Can doctors' offices save part of the syringe for touch ups?

Question

i am having trouble finding drs who save part of the syringe for touch ups bc i usually need a touch up two weeks later and it is money down the drain to have to buy a new one to even out filler results when needed.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Most practices, including mine, do not save fillers for touch ups because of concerns regarding sterility. In addition, this goes against manufacturer recommendations. On rare occasion, I have the product sealed and stored.

In my opinion, you should find an injector who knows your face and can predict with high accuracy how much filler you will need. It is rare to need touch ups of 0.1-0.4 mL if you are an experienced injector using microcannula technique. In addition, most experienced injectors have detailed documentation with photos and notes so that the next time you come back, there is no guessing. Hope this helps!

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

Once the package is opened it, is no longer sterile and it has to be used on a single patient. If you save the syringe you have the probability of contamination and infection for the next patient. So it´s not ethical to save syringes for other patients for touch ups. The doctor has to make the best of the whole syringe. Hope this helps you on your question... Best regards!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Some practices will save fillers and some will not and that's individual policy.  I suggest you see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

The reason some surgeons will not re-use leftover filler in a syringe is because as soon as you open the package, the contents are no longer sterile. Ideally you use the filler in one sitting. That being said, many surgeons will save leftover portions for a touch-up, and those that do will usually remove the used needle from the syringe (leaving a used needle attached would risk bacteria from your skin going through the needle and back into the syringe) and replace the sterile cap, and seal the package. However, this does not mean the package is once again sterile, as this was lost as soon as it was opened. If the decision is made to use the leftover for a touch-up, this means both the surgeon and the patient accept the risk (however small the risk may be, but is still present), that during the time that has passed since opening the syringe, there is possible bacterial translocation involved, and a potential risk of infection. The longer the syringe sits after the package was opened, the greater the theoretical risk.

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

It depends on the practice.
We sometimes save part of the unused filler in case the client wants more later (ie. for lip augmentation) but this will vary from client to client.   When we do it, we let clients know that it is against manufacturer recommendations and that anything longer than 1-2 weeks is not ideal.
Ultimately it's best for you that the filler is fresh, pliable and not contaminated.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I occasionally save part of a filler for patients for later touch-up. It is not a problem other than after a few months after being opened, the filler may dry out if not used. They've done testing to show that its safe to do this. You just need to find someone willing to do it.

Peterson Pierre, MD · Answer

I certainly understand your frustration. This practice varies from office to office. It is generally not recommended that partial syringes be saved because the product is no longer sterile once you begin an injection. You want to minimize the possibility of an infection. You have two alternatives however. You can purchase half syringes (not as cost-effective as buying full syringes but the overall cost is less). Your other option is to find a doctor who gets it right the first time. I've performed thousand of these treatments and it's extremely rare for me to do a "touch-up." If a patient returns, it's usually because she wants more product.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are several good reasons why physicians do not save a part of the syringe for touch ups. First, the sterility of the product cannot be guaranteed. Second, can you imagine the number of open syringes the physician would have to keep and the tracking by individual patient if everyone wanted this service. We inject 3-5 patients every day. If each day we saved a small amount in a syringe for each patient by the end of one week we would have 18-30 partial syringes. Finally, a good injector does not need to hold back a portion of the syringe for touch ups. I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Firas Al-Niaimi, MD, MRCP, EBDV · Answer

This is now a generally a practice that is discouraged for sterility reasons. You do have however half syringes such as volift retouch (Allergan) that can serve for such purposes.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I do not save syringes for later use in my practice since I do not believe sterility can be preserved. I think it is safest to avoid this practice.

Can doctors' offices save part of the syringe for touch ups?

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