Can leftover filler be used?

The FDA has not approved filler to be saved and reused, but many injectors feel comfortable saving hyaluronic acid fillers for later use. You will find injectors who will never save filler and some who regularly do. The product won't lose efficacy, but there is a risk of infection. For patients who aren't sure they will use a whole syringe, we often advise using a half syringe of product or at least placing some of the filler in a new syringe before injecting so there is no bacterial contamination of the filler being saved. 

Thanks for your question. Dermal filler is packaged to be sterile. Once it has been opened it is no longer considered to be sterile as you have broken the airtight seal. Although it would not be entirely unreasonably to use the rest a week or two later if the sterile cap was not contaminated while on the medical tray (requires pre-planning), I would hesitate to use it beyond that. It's just not worth the risk of a deep seated infection and there is no study to document the safety of using the remainder of an "opened" syringe months later. 

Best,

Lisa Vuich, MD

Thank you for your question! 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! Best of luck!