8 Common Cannula Mistakes New Injectors Make

Following our guide to learning to use a cannula, here are eight common cannula mistakes new injectors make.

Again, we asked our director of clinical education, facial aesthetics specialist, Dr Kalpna Pindolia for her expert advice.

“Using cannula techniques improves safety for patients by reducing the risk of occlusion,” she tells us. “However, do bear in mind that the risk is not completely eliminated.”

“There's more to the use of cannulas than safety alone,” she notes. “Cannulas are a beautiful way to deliver soft tissue fillers. I enjoy using them as they are a great instrument for producing natural looking, rejuvenating outcomes. Used properly, they allow you to add an artistry to your facial aesthetics approach.”

Below she identifies eight of the most common errors that can hamper new injectors trying to achieve such results. Additionally, she advises on how to avoid them and what to do if you find yourself in these situations...

1. Being shy about introducing the entry point

“A quick, assertive puncture for the entry point is much more comfortable than a longer slower attempt.”

2. Using an entry point needle that is smaller than the cannula

“Doing this means you cannot get past the skin due to cannulas having a blunt tip. Therefore, check your entry point needle is producing a hole bigger than your cannula.”

3. Too long a cannula

“If your cannula is too long, you may lose control of the tip in terms of area and depth. For example, 38mm vs 50mm lengths. Longer cannulas can be and are used, just bear in mind that you’ll have less precise control with the longer ones.”

4. Using a cannula that is to small

“Consider that cannulas that are too small become a needle. Your cannula should be 25G or wider if you’re using it rather than a needle for safety reasons.”

5. When starting out, don’t use cannulas in technically difficult areas

“Start with areas such as the nasolabial folds, so you can build confidence in your technique. These are easier to get to grips with than trickier areas such as the lips.”

6. Panicking when encountering resistance

“Feeling scared when encountering resistance is normal until you get used to how much to push. Resistance is just feedback. A gentle twist of the cannula with a small push will get past fat septae and the SMAS, if required. On the flipside, excessive pushing is not required.”

7. Not keeping a wide ‘sterile’ field

“It’s easy to cause infection if you inadvertently inoculate your cannula tip with skin organisms. So clinically cleanse the skin, then clinically cleanse it again… and do it once more before you treat. Avoid touching the needle tip on the surface of the skin as much as possible.”

8. Worrying if the entry ports bleed

“Don’t worry if the entry port bleeds. Just apply pressure for 5 mins and re-site the port. It’s worth warning the patient that they may be left with a bruise here.”

So how many of these mistakes did you make as a novice aesthetic practitioner..?

IMPROVING YOUR CANNULA TECHNIQUE THROUGH TRAINING

If you’re a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife, dental therapist or clinical pharmacist looking to improve your cannula technique, we have a various options open to you.

The Aesthetics Accelerator

The title may be a bit of a mouthful but this strategically-designed injectables course will kickstart your aesthetics career!

Developed for those who want the maximum amount of evidence-based knowledge and theory training, with solid, but not Master's level, practical training in injecting filler and botox.

Our Aesthetics Accelerator course is packed with additional insights and digital assets, from specialist guidance on all the basics to what you need to set up your own practice, complications prevention and management and even a business bootcamp.

Suitable for healthcare professionals who are complete beginners when it comes to aesthetic medicine. This will help you to get up and running, with minimal travel time to our City of London aesthetics training clinic.

Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Filler

Cannula use is taught as part of our industry-leading Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers.

This is a highly-respected Master’s level qualification. Furthermore, our Level 7 course is Ofqual-regulated, JCCP-approved and mapped to the government's Health Education England guidelines.

Our Level 7 Diploma in injectables offers healthcare professionals a chance to immerse themselves in every aspect of aesthetic medicine. From in-depth eLearning, which is self-paced for your learning convenience and observed treatment demonstrations, to hands-on mentored injecting.

Using a cannula is just one of the skills we teach – and you then get to practice – on your own, individual (never shared) patients.

As a Harley Academy Level 7 trainee, you’ll gain invaluable experience of working in a real clinical environment under the guidance of our expert mentors. As such, you’ll be able to treat a variety of patients and presentations, allowing you to build your confidence in a supportive space.

Injectables Masterclasses

If you’re an aesthetic practitioner who's looking to build your confidence and repertoire in specific regions, we offer targeted Injectables Masterclasses.

You'll improve your cannula techniques and enhance your approach to the areas of your choosing. Opt for Masterclasses in Perioral & Lip Filler, Tear Trough Filler and Full-Face Contouring for Cheeks, Mid-Face and Lower Face.

These sought-after sessions provide small-group learning opportunites and one-to-one mentoring at our London clinic, through every stage of treating your own patient. From consultation through production selection and treatment, to providing all necessary aftercare advice.

This holistic approach to learning with a dedicated mentor and peer support, allows you to really focus on honing your skills.

These Injectables Masterclasses are also useful as regular refreshers for any solo injectors who may not benefit from regular in-house training.

To find which is the best aesthetics training course for you, contact our Course Advisor, Christine Slater, who’ll guide you through your options.

All information correct at the time of publication