With stories about unlicensed providers injecting fake Botox® at home parties and day spas injecting silicone into unsuspecting patients, it can be overwhelming to consider getting an injectable anti-aging treatment. How do we protect ourselves from scam artists; how do we know who can legally inject Botox and fillers?

In this article, we’re going to give you some quick and easy information about the laws governing injectable providers in Oregon and California so that you can “Know Before You Go.”

Who Can Legally Inject Botox and Fillers?

In all states, licensed physicians, physician assistants and nurses are able to administer Botox and fillers injections for facial rejuvenation. However, there are additional guidelines in Oregon and California that make a difference to patients seeking treatment as well.

Who can Legally Inject Botox in California?

California has some of the strictest laws governing injectable treatments. Injectable wrinkle relaxers like Botox and Dysport, and dermal fillers like Radiesse, must be administered by a physician; a PA, NP or RN is also legally permitted to administer injectables under the supervision of a licensed physician. Aestheticians are not permitted to inject Botox or dermal fillers in California, regardless of physician oversight.

Who Can Legally Inject Botox in Oregon?

Like California, physician supervision is required when physician assistants are providing Botox and filler treatments.  Nurse Practitioners, however, do not require physician oversight in Oregon when injecting cosmetic injectables. Nurses require either the supervision of a licensed Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to administer injectable products such as Botox, Dysport or Restylane. In the state of Oregon, aestheticians and medical assistants are also legally permitted to inject cosmetic fillers and botulinum toxin under the supervision of a physician as well.

Is it Safe for Aestheticians to Administer Botox and Fillers?

It is the professional opinion here at Skin by Lovely that having an aesthetician or any medically unlicensed individual perform your injectable treatment is risky, as they have not received any of the medical training that physicians, nurses and physician assistants receive.

Aestheticians are very well educated in how to care for the skin, but as dermal fillers are placed below the skin and Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are placed within the facial muscles, this is beyond the scope of their expertise and increases the risk of patient side effects and poor aesthetic results. It is for these reasons that, while it’s legal for aestheticians and medical assistants to administer Botox in Oregon, we recommend seeking out a practice that employs only licensed physicians, physician assistants and nurses for your injectable anti-aging treatments.

How Do I Choose a Botox and Dermal Filler Provider?

Knowing the laws governing aesthetic injectables in your state is a good first start, but there’s more to consider when selecting a provider to trust with your health, safety and aesthetic results. These include the reputation of the practice and its staff in addition to their education, experience and results as seen in before and after photos. Finally, we recommend checking with your state medical boards to find information about any actions that may have been taken against a provider you’re considering for treatments.

For more information about choosing the right provider for your Botox and dermal filler treatments, plus more information about who can legally inject Botox and fillers, please refer to our Guide to Choosing a Botox Provider.

Who Administers Botox and Fillers at Skin by Lovely?

Skin by Lovely’s staff in Santa Monica, CA and Portland, OR consists of physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses who can legally inject Botox and fillers, and who have received additional training in the best injection techniques. Furthermore, many of our providers are Certified Allergan Trainers, which means they teach other medical providers on injection techniques for Botox and Juvederm. This makes our team of Aesthetic Injection Specialists uniquely qualified to provide our patients with the best results.

Schedule a Consultation in Santa Monica, CA or Portland, OR

Looking for a licensed Botox and dermal filler provider in the Portland or Los Angeles areas? Schedule a consultation with one of our Aesthetic Injection Specialists at Skin by Lovely, and get started on your path to facial rejuvenation today!

Note quite ready to schedule an appointment? Visit our Instagram of actual Skin by Lovely patients and their amazing cosmetic results.