Some nurses can inject botox for cosmetic treatments.
However, they must obtain proper training and experience before administering these treatments.
Nurses without sufficient training cannot inject botox.
Those who perform botox injections are known as aesthetic/cosmetic nurses.
Being an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse usually requires experience in a related field with previous experience as a registered nurse.
During this time, they learn the ins and outs of their work, shadow healthcare professionals, and gain experience.
Many nurses also obtain botox and cosmetic certificates to ensure they provide proper treatments.
Proper certifications allow aspiring aesthetic/cosmetic nurses to get jobs more quickly and ensure the employer hires the right person for the job!
Aesthetics/Cosmetics Nurse Overview
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses perform non-surgical procedures to improve their client’s appearance and how they feel.
Many people who seek cosmetic care want to look younger, improve their skin, or enhance certain features.
However, it’s also practical for those with skin conditions who need reparative treatments and skincare education, like reducing/preventing acne.
Aesthetics/cosmetic nurses perform various treatments daily, allowing their clients to look their best.
It includes providing acne treatment, fillers, injectables, laser removal, and dermabrasion.
They also perform tattoo removal, chemical peels, hair removal, and light therapy.
Common Botox Treatments
- Acne treatments
- Fillers and injectables
- laser removal
- Tattoo removal
- Chemical peels
- Dermabrasion
- Hair removal
Procedures may involve treatments around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, lips, and crow’s feet.
Often, these healthcare professionals work under a qualified physician or nurse practitioner to ensure they follow appropriate procedures.
Daily Responsibilities
Not all aesthetic/cosmetic nurses perform the same duties.
Their responsibilities vary depending on their position, state, and employer.
That said, there are typical duties most aesthetic/cosmetic nurses perform.
It includes taking/assessing medical histories, educating patients on procedures, checking vitals, monitoring treatment progress, and evaluating clients’ healing/recovery.
They also maintain a clean/sanitary work environment, prepare equipment/tools, and assist physicians, dermatologists, and nurse practitioners.
At the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, you can learn more about nurses utilizing laser, light, and energy-emitting devices.
Certification Requirements
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses don’t require certification in most cases.
However, it is highly beneficial to obtain certifications for various reasons.
Firstly, obtaining certification shows that nurses understand how to perform various cosmetic procedures.
As a result, they’re more likely to get hired because the employer knows they’ve received proper training.
It can also help them receive better job opportunities and negotiate higher pay due to their certifications.
Sometimes, an employer may limit aesthetic/cosmetic nurses’ treatments until they obtain certification or proper training.
Therefore, aspiring aesthetic/cosmetic nurses must determine whether an employer requires/prefers certification to ensure the best chance of acquiring the position.
The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery explores several aesthetic registered nurse certifications for those interested in particular specialties.
With that said, not all certifications are required or desired by employers.
Only focus on the certifications (if any) an employer deems essential if you’re going to work for them.
Many cosmetic offices are private businesses.
As a result, the business’s employer decides who to hire based on their experience, training, and certifications.
Can Nurses Own An Aesthetics Practice?
Yes, some registered nurses can own and operate an aesthetic practice.
However, they must receive post-graduate education to become aesthetic nurse practitioners.
It requires 2 – 4 years for existing registered nurses to obtain sufficient education to start a practice.
Those without prior nursing experience may require 6 – 8 years of education to become an aesthetic nurse practitioner.
There are numerous benefits of being an NP.
For instance, they can act as primary care providers, prescribe medications, open clinics/practices, and diagnose conditions.
A nurse practitioner’s responsibilities and scope of practice vary depending on specialization and state regulations.
Full-practice states allow nurse practitioners to practice independently.
However, reduced or restricted practice states have more limitations.
For instance, the state may require NPs to work with physicians to sign off on particular patient care needs or manage specific office duties.
Caring Comes First
This profession requires lots of humility, caring, and compassion.
Some patients seek treatment due to depression, poor self-image, anxiety, or body dysmorphia.
It’s not uncommon for clients to want to initiate procedures that aren’t beneficial or wise.
Therefore, nurses must understand their patient’s needs and mindsets to provide healthy solutions rather than worsen their situation.
Botox can make individuals look younger and fuller.
However, clients can overdo botox treatments and create an undesirable appearance.
An aesthetic/cosmetic nurse’s responsibility is to consult the patient and help them make healthy/effective decisions.
Preventing Improper Botox Use
Botox or botulinum is a protein/toxin injected during cosmetic procedures to act as a wrinkle muscle relaxer.
Most Botox treatments are minimally invasive and safe.
However, improper use of botox can cause various health issues and medical conditions and negatively impact a client’s appearance.
As a result, aesthetic/cosmetic nurses must learn to utilize botox in the correct proportion and with proper application.
Clients must understand the risks and side effects associated with botox use.
It includes tiredness, headaches, double vision, swelling or a drooping eyelid area, dry eyes, and allergic reactions.
Therefore, clients must understand the risks before seeking botox treatment.
Other Botox Uses
Botox isn’t just for improving an individual’s facial appearance.
It also helps improve overactive bladders, decrease excessive sweat, treat lazy eyes, reduce neck spasms, and manage other conditions.
Its also utilized in the lower extremities to manage muscle function.
Botox weakens or paralyzes muscles to achieve a desired aesthetic or physical response.
Additional Resources:
- I’m an aesthetic nurse practitioner
- How to become an aesthetic nurse
- The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery