Can Leftover Filler Be Used?

Question

My doctor injected half syringe of Juvederm (Ultra) for my nasolabial fold, ans he said to come back for follow up next time. And he will use another half syringe, if necessary, for me. I wonder if the leftover fillers can be kept and used again after a month or so. Is it safe?

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

Strictly speaking left over filler should not be used. The vial of filler has had a needle attached to it and this has been previously injected into your skin. Theoretically this opens the possibility of contamination of the filler.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

It's always best to use all the syringe on the same day, since storing it can compromise its safety and effectiveness. The risk of infection increases. However, it's not unheard of to do this either.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The stability of the product is compromised when only half a syringe is used then stored for a later date.You should perhaps ask the MD how they are preserving the half syringe.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

William Franckle, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Giselle,
	
		Yes, it can be used, there is a study documenting its safety as long as a new needle or sterile cap was placed on the syringe
	
		They concluded that the syringe should be used before it expires


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Yes. Filler can be reused as long as it is stored properly and controls are in place to ensure that you receive the same syringe at your followup visit. I try to avoid banking syringes of filler. Although the risk of infection is low, it is not zero. This is a relatively uncommon request as most patients require at least one (often two to three) syringe for full correction. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is that the Juvederm is very stable and has a long shelf life if stored properly and it does not require refrigeration. Most offices do store "left over" Juvederm for a short time as a courtesy to patients who may need a touch up.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

NO! Fillers cannot be saved and reused due to the risk of infection. The FDA did not approve fillers to be saved and reused after they have been opened. I would never expose my patients to the risk!

Can Leftover Filler Be Used?

Answers (17)