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Who is Qualified to Inject Botox?

I'm thinking about getting Botox injections in my forehead but I don't know what qualifications/education pratitioners need to do Botox injections.

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Who is allowed to inject Botox

There are a lot of excellent answers regarding this question. Obviously there are some differences from state to state as each state regulates which practitioners are allowed to perform the injections. While title is clearly important from a regulatory standpoint, some of the most skilled injectors in our area are nurses. In many cases this is because the physician at the practice is performing surgery or some other higher margin procedure and injections are left to the nurse, nurse... more

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Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

The important thing is first to recognize that Botox...

The important thing is first to recognize that Botox injection is a medical procedure, so it must be done by a medical professional. Some believe that it must be done by a medical doctor, or by a nurse under the on-site supervision of an M.D., but the truth is that there are nurse injectors who are extremely talented and experienced. There are no uniform standards for training, but it is best to make sure that it is done in a clinic setting, where it is clear who the supervising doctor is,... more

Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

3 Signs Your Injector Isn't Qualified

Listen as Dr. Julius Few, spokesperson for the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, describes warning signs to look for when choosing a cosmetic injectable provider. According to Dr. Few, anyone buying Botox or other cosmetic injections should watch out for providers who: Won't disclose which substance(s) they are injecting Won't openly discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment Try to pressure you into buying treatments you don't want Dr. Few also stresses the importance of... more

Julius W. Few, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Who is Qualified to Administer Botox?

This is an interesting question and comes at a time when we are seeing doctors from many different specialties providing Botox treatments, and sadly, we are seeing many non-doctors and in some cases, beauty and skin technicians giving Botox! Botox is an amazing and revolutionary drug and, when used correctly and by properly trained specialists, is wonderful. However, when it is not used by properly trained and educated specialist physicians, it can cause severe adverse events and has even... more

Arnold W. Klein, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox, not who CAN, it's who SHOULD inject

States regulate who can and can't inject. Generally physicians and those under the supervision of a physician (i.e. nurses or certified medical assistants) can inject. Aestheticians can not purchase the product and can not inject in most states. However, the medical director of a spa will sometimes purchase the product and authorize the aestheticians to inject. This is risky for all involved. The bigger question is not who CAN inject, but who SHOULD... more

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John Bitner, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Board certification and experience essential for Botox injectors

In Los Angeles, the cosmetic market is inundated with medical spas performing Botox injection. Experience is key and the best advice is to defer to an experienced and board certified surgeon in your area. The technique of injection is very important in the overall effect of Botox injection. There are many nurse practitioners and nurses who can inject, but this is dependent on the state you live in. Always look at credentials of the physician's clinic you are going to for Botox. Ask a lot of... more

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Botox & other cosmetic injections

There are good arguments on either side of this issue. My feeling, as a physician and surgeon, is that an adequately trained RN, is more than capable of providing safe and effective cosmetic injections (Botox & Fillers). I also feel that RNs should perform such treatments ONLY with a trained physician present on site. Although an allergic reaction is not a common reaction from Botox, it certainly can happen with fillers, as can other complications such as intravascular injection with... more

Sam Naficy, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox

State laws vary state to state on who can administer botox. The important thing to remember is who should be injecting your botox? It's your face, you should want the most qualified person for the job. Personally I would refrain from "med" type spas who are usually under the supervision of a M.D that rarely visits the location. In my practice I am the only one who injects, being a Surgeon who specializes in facial plastics, its important to have a... more

Hannah Vargas, MD

Kansas City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox Injectors

Your best option to get the full result possible with Botox and avoid potential complications is to have your treatment performed by a well trained and experience physician with extensive experience with Botox. The first husband and wife team who discovered the cosmetic utility of Botox were a dermatologist and oculoplastic surgeon. In general, your best best are dermatologists, oculoplastic surgeons, plastic surgeons, but make sure that the doctor has extensive experience in your procedure... more

Andrew Kaufman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox injections in Toronto

Botox can be injected by a trained physician or a nurse under a physician's supervision. Look for a reputable clinic and avoid 'Botox shops' to avoid potential complications. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

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Martin Jugenburg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

In most states, only physicians administer Botox

There are many medical practices offering Botox and feelers injections. Before making a decision about choosing one practice above the other, you should research and seek the best in your area. It is always safe to go with the experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. There are many resources to help you to find the one. I would also get some referrals from the Allergen website, the company that makes Botox. Look for high volume providers - platinum and above.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Botox injectors

As stated in numerous other comments, State regulatory agencies govern who can inject Botox and this varies state by state. However, I also have to agree that it helps to understand the complex anatomy of each area. Physicians and surgeons, especially have a unique understanding of the anatomy and physiology and are particularly qualified to perform this procedure. I believe that is the over-riding concern. However, clearly this may be balanced against one's experience.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Who can inject Botox?

Basically, anyone can inject it, but to inject it well... that is another matter entirely. Unfortunately, Botox isn't quite as simple as just putting it into you. It takes skill and technique to get the really good results and typically that means that you have to have an MD, and usually a good dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, to do it. What I see is that many people are going to fly-by-night clinics for their Botox and it is being diluted significantly and frequently done so poorly that... more

Joel Schlessinger, MD

Omaha Dermatologist

Botox qualification - stay away from the gas station attendant

Hi Nicole, Botox injections are a medical procedure. You will find that just about anyone with a nursing, dental, or medical degree (and even some without a degree of any sort) is injecting Botox and other facial fillers. There have been unscrupulous providers who have even used "Botox for Experimental Animal Use". The recent stir about the safety of Botox has nothing to do with the cosmetic use of the anti-wrinkle miracle drug. It is still as safe as ever to have a few of your... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox - who can inject?

Legally, any doctor or nurse under the supervision of a doctor can inject Botox. However, like anything else, use your best judgement in choosing who administers your Botox. An MD with a good understanding of facial anatomy would be recommended to give you the safest and best results. My patients specifically want to have a plastic surgeon inject their BOTOX. I'd also recommend asking your friends and other referral sources about their experiences when... more

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nurses and Botox

Under the direction of Dr. Zubowicz our highly trained nurses who have had advanced training (and continue in advanced training) provide injectable service to all of our clients.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Board-certified providers should inject Botox

It's a neurotoxin, and you are putting it in your face. There are potential risks and side effects associated. Your best bet is a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has special training and expertise in this field. Good luck, Dr. Rupani

Reena Rupani, MD

New York Dermatologist

Its your face, so get injections from a board certified provider.

Cosmetic injections with botulinum (Dysport or Botox) are not like getting your hair or nails done. Be prudent! Appropriately board certified providers (plastic surgeons, dermatologists) are most likely get you the results you're looking for, with the least possible risk. I tell patients to avoid nurse injectors or physicians who aren't full time cosmetic providers with the appropriate board certification to prove it. If... more

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Randolph Capone, MD

Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox injections - see an specialist

Although anyone with a medical is allowed to inject Botox, not everybody has the necessary experience. Dermatologists are the specialist for the treatment of the skin, so many patients see a dermatologist for their wrinkle treatments.

Robert Kasten, MD

Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox qualifications

Each state sets its own standards on who can inject. In Florida, it is a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practictioner. It is important to go with the requisite expertience and expertise.

Kris M. Reddy, MD

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS

Anyone with a medical license can inject botox

The rules vary by state but MDs, DOs can inject botox anywhere in the United States. In some states Nurse practioners are allowed to inject botox. As long as someone is familiar with the anatomy, it should be fine. Remember, botox wears off in 3-4 months so the risks are relatively small. There are small risks however and I have had to treat patients treated by surgeons, nonsurgeons and nonphysicians who have trouble closing their eyes after overaggressive botox. Granted... more

Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon

Qualifications to inject Botox

The two most common specialties that inject botox are dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Many other specialties have joined in doing this wonderful treatment. As long as the doctor is educated about the anatomy of the musculature that is being treated and has ample experience in the technique of delivering botox, then the result may be as good as if they were either a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. you should get recommendations from your general physician and friends. more

Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist

Botox injector qualifications

Although ANYBODY with a medical license or "supervised" (even "off site") by anyone with a medical license CAN inject Botox, I would NOT have them treat me, my family or friends. For the best possible results, insist on having a Plastic Surgeon, ENT or Dermatologist personally inject YOUR Botox. There is NO substitute for experience. Although I could delegate it, in my practice I administer Botox and very much enjoy doing it.

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Botox injector qualificationsl

Legally, anyone with a medical license or a nurse working under the direction of a physician can inject Botox. The antitrust laws against restraint of trade are applicable to the practice of medicine with the result that any doctor can purchase and inject Botox and fillers. Many do because this is lucrative, fee for service medicine. However, caveat emptor! You should seek treatment by a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has been trained in these techniques and has the... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Make sure they are qualified!

As Botox becomes more and more popular, you may be noticing that different types of doctors as well as spas are offering these treatments. To minimize the dangers I suggest using a board certified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon, who is aware of the anatomy of the facial muscles and has had much practice.