# Blunt *cannula.*

> Blunt cannula vs. needle in filler treatments: advantages for safety and bruising, limits, typical areas and why the choice depends on the findings.

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-kanuele-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

A needle without a sharp tip that lets filler be distributed over an area from one entry point. Reduces the risk of injuring vessels.

## A closer look.

A microcannula is a flexible tube with a rounded tip and a side opening. It is inserted through a single entry point prepared with a needle and then glides through the tissue instead of piercing it. Blood vessels and nerves tend to be pushed aside rather than injured.

Advantages: fewer punctures, less bruising and swelling, lower risk of injecting into a vessel. Preferred areas are cheeks, nasolabial fold, tear trough, jawline and neck. Needles remain sensible when very precise small deposits are placed – for example in the lip or for botulinum toxin.

A cannula does not replace anatomical knowledge: vessel injuries are still possible, just rarer. The physician decides needle or cannula according to area, tissue and product.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).

## At a glance.

- **Tip:** blunt, rounded
- **Advantage:** less bruising, more safety
- **Typical for:** cheeks, jawline, tear trough
- **Needle remains:** lips, botulinum toxin

## Frequently asked questions.

**Does the cannula hurt less?**

Usually yes, because only one puncture is needed and the tissue is not pierced; a feeling of pressure remains.

**Is the cannula always better?**

No, for very fine, targeted corrections the needle is more precise.

## Related pages.

- [Cheeks & mid-face](https://www.vivaderm.de/cheeks-mid-face-en.html) – Cannula area
- [Vascular occlusion](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-gefaessverschluss-en.html) – Lexicon
- [Hyaluronic acid](https://www.vivaderm.de/hyaluronsaeure-en.html) – Treatment

## Sources

- [NHS: Dermal fillers – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/)
- [MPDG – German medical devices act (fillers are medical devices)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/mpdg/)
- [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/)
- [DGPRÄC – German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons](https://www.dgpraec.de/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.
