Cross-sectional study of the microbiological safety profile of reusing hyaluronic acid fillers

Summary

Introduction

Facial filling with hyaluronic acid (HA) is a dermatological procedure that has been emerging today. There are not many references regarding safety of reusing the remaining product for later touch-up in the same patient.

Objective

To determine the microbiological safety of reusing hyaluronic acid that is remnant from syringes used for facial filling, stored at room temperature or cooled in a refrigerator at 4°C.

Materials and methods

In culture medium, small aliquots of leftovers from 31 hyaluronic acid fillers, previously used for facial filling, were inoculated. The fillers were stored in their original syringes at room temperature or cooled in a standard refrigerator at 4°C for a period ranging from 1 week to 12 months after initial use.

Limitations

The small number of samples limits extrapolation of the results obtained.

Results

After 42 days of inoculation in culture medium, none of the samples showed any aerobic or anaerobic bacterial or fungal growth.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid fillers did not show any fungal or bacterial contamination after being opened and stored at room temperature in nonaseptic conditions. The possibility of reusing the remaining portion of the material in the syringe can be safe and economically viable.

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