Residual unreacted BDDE in lip filler?

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. When it comes to lip fillers, BDDE (butanediol diglycidyl ether) is used as a crosslinking agent to improve the longevity and stability of hyaluronic acid. There are valid concerns about residual unreacted BDDE in fillers, as it can potentially cause adverse reactions in some individuals. However, reputable manufacturers conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the levels of residual BDDE in their products are within safe limits. Regarding the amount of BDDE, different brands may use varying formulations. Generally, Restylane products have been noted to have lower levels of BDDE compared to some Juvederm formulations, but this can vary by specific product line and formulation. I hope this helps and best of luck!