Can Leftover Filler Be Used?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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!