Does one need to be board certified if injecting fillers, Kybella? Or can a doctor's assistant perform these procedures?

YES.  I would always suggest going to a physician for medical procedures such as Kybella.  Knowing the anatomy is critical to avoid complications such as injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.  

The important thing to remember with injectables is that it is a medical procedure so it requires skill and training, but it is also requires an artistic eye. You want to see someone with a lot of experience. Personally, I recommend a board certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. 

Thank you for your question. It is very important to seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatologists have the thorough knowledge of the anatomy required for injectables and fillers. 

Knowledge of anatomy is important when injecting fillers and kybella. I would see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for these procedures. While other doctors are performing these procedures (radiologists, cardiologists) this is not their field of medicine. You wouldn't want your dermatologist performing heart surgery for example. Doctors do residencies in their respective fields to become experts in their respective fields, this is for a reason. Go to an MD who is an expert in his field. 

Thank you for your question.  Laws vary from state to state, but in most of the US non-physicians are legally allowed to inject Botox, fillers, and Kybella.  These injectors vary in their qualifications, skills, and the degree of physician supervision under which they practice.  That said, all of these treatments have potentially serious risks and side effects, so it's important to ensure that your injector has knowledge of facial anatomy, extensive experience with cosmetic injections, and understands how to manage any complications in the unfortunate event that they occur.  For this reason, I only recommend seeing board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, or oculoplastic surgeons for cosmetic injections.  Best of luck! 

Thank you for your question.  It is important to seek a provider who has experience in providing the treatment that you are seeking.  The provider's specialty, the number of years of experience, the number of procedures performed and patients' experiences with a reputable provider should be researched.  There are board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeons that have never performed these procedures.   

Training for filler and Kybella injections is encouraged, and you certainly want someone with skill and experience. Unfortunately, board certification and letters behind a name are not indicators of skill or clinical judgment. These facts make it difficult for the lay person to know where to go for these services. I would recommend a well-established medical/surgical practice (Plastic Surgery, Oculoplastic/ Oculofacial Surgery, Dermatology, Cosmetic ENT) where there is some oversight by a physician. Risks and serious side effects are rare, but in the event of such an occurrence, you may need physician intervention. Best wishes.