Can nurses administer Botox? The answer is usually, "yes.
" This assumes that they have received Botox certification and this is permitted in their state.
The question of who can administer Botox injections varies from state to state.
However, in most states, Medical Doctors (MD's), Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.
O.
's), nurse practitioners, registered nurses and physician's assistants can become Botox certified and perform the treatments.
However, in most cases the Botox injections will be done by a plastic surgeon; someone who knows and understands facial muscles and how they work.
However, some of these surgeons may delegate this to a staff member.
The important thing is that no matter who is injecting the Botox, it must be done under the supervision of a physician.
Why receive Botox treatments from a physician? Botox treatments have become very popular.
Hollywood stars have had them as have stars of reality programs such as Kate Gosselin.
This procedure has become quite mainstream and lots of regular people have had the procedure done.
It's usually no more painful than a bee sting.
However, it is still a medical procedure and should be viewed accordingly.
Plus, Botox injections can be botched.
Kate Gosselin's was and for a time, her face looked a little weird.
Fortunately, her problem was correctable.
In contrast, the actor Dana Delaney had permanent damage from a botched treatment and ended up with a drooping eyelid.
There is a husband and wife team in California that had to be hospitalized as the result of Botox treatments that went awry.
What is Botox certification? That's a question that's not easy to answer.
There is no universal, national Botox certification.
Your state may not even have certification as such.
Most states have standardized rules for certifying plumbers and electricians but none that we know of to certify people for administering Botox.
One organization, the International Association For Physicians In Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) has a certification program.
Its training courses are generally held over weekends.
Anyone who completes the several days of training is awarded Botox Certification.
The Esthetic Skin Institute (ESI) also offers two days of certification training.
There are other organizations such as the National Laser Institute and the MesoAesthetic Training Institute that provides Botox certification.
Beyond this, you can probably find Botox certification courses at your state university, state medical school or local college.
How are Botox treatments performed? These treatments are usually done in the office of a plastic surgeon, physician or a Doctor of Osteopathy.
In some cases they may be done in an aesthetics clinic.
If you choose to have your treatment done at one of these facilities, make sure the person who is administering the Botox has his or her Botox certification and is working under the supervision of a physician.
If you want to be totally safe, have your Botox treatments done by plastic surgeon.
He or she will be much more experienced in working with your facial muscles than a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner who was certified after several days of training.
It pays to be careful While Botox treatments are commonplace and thousands of people have had them, they are medical procedures and like any medical procedure can go wrong.
Before you trust your face to someone-even if that someone has Botox certification - make sure that the person has performed the procedure many times and has a great track record for success.