Can Leftover Filler Be Used?

Here are 3 separate studies showing the safety of re-injecting unused filler in the same patient. The science says it is safe.Bellew SG, Carroll KC, Weiss MA, Weiss RA. Sterility of stored nonanimal, stabilized hyaluronic acid gel syringes after patient injection. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;52:988–90.Davis K, Bottone EJ, Lucas D, Lebwohl M. Sterility of refrigerated injectable collagen syringes after injection of patient. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992;27:959–61. Culligan PJ, Koduri S, Heit MH, Rackley R, Thomson RB, Schwabe L, et al. The safety of reusing injectable collagen: A multicenter microbiological study. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2002;13:232–4.

   It is better to find another area to inject the filler as the volume left is small, and keeping it carries risk, no matter how small.

The package labeling which accompanies any prescription product available legally in the USA describes them as single use for a single patient and instructs the prescriber to discard any unused material.  This is likely because the manufacturer cannot attest to the sterility or safety of the product if used in a way other than the way it was approved by the FDA.  These sort of uses are known as “off label” and are left to the discretion of the practioner.  It is not the “Wild West”, however.  There really are concerns if products are misused and therefore caution needs to be excercised.