Can a registered nurse administer fat dissolving injections?

Nurses, whether they be RNs or NPs, cannot inject Kybella because they have not been trained in the procedure. For that matter, neither can PAs (physician's assistants).  If you were my relative or close friend, I would want you to have this procedure with a trained core physician, a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, even if it were possible to have it performed by a nurse or PA.

The company which makes Kybella (Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, which is being purchased by Allergan) is taking the safest route in bringing the product to the public....that means only physicians and only selected physicians. BECAUSE there are potential risks with injections of this type that go beyond the usual, you will only find Kybella at the office of a requisite-trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon. 

Kybella is a form of a liver salt that is syntheic and works to damage fat cells when it is injected into them. In the clinical trials, 2 treatments a month apart had close to 50% improvement in fat reduction with some neck skin tightening/lifting (but this was a secondary outcome). More treatments, gave more improvement. In general it will take 4-6 treatments to get close to 75%+ improvement in most patients. There is pain and swelling during and after injection that can last a few hours to a few weeks/months. I suggest a formal consultation with a physician who is trained and speaks on neck rejuvenation, contouring and lifting. I am one of the few Kybella injection trainers and the majority of my practice is facial and body rejuvenation by fat removal surgical and non surgical options. Some people may benefit better from surgical lipocontouring and get more jawline and lower face improvement, as well as neck lifting, quickly -- within 3 days after the procedure. Kybella is not FDA approved to use in other areas other than the fat pad under the chin/submental area, and use in other areas could be unsafe. Again, please see an expert if you are considering treatment with this new medication. It does offer a great advance in our ability to reduce fat and contour the face. Only a select number of physicians will be injecting this medication at the beginning. Best, Dr. Emer.