CSH vs. STERiGLIDE™ Cannulas

CSH and STERiGLIDE™ cannulas are two different microcannulas designed for filler use. They’re both manufactured by TSK Laboratory, which is known for its high-quality needle and cannula innovations.

The biggest advantage of using cannulas over needles is the reduced risk of bruising and vascular occlusions during filler injections. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between CSH and STERiGLIDE™ cannulas and which one is right for your application.

STERiGLIDE™ Cannulas

STERiGLIDE™ is the more premium design of the two, featuring a dome shape to its blunt tip, which provides less resistance on cannula entry than most other cannulas on the market (including the CSH cannula) which feature the traditional rounded tip. This reduces the force required to introduce the cannula. Less friction through the tissue means minimal risk of bruising for the patient.

Combined with a more rigid construction and a proprietary surface treatment to the stainless steel of the shaft, STERiGLIDE™ has an improved ability to glide through the anatomic structures. The side port is marked on the hub and is located as near to the tip as possible for accurate product delivery and minimal product loss.

STERiGLIDE™ cannulas come in the following sizes:

CSH Cannulas

CSH stands for Closed-tip Side Hole and is a traditionally shaped blunt tip cannula (for familiar handling). It features an ultra-thin wall which allows for a lower extrusion force and higher flow rate than other traditional cannula options.

CSH cannulas are also more flexible than STERiGLIDE™ cannulas and are made out of surgical stainless steel. They come 25 per box and are competitively priced to provide great value at a lower cost.

CSH cannulas come in several sizes:

The Benefits of Microcannulas

There are several advantages to using a microcannula over a traditional needle for filler injections:

Needle Control and Flexibility—Cannulas provide a more flexible option when compared to the rigid nature of sharp-tipped needles. What sets STERiGLIDE™ apart is that they’re more rigid than many other cannula products yet still more flexible than a traditional needle. This flexibility means the practitioner can move the cannula more easily and freely while the rigidity allows for delivering precise injections.

Entry Points—A sharp needle requires several entry points to inject the chosen aesthetic product in a linear or bolus fashion across a given area. Cannulas require fewer entry points as they deposit filler in a matrix or fan-like pattern. Since cannulas glide through the tissue freely and easily without cutting, they make the procedure quicker and less painful. Many practitioners find cannulas are the only sensible option for aesthetic treatments in sensitive areas, such as the tear trough.

Patient Downtime and Comfort—Nowadays, patients demand less downtime and decreased risk of side effects from their aesthetic treatments. Cannulas allow practitioners to deliver a less traumatic and more comfortable experience.

Which Cannula is Right for You?

Both CSH and STERiGLIDE™ are two high-quality cannula options. The decision to go with one over the other is mostly based on user preference and sometimes the cost difference. STERiGLIDE™ cannulas come 20 per box with 20 pilot needles for $143. The CSH cannulas come 25 in a box without pilot needles for $99.

At Air-Tite, we carry both CSH and STERiGLIDE™ cannulas, as well as some other high-quality cannula options and a vast array of needles for aesthetic practitioners. Click below to learn more about our microcannula options.