One of the most common questions from aesthetic practitioners — especially those new to toxin work — is: which needle should I use? The answer depends on which toxin you're using, the area being treated, and your personal technique preference. This guide covers the most commonly used options across Bocouture, Dysport and Azzalure.
The basics: gauge and length
Toxin injections are intradermal or intramuscular, requiring a short, fine needle. The two numbers you need to understand are:
- Gauge (G): The width of the needle. Higher number = thinner needle. For toxins, 30G–33G is standard.
- Length (mm): How deep the needle penetrates. For toxin work, 4mm–13mm covers most areas.
Bocouture
Bocouture (incobotulinumtoxinA by Merz) is supplied in 50-unit and 100-unit vials. It requires reconstitution with sterile saline before use.
Recommended needles:
- BD Micro-Fine Plus 30G × 8mm — the most popular choice for Bocouture. The fixed needle on the BD Micro-Fine syringe eliminates dead space, meaning every unit of toxin is delivered accurately without loss in the hub.
- TSK STERiJECT PRE 30G UTW — Ultra-Thin Wall 30G gives the same gauge but with a wider internal lumen, improving flow and reducing pressure on injection. A premium option for practitioners who notice resistance with standard 30G.
- TSK INViSIBLE 34G — for practitioners who want the finest possible gauge for ultra-precise periorbital or forehead work. Minimal patient discomfort.
Dysport
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA by Ipsen) has a larger diffusion radius than other toxins, and is typically diluted to a higher volume. It is supplied in 300-unit and 500-unit vials.
Recommended needles:
- BD Micro-Fine Plus 30G × 8mm or 29G × 12.7mm — the 29G is useful for glabellar or masseter work where slightly deeper penetration is needed.
- TSK STERiJECT PRE 32G UTW — very popular for Dysport as the UTW design allows the thinner needle to still flow freely despite the increased dilution volume.
- Needletech 31G × 4mm — excellent for superficial intradermal placement in the forehead and crow's feet. The 4mm length keeps the toxin in the dermis for localised effect.
Azzalure
Azzalure (abobotulinumtoxinA by Galderma) is the same molecule as Dysport in a different presentation, supplied in 125-unit vials. Dosing and dilution differ from Dysport.
Recommended needles:
- BD Micro-Fine Plus 30G × 8mm — as with Bocouture, the fixed-needle low dead-space design is ideal for Azzalure's smaller vial volumes where product wastage matters.
- TSK STERiJECT PRE 30G or 32G UTW — smooth delivery with minimal pressure required.
How to open the vial safely
Before you can draw up any toxin, you need to remove the crimped metal cap. Never attempt this with your fingers or a needle tip — this risks glass fragments entering the vial and damaging the rubber bung.
A vial cap opener (decapper) removes the entire crimp cap safely in one motion, preserving sterility and protecting the rubber stopper. It is compatible with all major toxin brands including Bocouture, Dysport, Azzalure, Botox and Xeomin.
Quick reference
| Toxin | First choice needle | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Bocouture | BD Micro-Fine 30G × 8mm | TSK PRE 30G UTW |
| Dysport | BD Micro-Fine 29G × 12.7mm | TSK PRE 32G UTW |
| Azzalure | BD Micro-Fine 30G × 8mm | Needletech 31G × 4mm |
| Botox / Vistabel | BD Micro-Fine 30G × 8mm | TSK INViSIBLE 34G |
| Xeomin | BD Micro-Fine 30G × 8mm | TSK PRE 30G UTW |
All needles in this guide are available from Clinic Supply with free UK delivery on orders over £35.