Can a board certified family doctor do facial fillers?

Question

I'm very interested in going to get fillers for my chin and I found someone I'm very interested in; however, I'm wondering if it's normal for a family doctor(without any other certification) to be practicing with fillers and botox.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!A formal evaluation would be needed to determine what's best. Many of my patients try to avoid surgery, so we perform a non-surgical chin augmentation treatment with injectable fillers. Fillers like Radiesse as well as Sculptra are injected into the area, improving the overall appearance of the lower face and balancing the jaw and lip harmony. We use cannula injections to meticulously contour and project the chin, soften the chin along the jawline and improve the chin crease.
Implants are still a great option once you are 100% positive that you are ready for a permanent enhancement. I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert; our practice is located right here in Los Angeles. Best, Dr. Emer

Jack G. Bertolino, MD · Answer

Any health care provider can do fillers if taught appropriately. The provider should have insight on their thickness, where to place them and where not to place them. How to reverse them and the different categories they belong to. Go for a consultation to feel comfortable and look at reviews. Hope this helps. JB

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Most states allow only licensed physicians to inject facial fillers. There are some exceptions where qualified and trained health care professionals like nurses, physicians assistants, medical assistants and nurse practitioners are licensed to inject facial fillers. The state medical board will be able to guide you on the regulations for your state.States allowing for other health care professionals to inject fillers require a doctor be on site to supervise injections. Only a doctor can order the fillers from the manufacturer. Strict supervision of doctors by Allergan, the makers of Botox, help protect and insure you are not at risk when you decide to get treatment. Florida, Texas, California and Oklahoma are a few of the states allowing for injection by other health care professionals.If the injector is not a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, or dermatologist, just be sure the injector has been fully trained (certificates may be posted in the office) and has photos of results before and after the injections on his/her website.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

If you like this doc, then give him/her a chance. The more experience your doc has, the better the results usually. Derm surgeons have by far the most experience in filler and botox.  Plastic surgeons don't like doing them or just aren't patient enough to do it right so they let their nurses do it for them as a rule (which is a good thing in that case). ha ha

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear teewin243,
it is not illegal for family doctor to inject fillers. However, in order to have good results, he/she should have a good training. I would recommend finding a plastic surgeon to perform your injections. Most of my patients have results that last at least 6 months.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

You will find that physicians from many specialties performing facial filler and botox injections. It really does come down to training and experience, though. When it comes to the face you want someone performing your facial filler treatment who has extensive experience with the procedure along with the training and knowledge of the facial anatomy. Physicians board certified in core specialties (such as facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery and dermatology) typically have extensive training in this type of treatment. Separate from this is the doctor's aesthetic eye and judgment. You can learn more about facial filler treatment at my web reference link below.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear teewin243,I have a good friend who is not core trained (plastics, dermatology), but he is a world class injector. He took the time to learn the anatomy, evaluate his technique, and train extensively. He left his previous specialty and devoted his entire career to injectables. I would trust him with my face.Contrast that with most non-core physicians, who are doing injectables on the side to make extra income. That to me, is really the question. Is the injector devoting the time and commitment is takes to become a world class injector. If not, I would find another.Hope this helps,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Gordon Andan, MD · Answer

Great question. Family doctors and nurses are legally able to provide injectable treatments like fillers and BOTOX®. However, that does not necessarily mean they are the best choice of providers for these services. Fillers require an aesthetic eye, proper technique and years of experience in order to get them just right. In many cases, family physicians do not have this experience since it is not the focus of their practice.

If you’re still interested in working with this provider, schedule a consultation and inquire about his or her experience and training specific to dermal fillers.

If you’re still interested in working with this provider, schedule a consultation and inquire about his or her experience and training specific to dermal fillers.

Andres G. Sarraga, MD, FACS · Answer

Depends on the state that they practice but in general they are allowed to perform fillers. Also nurses, physician assistants and dentists. I would caution patients to go to places where these products are too inexpensive (too good to be true) or inexperienced providers.
I have been injecting for the last 8 years and still learning every day. Fillers and Botox are procedures that have possible serious complications; always put yourself in the best hands. The rule of thumb is if the provider can't or doesn't know how to handle a complication from the procedure maybe you should seek treatment elsewhere.

Cesar Aguiluz, DO, MPH · Answer

Great Question.
Legally, a family doctor can inject fillers and Botox if they have a medical license to practice medicine. That being said, a family Doctor should have completed extensive training and certification in order to do so safely. Remember, the most important aspect of getting injectables is the experience, knowledge and training of the injector itself. I would recommend that you research your provider to make sure he/she has the appropriate training and certification to safely use them.

Can a board certified family doctor do facial fillers?

Answers (15)

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