Why It’s Not Recommended to Use Half Syringes of Dermal Filler
Sep 19, 2024
When considering dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation or enhancement, patients often express concerns about how much product they need to achieve their desired results. One of the more common requests from individuals new to fillers is the use of half a syringe, either for financial reasons or out of fear of looking overdone. While this may seem like a cost-effective or less risky option, there are significant reasons why using a half syringe of dermal filler is not recommended. In this blog post, we’ll explore why full syringes are typically the better choice for both aesthetic and safety reasons, and how proper dosage leads to more natural and effective results.
Dermal fillers, usually composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), are injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. They are commonly used in areas such as the lips, cheeks, under-eye hollows, and nasolabial folds. The amount of filler required depends on the treatment area, individual facial anatomy, and the aesthetic goals of the patient.
Typically, dermal fillers come in pre-packaged syringes, and the dosage within one syringe is carefully calibrated to provide enough volume for noticeable, but natural-looking, results. Most syringes contain 1 mL of filler, which is already a small amount, considering that a full teaspoon is about 5 mL.
One of the primary reasons that half syringes are not recommended is because they may not provide enough volume to achieve noticeable or balanced results. Dermal fillers are designed to lift, contour, or add volume to specific areas of the face, and doing so effectively often requires at least a full syringe.
Using only half a syringe can lead to underwhelming results where the enhancement or correction is barely visible. This can lead to dissatisfaction, as the treatment may not meet the patient’s expectations. In some cases, a half syringe may not be enough to treat the entire area intended, leading to asymmetry or an unfinished look.
Injecting dermal filler is a highly technical procedure that requires precision, skill, and experience. When using a full syringe, injectors have more control over how they distribute the product to ensure that the results are balanced and proportional. Attempting to use half a syringe can limit the injector’s ability to be as precise, which can result in uneven or suboptimal outcomes.
In areas like the lips or cheeks, where symmetry and proportion are essential, using only half a syringe can leave one side of the face slightly less treated than the other, creating an unbalanced look. A skilled injector knows how much product is required to achieve a harmonious result, and this is often more than half a syringe.
When splitting a syringe between two treatment areas or between patients (which is not recommended for hygiene reasons), there’s a risk that the product becomes over-diluted or that the effects are spread too thinly across the skin. This can diminish the overall efficacy of the treatment, making the filler less effective in providing the desired volume or lift.
For example, using half a syringe in each lip may not provide enough product to give a significant enhancement. Instead, the filler could become so diluted across both lips that the results are subtle to the point of being unnoticeable.
While the idea of starting with half a syringe may seem appealing for a more gradual approach, it often results in needing additional sessions to achieve the desired result. After seeing the limited effects of the half syringe, patients often return for a second session to add more volume. This can end up costing more time and money in the long run than if a full syringe had been used from the start.
Additionally, the need for multiple touch-ups increases the risk of bruising, swelling, and potential complications, as each injection session requires recovery time.
Dermal fillers come in pre-packaged, single-use syringes for a reason: safety and sterility. Once the seal on a syringe is broken, the product inside is exposed to air and bacteria, which can compromise its sterility. Using only half a syringe and attempting to save the remaining product for a future treatment can introduce harmful bacteria into the skin during the next use, increasing the risk of infection.
For this reason, most clinics will not store or reuse a syringe that has already been opened. If a patient is only interested in using half a syringe, the unused portion is typically discarded, which can lead to wasted product and unnecessary costs.
When working with delicate areas such as the under-eye region (tear troughs) or lips, precision is key. Under-treating these areas with half a syringe can lead to inadequate correction and may not provide the structural support needed to smooth lines or fill hollows. For example, when treating tear troughs, a half syringe may not be enough to achieve a smooth, natural transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, leading to an uneven appearance.
In some cases, underfilling sensitive areas with less than the recommended amount of filler can create lumps or irregularities as the product may not distribute evenly across the treatment area.
Using a full syringe allows the injector to:
When it comes to dermal fillers, the goal is to achieve natural, balanced results that enhance your features. Using half a syringe may seem appealing at first, but it often compromises the overall effect and can lead to dissatisfaction or the need for additional treatments.
A full syringe of filler allows your injector to deliver the right amount of volume and precision to achieve a noticeable, yet subtle enhancement. If you’re concerned about looking overdone, an experienced injector will work with you to ensure that the results align with your aesthetic preferences, delivering a refreshed, natural look that enhances your features without making drastic changes.
Ultimately, dermal filler treatments are an investment in your appearance. By using the correct amount of product from the beginning, you’re more likely to achieve long-lasting, satisfying results that highlight your natural beauty.