Anti-aging injections have become exceedingly popular in medical practices across the country. So popular, that it has become a growing trend in plastic surgery offices to utilize trained nurses to cover the demand. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) President, Roxanne Guy, MD says she believes nurse injectors can be a valuable addition to a plastic surgery practice if the correct training steps are taken.
Patients should look for specific steps and training when choosing a nurse injector:
- Appropriate medical education
- Licensure and training specific to the delivery of cosmetic injections
- The nurse performs injections in a medical setting supervised by the prescribing physician
- The nurse follows the appropriate steps in performing cosmetic injections
- All patients are given informed consent documents that define the risks and benefits of the procedure
The Plastic Surgery Channel interviewed nurse injectors at the medical practice of Dr. Louis P. Bucky, a board certified plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about the unique qualities they offer to their patients.
Kim Ragone, BSN, RN
Kim is certified as a clinical nurse injector for Botox and dermal fillers and annually instructs the residents at the University of Pennsylvania on the principles and technique of Botox and filler injections.
“Being a patient as well as a nurse injector uniquely qualifies us to make the patient’s experience more pleasant and deliver predictable results. I think what sets me apart is my experience, my ability to educate, and my passion for educating my patients so that they are able to make good choices for themselves knowing which product works best.”
Valerie Daily, BSN, RN
“I inject every day and I think that gives us invaluable experience over the years. I also work with three other nurse injectors. We educate each other by discussing results and the different products that are available. As nurses, our first and foremost goal is to take care of the patient, give them the most natural results, and make sure their needs are met.”
Dr. Lou Bucky says his nurse injectors regularly teach other physicians and nurses the art and science of Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse Belotero, and Sculptra injections. “As plastic surgeons, we really need to embrace the entire continuum or spectrum of facial aging and that includes non-invasives.” Bucky says his nurse injectors inject over 1000 patients per year.