An integrated needle and cannula assembly including a syringe connected to a cannula where the cannula is inserted into a hypodermic needle. In operation, the needle penetrates into the skin and the cannula is slid through the annular space of the needle. A transporter assembly can be interposed between the syringe and the needle/cannula. The transporter assembly may include a retractable inner needle tube attached to the needle and an external transporter housing which connects the syringe to the cannula. Once the cannula is under the skin, the needle is preferably withdrawn from the skin to allow substances to be injected using only the cannula. Withdrawal of the needle can be assisted with a spring. In an alternative embodiment, a sharp-tipped trocar inside a cannula is used to penetrate the skin. In a further alternative embodiment, a barbed surgical thread may be attached to said cannula to perform thread-lift procedures.