiple times through an area may stimulate collagenesis. This theory is persuasive by extrapolation from the collagenesis observed with repeated back-and-forth passage of cannulas during liposculpture. However, the researchers note that collagenesis induced by liposculpture typically results from a much larger number of “tunneling” passes through the tissue than would be performed when injecting alloplastic fillers with microcannulas.
If you’re a doctor who wants to purchase microcannulas, then stop by FACEMed’s Store for all our available microcannulas. We carry multiple sizes to suit whatever your needs are.
Regardless of what the Doctor is using the utmost care should always be taken to ensure safety for the patient.
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For decades dermal fillers have been delivered to the face through a hypodermic needle. Nevertheless, aesthetic cannulas have become more popular over recent years, particularly for more extensive regions of the face.
When many dermal kits come with both a sharp and blunt tip needle, how do practitioners choose between the two methods when treating a patient? Let’s explain the main advantages and disadvantages of sharp needles and cannulas while highlighting the differences between the two.
Relatively recently, the use of Microcannula (or micro-cannula) has been introduced as a preferred method for the injection of fillers. This innovative method has been quickly gaining popularity among leading cosmetic clinics and doctors. Unlike traditional needles that are stiff and have a sharp tip to penetrate the skin, Microcannulas are flexible and have a blunt tip. Instead of piercing through the tissues, the cannula opens up its path between the anatomic structures of the skin.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
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SHOPUsing Microcannula for filler injection offers several advantages over conventional needles, such as:
At the beginning of the filler injection using Microcannula, your Doctor creates a small entry point in your skin using a fine sharp needle. This is a vital step since the Microcannula has a blunt tip and is incapable to penetrate into the skin by itself. The entry point is very small and superficial and does not cause substantial pain or bleeding. Then the Doctor delicately inserts the Microcannula into the small opening and glides it under your skin to reach the sections of filler injection. The Microcannula slides through the spaces present between the tissues, it can be moved under the skin without creating any injuries to the tissues, and the patients usually do not feel any pain as the Doctor guides it under their skin.
Probably the most apparent distinction is that a traditional needle has a sharp tip while the microcannula is blunt. The main issue when using a needle to deliver dermal filler is the possibility of inflammation and bruising post-treatment. After inserting the needle, there is a likelihood that it will penetrate the blood vessels underneath the skin, ending in a bruise. While practitioners can take several measures and use their expertise of facial anatomy to minimize the risk of bruising, even the most experienced practitioners can’t ensure that a patient won’t bruise.
In contrast, a cannula, thanks to its blunt tip, does not present a threat. A small-bore needle is used to make the first entry point for the cannula to enter. Once the cannula enters under the skin, it is far less likely to pierce and pass through the blood vessels. Instead, it merely pushes past the vessels, causing less trauma beneath the skin and, consequently, less likelihood of bruising post-treatment.
A risk worth mentioning concerning the sharp needle is not just penetrating the blood vessel but shooting the filler into it, leading to vascular occlusion. That can result in much more severe complications. Again, there are specific standards that practitioners take to ensure that this doesn’t happen; however, it is something that must be acknowledged when using a needle.
The risk of vascular occlusion alone is reason enough why many doctors prefer to use a cannula in higher-risk regions such as around the eye. A cannula won’t tear any blood vessels in the region, which makes it less likely to cause any severe complications.
Another significant distinction between needles and cannulas is that a cannula is generally significantly longer than a needle, and is extra flexible. The length and flexibility of a cannula allow for smoother, consecutive delivery of filler, in areas such as the jawline. It can also be a desirable solution for patients who are apprehensive about needles since there’s only one injection site.
A cannula will generally only require a modest number of insertion points as it can stretch a lot further under the skin, which makes the overall treatment less painful. A sharp-tipped needle is much shorter and will need to pierce the skin several times to deliver the filler across the entire treatment area.
Practitioners see the flexibility/length of a cannula as one of its significant advantages. Some, however, see it as a disadvantage. A small needle allows for more control and accuracy, particularly in areas that require a great deal of precision.
Ultimately, there are advantages to both methods, depending on the area being treated and the patient. Sometimes it will come down to individual preference for practitioners. Many practitioners may feel extremely confident carrying out the bulk of their dermal filler procedures using just a needle, or just a cannula. In contrast, others may be happy to switch between the two depending on the individual case. Some might not want to learn a new method. Most doctors will agree that cannula is a valuable skill, even if it is not something they use very often.
If you’re a doctor who wants to purchase microcannulas, then stop by FACEMed’s Store for all our available microcannulas. We carry multiple sizes to suit whatever your needs are.
Regardless of what the Doctor is using the utmost care should always be taken to ensure safety for the patient.
A huge reason people avoid getting facial fillers is the fear that the needles used to inject the treatment will be too uncomfortable. Luckily we have microcannula. To make injection treatments less painful, physicians have devised a technique that takes the complexities out of facial filler procedures.
Essentially, microcannula is an updated version of the traditional hypodermic needles used to administer injection treatments. Rather than having a sharp tip, this method uses a blunt end that makes your injection treatment much more comfortable. It’s has a flexible shaft, allowing it to move quickly compared to the stiffness of a traditional needle.
Microcannulas are a tool that every great injector must master. Patients want quick results with no downtime. Our microcannulas are high quality and a fraction of the price of our competitors!
The coupon code is active for logged-in users only.
You can create an account here.
SHOPAt the FaceMed store, you can find 18,22,25,27, and 30 size gauge microcannulas at various lengths. We sell high-quality microcannulas that will perform any filler injection task you need. The results show that microcannula injections are the future.
Maybe you have decided to get fillers, and now the question is what sort of fillers do you need. As the mid-face ages, it begins to sag because the skin gets a little looser, and the tissue has less support. This would be a sign that you’re the right candidate for facial fillers to lift the sag and create a more youthful, renewed look. What’s next? You make your appointment and then schedule your procedure.
The physician first makes a small entry point in your skin using a fine needle. This is a crucial step since the Microcannula has a blunt tip and is unable to pierce into the skin on its own. The entry spot is very shallow and does not cause much pain or bleeding for patients.
Then the doctor carefully inserts the Microcannula through the little opening they created with a sharp needle.
The doctor then guides it under your skin to the sites of the intended injection. Along the way, the Microcannula gently slides through the between the tissues. The needle can be moved under the skin without causing any damage to the tissues and the patient most often do not feel any pain, only pressure, as the doctor moves it under their skin.
If a doctor was to fill under a patient’s eyes, they make a small hole either next to the lip or over the cheekbone and move the needle in and up your cheek, under the skin. I know, it sounds scary, but because the one hole is the only site of injection, it closes within two hours and hurts less because it’s anesthetized.
