What's the risk of contracting HIV from a half or quarter syringe of filler?

Question

Sometimes my dermatologist will have a half or quarter syringe left of filler that he uses to do “touch ups”. Obviously he changes the needle, but is this a hygienic practice and does it put me at risk for contracting any diseases like HIV?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

The practice of using any filler other than your own syringe and almost 100% of the time used at a single injection setting is highly unusual.  I would really question your choice of injectors.

Douglas Hamilton, MD · Answer

Saving "your"  previously used syringe could open the process to very human mistakes if stored with 100's of other patient syringes,i.e.,misreading, similar names, loss of label,etc. Filling a new syringe from a master source syringe that has never been used to inject anyone is safe.

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Some of the dermal fillers come in 0.5cc syringes that can be used for touch ups. Unfortunately, these are not half the price. Once a syringe is open, it should not be reused. There really is no cheap way to safely do fillers. There is alway some natural asymmetry so it is unrealistic to expect result to always be perfectly even. If it is not obvious, my first advice is to just leave it alone. If you and the doctor really feel you need more filler, maybe the doctor can work with you on the price of the additional syringe, but don't take chances. it's just not worth it!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

When you purchase filler, it should be by the syringe, if all is not used, it should be labeled as yours and placed in the medical refrigerator.  The notion of dividing a syringe among patients is improper.

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

it is highly unlikely you would contract HIV but this is not safe needle practice /precautions and not recommended  by CDC. Google cdc injection safety

What's the risk of contracting HIV from a half or quarter syringe of filler?

Answers (7)

Answer: Filler and HIV risk

Answer: Filler and HIV risk

Answer: Time to get a new dermatologist

Answer: Time to get a new dermatologist

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What's the risk of contracting HIV from a half or quarter syringe of filler?

Answers (7)

Answer: Filler and HIV risk

Answer: Filler and HIV risk

Answer: Time to get a new dermatologist

Answer: Time to get a new dermatologist

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.