Who Can Administer Botox Injections?
Botox is injected into the muscles that cause our most persistent wrinkles, blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles. Done in about 10 to 15 minutes, Botox offers results that can last approximately four months. Like any injection you'd want to receive, it should be done by an experienced health care professional---"experienced" being the key word. Does this Spark an idea?
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Who Exactly Can Administer Botox?
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Any health care professional can administer Botox; however, doctors who specialize in cosmetic procedures will have the most experience. Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors), and other doctors specializing in cosmetic procedures are usually experienced with Botox. In general, dermatologists, ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons are the ones who use it most, therefore their skills are probably better.
Can Registered Nurses (RNs) or Physician Assistants (PAs) Inject?
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Yes, depending on the state you live in. Contingent on your state's regulations, an RN or PA can administer Botox to patients. The Physician's Coalition for Injectable Safety (PCIS) states that the RN or PA should be under the supervision of a qualified doctor who has prescribed the injection for you. The RN or PA should also be able to show proof of their medical education, training and licensure. The PCIS also states that the patient should always have the option of requesting a doctor to perform their injection.
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Qualified vs. Unqualified Doctors
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The bottom line is that any doctor can buy Botox. Even dentists can buy Botox and administer it legally. Just because a dentist is a doctor doesn't mean that she knows a whole lot about Botox. Dentists specialize in teeth and gums, after all. Unless your teeth have frown lines, stay away from dentists when it comes to Botox.
Who You Should Not Let Inject You
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Beware of people called "injection specialists." It could be what the receptionist was promoted to. You also should avoid "Botox parties." Mixing alcohol and Botox equals bad news---even if they are your BFFs.
Should You Go to a Day Spa, Salon or Hotel for Botox?
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If you are going to go to a day spa for your Botox, make absolutely sure that a qualified doctor is administering it or (depending on your state) a qualified RN or PA. Ask to see credentials.
In general, a medical environment is the best because it is a clean environment. Salons and hotel rooms are not the most sanitary environments. There's also the question of why a qualified doctor would perform Botox injections in a hotel room in the first place.
Make sure that what's being injected into you is real Botox. Counterfeit Botox can harm you. Make sure it is the real deal---ASK.
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References
- Photo Credit canadiannetmail/Creative Commons, dreamstime/Creative Commons, Bryan King/Creative Common, halloweencostumeideas/Creative Commons, carefair/Creative Commons, planmecause/Creative Commons
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Comments
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The person who wrote this article does not seem to understand the scope of dentistry. Dentist have years and years of training of the head. Not only do they treat the first part of the digestive tract, the oral cavity, they also treat neuromuscular problems of the face as well as perform surgical procedures on the jaw bones, palate, muscles, lips, tongue, mucosa and teeth. No one profession, with the exception of an anesthesiologist, administers more neuron altering drugs as a dentist. Dentist are every bit as qualified to administer Botox around the eyes as an ophthalmologist is around the mouth and certainly more qualified than a physician's assistant or a registered nurse.
