Is it necessary to be a Cosmetic Nurse to administer Botox?

Botox – we all have heard of it, we all know someone who uses it. Basically, it’s not such a foreign procedure anymore. In fact, it is quite common these days. But with popularity also comes the hazard of people not having enough knowledge and not being informed enough to make the right decisions – especially about the quality of Botox and the person they choose to administer the toxin to them.

First things first – what is Botox?

Botox is a drug which uses Botulinum toxin and is administered to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is also used to make the skin look tighter and younger than usual. While the discovery of Botox was quite a surprise, and was pretty unusual, now it has found its home in the cosmetic and beauty industry.

While it is good that people can now reduce signs of aging, and also use it for various medical conditions, it is important to make sure that you are not getting your botox shots from just some quack around the corner. Botox is a drug that needs to be prescribed by a medical professional.

What degree does one need to administer Botox injections?

If you are looking at becoming someone who can administer Botox injections to clients, then you need to have a degree which will certify you as a physician, a physician’s assistant, a dentist, a registered nurse or any other licensed healthcare practitioner. Once you have completed your course and training, you are well on your way to be able to give Botox shots on your own. Cosmetic nurses specialize in cosmetic related work – so that is a career path you can follow as well.

I want to be a Cosmetic Nurse! What should I do?

Cosmetic nurses are medical professionals who focus only on cosmetic or aesthetic cases. They can work out of a dermatologist’s office, or even at medical spas. Apart from just Botox, cosmetic nurses also do the following procedures:

• PRP
• Dermal fillers
• Hair restoration
• Non-invasive body contouring

To become a registered cosmetic nurse, you will first have to complete a degree to become a regular nurse. At least two years of working under a physician will give you ample experience, and help you learn the ropes of the medical industry better. If you want to go into dermatology, work under a dermatologist. If the cosmetic field is your calling, then work under a cosmetic physician. To up your skills as a cosmetic nurse, it is advised that you take further courses and training in the field – this will really elevate your career path.

How can I get certification to administer Botox?

Once you have your registration, take training courses, as this will be a good way to practice your Botox skills. Botox can be a very tricky drug to administer – especially if you hit the wrong nerve. So, be extremely careful and make sure that you are absorbing as much knowledge as you can from these courses.

What do Botox training courses cover?

Some of the core topics that are covered in these courses are:

• Consultations: making sure that you are giving your patient the right advice, and that you are setting the right expectations for them. Walk your patient through the process and let them know what to expect.
• How the drug works, on a deeper medical level. While the drug shows some very evident physical changes, there is a deeper change that is happening on a muscular and nervous level. Understanding all this will make you a better cosmetic nurse.
• In-depth learning about the face and other parts of the body where Botox is often administered.
• Learning about all the risks involved.
• Post-procedure care.

Additional Read: Practitioners Entering Cosmetic Medicine