Cannula

A cannula is a slender, hollow tube introduced into the body through a small incision to deliver or withdraw fluids, medications, or tissue. In surgical and medical settings, cannulas come in a variety of lengths, diameters and tip designs (blunt, tapered or sharp) to suit specific tasks; blunt-tipped cannulas are frequently used in aesthetic procedures to reduce the risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves.

In plastic surgery a cannula is most commonly associated with liposuction and fat grafting, where it is used to suction fat cells or to place harvested fat into target areas with precise control. Proper selection and technique—such as choosing the right size and approach—helps minimize tissue trauma, bruising and irregularities, and is combined with appropriate anesthesia and post-operative care to support safe recovery and optimal results.