Date of Award

Spring 5-27-2017

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Karen Sue Hoyt, PhD, FNP-BC, ENP-C, FAEN, FAAN

Abstract

Dermal filler injections are the second most common in-office cosmetic procedure and are typically administered using pre-packaged 27-gauge needles. In addition to pain and bruising, needle administration has been associated with an increased risk of serious complications due to possible embolization of facial arteries. An alternative technique to needle administration, blunt-tipped cannula administration has emerged as a possibly safer and less painful alternative. Because the tip of the cannula is blunted, blunt-tipped cannulas are believed to decrease the risk of vascular embolization, while also decreasing pain and bruising. Based on current research, an evidence-based project converting from needle to blunt-tipped cannula was implemented in three Southern California med-spas. Twenty-four participants were treated using both needle and blunt-tipped cannula and the participant’s intra-procedural pain and post-procedural bruising was evaluated. A statistically significant decrease in both bruising (p < 0.01) and pain (p < 0.01) was found when using cannulas over needles.

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS