How Long Can You Keep Dermal Filler Once Opened?

Dermal fillers use chemical compounds found in the body to promote natural anti-aging results in the skin. However, this opens up the question of if it can be reused after it is opened as it may be vulnerable to bacterial growth or spoilage.

So when does dermal filler expire after it's opened? If stored properly without any exposure, it can last from 2 to 4 weeks after opening. However, studies have shown that no bacterial growth occurs in leftover hyaluronic acid fillers. As a safety precaution, it’s best to use all of the dermal filler in a bottle after opening it as soon as possible.

When Do Dermal Fillers Expire After First Use?

Some dermatologists will save filler in the bottle or in a syringe because they might only use small doses for a single treatment. Since the results of dermal fillers take up to 4 weeks to reach peak results, it is valid to question whether the filler may be expired before it reaches that point. With proper storage procedures, it should be able to last till then as most dermatologists will use the extra filler within two weeks after the treatment for any touch-ups.

However, it is within the professional practice of medicine and the best interest of the patient to avoid using fillers that have been opened and stored for a prolonged period of time. Even if it won’t cause any additional side effects, it may have reduced efficacy and duration. Dermal fillers are officially expired if it shows signs of wear or if it goes past their printed expiration date.

Some dermatologists may even use filler that has opened and stored for a long time, testifying that there are no drawbacks. Despite these claims, it is always better to provide the patient with the most recent and unopened form of the product to guarantee a safe filler treatment.

Can You Still Use Left-Over Dermal Filler?

Yes, there are multiple studies that prove there is no bacterial growth in properly sealed, reopened bottles of hyaluronic acid filler, despite being stored at different temperatures and periods of time. However, with other fillers like Radiesse, which uses a different base, it is recommended to use all the filler once it is opened. This is also the recommendation of the official manufacturers of dermal fillers that package their filler in a glass bottle.

Signs of Expired Dermal Filler

Though dermal filler rarely expires, there are telltale signs where you must absolutely dispose of the bottle or syringe to prevent injecting any harmful bacteria or substances that have developed in the product. Dermal filler is a clear gel-like liquid so should it have any visible substances floating in its container, it could mean it is tainted and, therefore, unusable.

A broken cap or cracks in the bottle or in the syringe will compromise its sterile environment and may compromise the filler. Letting medicine be exposed to open air and direct sunlight will change its chemical makeup and will not provide any of its promised effects on the skin.

How to Store Dermal Fillers

Products of dermal filler will require different types of storage procedures. While it has been proven that no bacterial growth will develop inside opened bottles, it is best to follow the storage instructions of the filler product to maintain optimal efficacy rates after it has been opened. In general, dermal filler is stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight at 25 ͦ C or room temperature.

Radiesse filler should be stored at a constant temperature between 15°C and 32°C and should not be exposed extensively to temperatures outside this range. Thus, it does not need refrigeration. Restylane Lyft and Juvederm products like Juvederm Voluma and Juvederm XC need to be stored at room temperature without any exposure to sunlight. Since its base is hyaluronic acid, it could be reused within 2 weeks of opening with no need for refrigeration.

After use, syringes of hyaluronic acid filler can be kept in the fridge for a maximum of 4 weeks, if the needle is removed and is replaced by a rubber cap. The filler should never be frozen because it will affect its chemical composition. Refrigerating dermal fillers will also not extend their shelf life.

The Shelf Life of Unopened Dermal Fillers

The average dermal filler will be best used within 1 to 3 years if it has yet to be released from its packaging. The FDA requires all medications to have an expiration date to denote their most effective and safest period of usage. However, it is highly recommended to never use an expired dermal filler for any kind of treatment, especially without the informed consent of the patient.

Radiesse syringes last for two years as listed in its expiry date and must be used immediately after opening. Restylane, Juvederm Voluma, and other similar products will also last for two years if it has not left their sterilized container.

Similar to food, there are dermatologists who may use dermal fillers past their expiry date, whether it is within a month or a year afterward. Though there are no cited cases where expired dermal fillers have caused massive damage to the skin, older dermal fillers could have lowered effectiveness and duration. A first-rate dermatologist will always use a product within its prescribed usage period to optimally utilize its benefits and minimize any complications.

World-Class Dermal Filler Expertise at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Dermal fillers may not have scientifically proven adverse side effects due to expiration or reusing an open bottle. Instead, it’s within the dermatologist’s discretion to use a certain filler product if it has already been opened and if it’s past its expiration date.

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we only use the highest quality dermal fillers within its FDA-approved guidelines and with up-to-date medical procedures. Headed by Dr. Lanna Cheuck, one of the leading experts of cosmetic dermatology, our team of aestheticians is dedicated to providing the most safest and effective skincare treatments in the U.S. Call (929) 565-7539 now for all your dermal filler concerns.