Can An Esthetician Do Botox?

Botox is one of the most popular injectables available in the beauty industry, and for good reason. With just a few jabs, your clients can enjoy a younger, wrinkle-free face with minimal downtime. 

Despite some bad press early on for unnatural-looking results, a skilled provider can leave clients looking years younger! And, as a bonus, it can significantly increase your bottom line. But there’s a catch when working with injectables as an esthetician, which we’ll discuss below.

Let’s get under the surface of the process and requirements behind this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure! 

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable cosmetic product that’s been a mainstay of the beauty industry since the 1990s. Using a toxin derived from the botulinum bacteria it temporarily prevents the muscles under the surface of the skin from moving. Once injected, it smooths out frown lines, crow's feet, and deep wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

As the only FDA-approved injectable for improving facial lines and wrinkles, it’s a powerful tool in your arsenal.

What does the Botox injection process look like?

The process of injecting Botox is similar to other injectables. You’ll use a thin needle to place small amounts of the product into specific muscles that cause facial wrinkles. By targeting these areas, you can preserve natural-looking facial expressions.

This procedure requires a deep understanding of how the facial muscles work together. With that knowledge, your clients will experience the best that Botox has to offer!

How safe is Botox?

In order for the FDA to approve the use of botulinum toxin, it had to meet medical use standards. Used correctly, it’s considered a safe product. However, incorrect use can result in some unwanted side effects, and it should only be used by or under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

What type of esthetician works with Botox?

Generally, a cosmetic nurse or nurse esthetician is allowed to work with Botox in most states. The requirements vary from state to state. However, most require that practitioners hold a medical degree or work directly under the supervision of a physician. 

According to Glassdoor, cosmetic nurses and nurse estheticians have an average salary of  $64,000 and $105,000 per year. It’s higher than average because they can perform more invasive procedures than a typical esthetician. They can also provide other services like hair removal and chemical peels.

Med spas are the most common place to work with this product outside a plastic surgeon's office. A physician may supervise and prescribe the medication in this setting, but a nurse esthetician does the injecting.

Requirements for an esthetician to be able to handle Botox

You'll need to meet specific requirements before you pick up your needle and begin working as an injection specialist. Laws are rigidly followed and enforced because of the potential for dangerous outcomes.

Understand your state’s regulations

As we’ve mentioned, each state has specific regulations about who can provide injectable services. Often, this includes Botox and dermal fillers. You’ll need to understand the rules before you begin offering these services.

Remember, they’re meant to protect your future clients and you. 

The most important requirement is training and education

Most states require an RN degree and an esthetician’s license before you begin using injectables in your practice. A four-year degree and specific training on using this class of medical products is a must in most locations. There are many hands-on courses if you want to begin using them, and most states require them.

You can take a Botox certification course that covers things like facial anatomy, safety protocols, injection techniques, and other topics. 

You need to possess a valid license to practice with Botox

A valid medical license is also required before you can practice with Botox. Physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, and dentists can use this product. 

A common requirement is collaboration with a medical professional

In nearly every instance, Botox must be prescribed by a medical professional. Working under their supervision, you may do the actual procedure if you hold the correct licenses. Med spas frequently have one physician on staff who supervises the practice. Some work with several spas in that capacity to provide medical oversight.

Insurance is required when working with Botox

Because of the highly technical and delicate nature of working with Botox, you’ll need malpractice insurance before you begin. Professional liability insurance protects medspas and individuals when things go wrong. Even though you strive to provide the best services to all of your clients, protecting yourself with a robust insurance plan is vital. 

Client consultation to check medical history is required

Before using Botox, you must check your client's medical history for any red flags. Pregnant or nursing people shouldn’t receive this treatment, and those with neuromuscular medical conditions are also ruled out. Additionally, anyone allergic to the product shouldn’t have it injected.

Understanding your client’s aesthetic goals and medical needs is essential to using Botox responsibly. 

Bosses in Beauty is here to help you on your way to working with Botox!

Working with Botox is one path estheticians can pursue to increase their bottom line. Bosses in Beauty is here to help you build your business from the ground up! Our expertise in the health and beauty industry is second to none. We’ve developed training programs to help you grow your medspa or salon into a six or seven-figure gold mine!

Check out our website to sign up for our courses today!

The leader in education and information for beauty professionals around the world.