Choosing the right liposuction cannula size comes down to three measurements: outer diameter, working length and tip or port pattern. This guide explains each one, gives a complete size chart, and shows which cannulas fit each step of a liposuction or fat grafting case. To match sizes to products instantly, use our liposuction cannula selector tool.
Cannula Diameter
Diameter is quoted in millimetres (outer diameter) and ranges from about 1 mm for micro fat injection to 6 mm for large-volume debulking. Larger diameters remove fat faster from deep layers but are less precise; smaller diameters give smoother results close to the skin and in small areas. Most surgeons work down in size during a case: a 4–5 mm cannula for deep debulking of the abdomen or thighs, then 3 mm and 2–2.5 mm for superficial contouring and feathering.
Liposuction Cannula Size Chart
| Procedure step | Face, neck & chin | Arms, flanks & knees | Abdomen, thighs, back & buttocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumescent infiltration | 1.5–2.5 mm | 2–3 mm | 2.5–4 mm |
| Aspiration / debulking | 2–3 mm | 3–4 mm | 4–6 mm |
| Fine sculpting / etching | 1.5–2.5 mm | 2–3.5 mm | 3–4 mm |
| Fat harvesting for grafting | 2–3 mm | 2.5–3.5 mm | 3–4 mm |
| Typical length | 5–15 cm | 15–25 cm | 25–35 cm |
Millimetres to Gauge
Micro cannulas and infiltration cannulas are often labelled in gauge (G) instead of millimetres. Higher gauge means a thinner cannula. Approximate conversions: 1.0 mm ≈ 19G, 1.5 mm ≈ 17G, 2.0 mm ≈ 14G, 2.5 mm ≈ 13G, 3.0 mm ≈ 11G and 4.0 mm ≈ 8G. For example, our Coleman tumescent infiltration cannula is supplied at 12G (about 2.8 mm).
Cannula Length
Length should reach the whole treatment zone from the access incision without forcing the hub against the skin. Short cannulas (5–15 cm) suit the face, neck and chin; 15–25 cm suits arms, flanks and knees; 25–35 cm suits the abdomen, thighs, back and buttocks. Longer cannulas flex more at small diameters, so very long, thin cannulas are rarely used.
Tip and Port Pattern
The tip decides what the cannula does. Blunt tips with several small ports, such as the Fournier three-port harvester, Tonnard harvester or spiral harvesting cannula, collect small, intact fat parcels for grafting. Aggressive tips such as the Mercedes cannula, Cobra cannula and pyramid cannula aspirate quickly. V-dissector and etching tips, like the Byron Gilliland etching cannula, release fibrous fat and define muscle lines in high-definition liposuction. Blunt single-port injectors, such as the blunt-tip injector cannula, place fat back into tissue.
Hub Type
Luer lock hubs fit standard syringes for infiltration, harvesting and injection. Threaded or Toomey hubs are used with larger syringes and aspiration handles. Always confirm the hub matches your syringes, handles and tubing before ordering.
Procedure Guides
For step-by-step size recommendations, read our guides to BBL cannulas, facial fat grafting cannulas and breast fat grafting cannulas, or browse our full range of liposuction cannulas.
Order Liposuction Cannulas
Gulmaher Surgico manufactures liposuction cannulas in surgical stainless steel at our ISO 13485 and CE certified facility, in business since 2007. We supply clinics, hospitals and distributors in the USA and worldwide, and make custom diameters, lengths and hubs and private-label (OEM) cannulas on request. Contact us for bulk pricing.
Size ranges here are general purchasing references. Final instrument selection is the operating surgeon's clinical decision.
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