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Who Can Inject Botox?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Matheson A. Harris, MD
Question viewed 22,600 times
Tags: credentials, dermatologist, plastic surgeon

i would imagine botox injections need to be done by doctors, but i keep hearing about nurses and others doing it...isn't botox a medical treatment that requires a doctor to administer it? who is best qualified to do botox shots?

31 answers to Who Can Inject Botox?

+1

Who can inject Botox in California?

In California, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses are allowed to inject Botox. If the injector is not a physician, the person must be using a standardized procedure and be working under the direct supervision of a physician.
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

+3

Botox is a purified protein and it is incredibly safe...

Botox is a purified protein and it is incredibly safe with a 20-year track record. Getting the best results from Botox requires enough of the agent in just the right places. So Botox injections are highly technique dependent. Does this mean you should avoid your family doctor who recently started offering Botox treatments and only go to a general plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist, dermatologist, or fellowship-trained eye plastic surgeon? The answer is maybe. These are the subspecialists with... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Who can inject Botox

Botox can be injected by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or registered nurse depending on what state you reside in. Different states have different regulations in regards to that state's medical board. Just make sure to whomever you choose for Botox injections that they have been properly trained, licensed, and advanced certified with a lot of experience in Botox.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox or Dysport should be performed by trained aesthetic physicians

The most important criteria in selecting a physician or any professional for cosmetic procedures is does the person have the expertise to minimize complications and if a complication were to happen, does the person know how to treat it. You are better off getting consultation from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Who SHOULD inject Botox?

The question really ought to be who should inject Botox. The laws vary from state to state as to who is allowed to inject and with what amount of supervision, but Botox is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause significant problems that don't readily resolve. As a controlled substance, injectors should be physicians or under the direct supervision of physicians when injecting. Beware of places where an MD has put their name on a medical spa, but is never seen in person. ... more
Matheson A. Harris, MD

Salt Lake City Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Have Botox and Dysport injected by a doctor

Although a variety of non-physicians currently inject Botox, I feel that physicians who are well-versed in facial anatomy are better qualified. One key problem is that many non-physician injectors follow a standard template when performing injections. Unfortunately, not every patient's facial muscle anatomy and wrinkle lines follow the standard template. The ability to customize injection sites, dosages, and type of botulinum (Botox versus Dysport) allows more latitude in reducing facial... more
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who should inject Botox

In New York, any licensed physician can inject Botox. However, you should receive your treatments from a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Botox may seem like a simple treatment, but it is a medical procedure and like all medical procedures it has risks. A board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will have the best understanding of anatomy and physiology to provide you with the safest treatment.
Jordana Gilman, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Big difference between who can provide medical treatments, and who should be doing it

Although regulations regarding medical treatments vary by state, it makes more sense to have a well trained professional providing care. Surgeons who operate on the brow, and are intimately familiar with te anatomy of the muscles, and individual variations, are best qualified to recommend and provide the best treatment for facial wrinkles or lines. Remember, if your only tool is a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail.
Michael H. Rosenberg, MD

White Plains Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox injections only by an expert.

Hi. Forget what the law says about who can inject Botox.  The law is a minimal standard.  Go to a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rules on who can inject Botox vary by state

In all states, Botox is a drug requiring prescriptive authority to purchase; in other words, you have to be a doctor to buy Botox. However, most states allow the doctor to delegate injections to a licensed practitioner suxch as a nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant under the doctor's supervision. This does not necessarily have to be on-site supervision, though examination by the doctor is often required first. There are 2 schools of thought on who should be doing injections:... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox injections by MD

When it comes to Injectables,such as Botox, in Alabama the Board of Medical Examiners regulate the injectables limited to physicians only. It can be different in other states as they have their own Board to regulate their own laws. BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.There’s only one BOTOX Cosmetic. Talk to your doctor to see if... more
William J. Hedden, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who can Inject Botox?

Any one can inject Botox, not anyone should. Just like anything in Medicine, experience counts. Any physician can inject Botox as well as supervised nurses and physician assistants. Well-trained medical personal who have had good training can inject Botox. A weekend course with minimal anatomical training is not advised. Ask the person who is injecting you what their experience is before being injected. There is an art to injecting Botox. Good luck.
Carlos Wolf, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who can inject vs where to get Botox from

Practically anyone CAN inject Botox (...As long as they are "supervised" by anyone with a Medical License. Mind you the extent of required "supervision" is often purposely vague. Can I as a surgeon REALLY supervise an cosmetician in a spa across town while I am in my office seeing other patients or in the operating room? You get the idea). Why do you think we have SO MUCH BAD BOTOX out there ?? http://www.cosmeticsurgeryspecialists.org/botox.html If you REALLY believe... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who may administer Botox in California?

I am answering this question with regards to the Medical Board of California: Who may inject Botox in California? The Medical Board of California (MBC) states that physicians may inject Botox. Physicians may direct registered nurses or physician assistants to perform the injection under their supervision and with written/approved Standardized Procedures or Delegation of Services Agreements. An unlicensed person, such as a medical assistant, may not inject Botox. The above persons... more
Tammy Wu, MD

Modesto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox is administered by a physician or nurse practitioner

As a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, I administer all injectables at my medical spa. It is crucial that the injector understand the facial anatomy and how to manage any problems that may occur. I believe that injecting Botox is an ART and having trained specifically in facial plastic surgery provides the confidence patients look for.
Randall Latorre, MD

Tampa Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox injected by a physician or other medical professional

The answer is that it depends on what area of the country you are in. Different states have different regulations on what procedures a physician, nurse, or medical assistant can perform. In Ohio, for example, only a physician can inject Botox while in other parts of the country nurses may be allowed. For me and my family, I would only have a physician perform any facial injection, whether Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, etc. I also would make sure that that physician was... more
Jason Brett Lichten, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

A physician assistant can inject botox also

As a physician and oculoplastic surgeon, I have ben injecting Botox for close to 20 years. It is definitely an art and you have to be well versed in the anatomy and physiology of the related muscles. Having said that, Botox can be injected by a physician, nurse or physician assistant. I have personally trained a P.A. (physician assistant) in my practice 8 years ago who also is my wife and she is very competent as well. Physicain assistants are licensed to practice medicine under the... more
Jonathan Hoenig, MD

Beverly Hills Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

The most important thing about Botox is the person at...

The most important thing about Botox is the person at the other end of the needle. I recommend a skilled board certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or ENT physician. You want to make sure that you are having the procedure done by a physician, not an assistant or a nurse. You want somebody who knows the anatomy well. The medicine works best when applied specifically to the appropriate muscle groups, which is done best by somebody who has an excellent knowledge of the anatomy and... more
Charles Crutchfield, MD

Minneapolis Dermatologic Surgeon

www.crutchfielddermatology.com

+1

Have your Botox injected by a Specialist

Although any doctor or their health care delegate may be allowed to inject Botox, why would you not want an expert who is properly qualified and credentialed to do your treatment? Board certified Plastic, ENT and Oculoplastic Surgeons as well as most Dermatologists have the training and knowledge to decide when and how to optimize your treatment. You deserve the best! Dr. Mosher
Mathew C. Mosher, MD

Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Qualified to inject Botox

It really is not a matter of who is allowed to adminster your Botox or Dysport treatment or any of the injectible fillers for that matter but who is qualified. It is true depending on the state you live in will determine who can legally inject your Botox or Dysport but it is more important as to the qualifications of the injector. You should only trust a licensed, board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to inject your Botox, Dysport, or any of the wrinkle fillers....
Arnold Zweig, MD

Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who should inject botox

Botox should be injected by physician whose specialty and training is devoted to some degree of aesthetic medicine such as board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and ent/oculoplastic surgeons. You will see that there are many non-physicians injecting botox which can be very risky because there are certainly complications that can occur. The above mentioned physicians are familiar with the anatomy in which botox in injected and have the appropriate skills and training to... more
Ritu Saini, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Physicians should inject Botox

I think a better question is "Who SHOULD inject Botox?" Actual laws will vary by state and different professional societies have varying guidelines. But the fact of the matter is, you want the best results in the safest means possible. We recommend that prior to any Botox treatment, you be properly evaluated and educated by a physician who is Board Certified (www.abms.org) in an accepted aesthetic field, such as Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, or Ophthalmology. Additionally, be... more
Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon

www.pooledermatology.com

+1

Botox should be injected by physicians only

I recommend that Botox be injected only by a board certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, ENT or occuloplastic surgeon. Injecting Botox requires medical expertise, knowledge of the anatomy, knowledge of Botox and how it works, and the proper set of skills. In my opinion, physicians have this knowledge, expertise and experience. Therefore, you should make sure that your treatments are being done by a physician, and not by a physician assistant, a nurse or some other type of medical... more
Channing R. Barnett, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Botox injections by a physician

Botox should be administered by a trained, board-certified physician, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. It is important for the injector to have a good understanding of facial anatomy and the intricate workings of the involved muscles. In the hands of a skilled physician, Botox injections can then be tailored to each individual based on their specific needs.
Alison Stallings, MD

Tarrytown Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox and Dysport should be injected by a physician expert

You can get Botox almost anywhere these days...but you shouldn't. Just because someone does offer Botox, that doesn't mean they do it well. Botox and Dysport are great treatments! But you have to do your homework. I recommend only being injected by a physician...in fact, only by a physician who is one of the "core 4" aesthetic physicians, which include Dermatologists, Facial Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons, or Occuloplastic surgeons. And when you're in the office of one of these more
Chad L. Prather, MD

Baton Rouge Dermatologist
+1

Seek an expert for Botox

As mentioned above, Botox is a medicine that can only be purchased by a physician. Any physician can purchase Botox, but that does not mean the physician necessarily has the proper training in adminstering Botox. Botox can have side effects and complications. Dermatologists and Facial Plastic Surgeons have an expertise in the anatomy of the face. In order to minimize complications and side effects from Botox, I would recommend you seek treatment from a specialist. I have seen droopy eyelids... more
Mandy Lynn Warthan, MD

Dallas Dermatologist
+1

Botx by Core Trained Physicians

For best results and consistency of results, Botox should be administered by a core trained physician. This means surgeons trained in effects of Botox around the eyes and the brow: a Facial Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, or Occuloplastic surgeon.
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Go to a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon for Botox

Botox is a medication that can only be purchased by a physician, but many medical personnel can legally administer the injections. Just like any other medical procedure, injections come with some risk of complications. If you want to minimize your risk of an adverse event, make sure the individual injecting you has the proper background and medical training, ie, go to a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.
Richie L. Lin, MD

Summit Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox injections

Who is qualified to inject Botox? Any doctor can prescribe ofr inejct any medication.   However, those doctors that have been board certified in fields dealing with facial aesthetics are the most qualified (Plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, dermatologists, and facial plastic surgeons).
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who can inject Botox?

Hi there- The law says that any licensed MD can inject Botox. It is important to realize, however, that the law (as Dr. Beraka has stated) is a truly minimal standard. If you want a reliable good result, with minimal risk (yes, there ARE risks to Botox treatments- all of which can be reduced by having the treatment performed by the right provider), you should absolutely be certain you see a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

The law varies on who can inject Botox

Any physician can purchase Botox, since its a medication. There are many marginally trained physicians injecting Botox because it is a fee-for-service practice. However, you should seek out a clinic staffed by board certified plastic surgeons and does a lot of Botox injections. In these busy plastic surgery clinics, there are often a few RNs and PAs injecting under the direct supervision of a plastic surgeon. Like everything, injectors get better with multiple patient contacts per day.... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

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