How can you tell if fillers are being watered down by injector?

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry that you're not satisfied with your results. Fillers typically come pre-packaged, so diluting filler is unlikely. However, if you are concerned, I suggest discussing your concerns with your injector. Otherwise, be sure to see a reputable provider in your area. 

Your injector should always open the package for the syringe in front of you. All legitimate fillers come sealed in a sterile package. If your injector opens it in front of you then there is no way they could have tampered with it. There is the other issue however of whether you should trust someone to put needles in your face if you think they are crooked enough to tamper with the Filler. You have to question whether they are cutting corners in other ways that might affect your safety. 

This is an excellent question.  Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to know whether your injector is watering down the fillers so it is best to see a board certified physician with excellent reviews. I have heard horrific stories of injectors overdiluting fillers, so please choose carefully.  You need a safe and effective treatment with a well qualified doctor.  This is the best way forward.

This is a great question, but unfortunately, there is no reliable way to know whether your injector is watering down the fillers. I have heard terrible stories of injectors overdiluting fillers, walking in and injecting with unmarked pre-prepared syringes, switching to syringes that are less than 1ml, etc. It is no longer safe to assume all injectors are ethical. I always open the original packaging in front of the patients so that they can see that I do not alter the composition of the fillers in anyway. You could always make this request to your injector and also ask to see the lot numbers of the product. Hope this helps!

You should ask your injector. There's no other way to know. Having said this, I will tell you that the lips are notorious for having highly variable longevity when it comes to lip fillers. I have certainly had a few patients in whom I've had to use 3 syringes of filler to get the same results 1 syringe usually gets in other people. Typically, individuals that speak a lot for work tend to metabolize fillers faster due to increased motion in the area. If you're someone that speaks a lot or bites your lip, etc. you should expect your filler to dissolve faster.You may want to try a different brand or line of filler next time to see if that makes a difference.The foregoing information provided is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Even if saline has been added to a filler, there should be some retention of product.  I have seen a number of cases of patients who seem to metabolize lip filler quickly for unknown reasons.  Some patients seem to need more filler placed than average in order to retain results.  Some do not retain product regardless of what is placed.  An alternative would be fat transfer.

Fillers are prepackaged by the manufacturer and are not diluted.  The lips are notorious for rapid absorption. You haven’t mentioned which one was used.  The thicker fillers may absorb slower but they can also produce lumpiness.

It is highly unlikely filler is being diluted . Botox and neurotoxins require saline to be reconstituted and can be more diluted than the standard dosage but fillers are usually utilized “as is”because they are “pre packaged “ and rarely diluted. Either way you are likely getting the full 1 cc or whatever the full syringe has packaged . There is not cost savings to the physician to dilute filler. 

I doubt very much that your treating physician would water down a filler. You can see clearly when a box is being opened and the treating physician starts using the syringe immediately out of the box or after they add a small amount of Lidocaine to it. from my personal experience I have seen patients who break down Juvederm rather quickly and if that's the case I will switch to a product like Restylane and vice versa. I believe you should try the same and good luck from New York City

Thanks for your question.  I would not expect anyone to be "watering down" the filler and I certainly hope no injector is using the same syringe on more than one person and trying to stretch it out as far as how much is in the syringe.  Please ask your injector - the syringes are sterile and sealed until you break the seal and there is no benefit to "watering down" a filler.  Sometimes I mix some Lidocaine in Belotero from Merz as it does not have the lidocaine already in it, but this is not considered watering it down to make it go further.  A reputable, honest board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will hopefully will let you see the syringe before they inject it and will explain what they are doing if they are adding some lidocaine for your comfort.  Please let your injector know your concerns, and make sure you know the credentials and experience of your physicians.  Good luck!