Thousands of people have received Botox injections. It’s a fairly painless procedure that involves injecting proteins from botulism toxins into the skin. This is done to help minimize and smooth out lines and crow’s feet. Botox works by paralyzing specific facial muscles, which gives the face a smooth, wrinkle-free look. However, it is not a long-term solution and requires periodic injections to maintain the look.

Who can become Botox certified?

The answer to this question varies from state to state. However, in general, physicians, DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy), nurses, physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners can become botox training certified. It’s even possible for people called aestheticians to become Botox certified.

However, it’s important to understand that only physicians can buy Botox and it must be administered either by the physician or someone under their supervision.

What is Botox certification?

This is the question that has no simple answer. There is only one professional association that certifies people to do Botox treatments. It is the International Association For Physicians In Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM). The Association promotes itself as the world’s leading association for physicians engaged in minimally invasive aesthetic medicine. It trains MDs, DOs, PAs, RNs and NPs with comprehensive hands-on Botox training led by board-certified cosmetic dermatologists.

The IAPAM conducts its training over a two-day period-usually over a weekend. At the end of the two days, those attending will be certified by the Association.

Beyond this, there are all kinds of Botox certification. It’s possible to become Botox certified by taking a two-day class at a university or at an Institute specializing in Botox training. For example, the Esthetic Skin Institute (ESI) offers professionals the opportunity to obtain Botox certification. There are also organizations that certify people to perform Botox injections. Two examples of these are the National Laser Institute and the MesoAesthetic Training Institute.

Who can become Botox certified?

Plastic surgeons are most likely to become Botox certified. They can arrange to have staff members become Botox certified. DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy) can also become certified.

Finding training in your state

Using Botox to help patients look and feel younger is a growing area. It is generally not covered by insurance and can cost as much as $500 per treatment. The procedure is quick and risk free – given proper training in administering the injections. However, like any medical procedure, it comes with a small degree of risk as “botched” injections can paralyze certain facial muscles. For example, the actor Dana Delany had a botched Botox treatment that left her with a droopy eye. Reality star Kate Gosselin also got a botched Botox job that left her looking a bit weird – though her problem was able to be corrected.

If you are a physician and are interested in Botox certification but unsure where to go for training – or where to send your people – you might contact your state medical association botox training and ask for recommendations. You could contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for information or you could try your state medical school.

Until a few years ago getting Botox certified was difficult to achieve. While Botox certification is now widely available, you need to make sure you choose the right program to learn the skills needed to deliver exceptional treatment. There are online certification courses available, but research them to ensure you get the information and hands-on experience you need to safely perform this kind of medical treatment.