Featured Articles
When regulatory warnings become reality
Last week, Spa & Clinic reported on a Queensland tribunal decision that marks a significant moment for the aesthetic industry.
Last week, Spa & Clinic reported on a Queensland tribunal decision that marks a significant moment for the aesthetic industry.
A registered nurse has been banned from practice for two years after administering Schedule 4 medicines without a valid medical consultation or prescription, and for continuing to practise while suspended. The findings are confronting, but they’re also an opportunity to learn, reflect, and improve our own practices.
As Spa & Clinic noted, the decision sends “a clear signal that Ahpra and the National Boards are no longer tolerating breaches that have long concerned regulators.” That signal matters for every cosmetic injector in Australia.
According to the tribunal findings, the practitioner administered restricted medicines without authorisation, falsified clinical records, and continued treating patients despite regulatory restrictions. The tribunal determined this behaviour constituted professional misconduct and highlighted the importance of deterrence, both for the practitioner involved and for the wider industry.
Ahpra CEO, Justin Untersteiner, reinforced this shift:
“We will leave no stone unturned to investigate and take action against practitioners who do the wrong thing.”
For years, Australia’s aesthetic industry has operated in an environment where expectations have been tightening, but enforcement has been inconsistent. That era has now ended.
This case reinforces several non-negotiables:
- Patient Safety is paramount.
- Schedule 4 medicines must only be administered following an appropriate medical consultation, and all medications must have a valid prescription in place for the patient.
- Medicines must be supplied to the authorised practitioner, stored, and administered in accordance with state and territory regulations.
- Clinical records must be accurate, complete, and truthful.
- Any Aphra registration conditions and suspensions must be strictly followed.
When a medication is not supplied by the prescribing provider, the chain of custody is compromised, creating uncertainty regarding the medication's origin and accountability. In such instances, practitioners cannot assume clinical responsibility for the safety, integrity, or efficacy of products they did not procure or oversee.
In the event of an adverse clinical reaction, audit, or complaint, clear and accurate records are critical. They provide transparency around the supply, prescribing, and administration of the medication, and protect both patient safety and the practitioner/s involved.
These are not administrative details, but the professional standards expected of every healthcare practitioner. They are fundamental patient safety obligations, and failing to uphold them carries serious consequences.
At Fresh Clinics, our mission has always been to support nurses to build sustainable, compliant aesthetic practices — backed by education, systems, and clinical governance that stand up to scrutiny.
This moment matters for our industry. It’s an opportunity to raise standards, protect patients, and ensure aesthetic medicine remains a respected, trusted profession.
Read the full Spa & Clinic article here.
Menopause Awareness Month: What every cosmetic nurse should know
Menopause Awareness Month: Understand the impact of hormonal changes on skin. Learn how aesthetic nurses can better support patients during this transition.
This Menopause Awareness Month, we sat down with Dr Izzy Sillar to talk about something that affects every woman, but is still so often overlooked: menopause.
For women, menopause isn’t just a hormonal shift. It’s a whole-body transition that affects skin, mood, sleep, energy, and confidence. And for cosmetic nurses, it’s an opportunity to change how women experience this stage of life.
“Perimenopause and menopause… is a clinical diagnosis. We don’t actually rely on blood tests or serum markers… It’s based on the clinical picture.” - Dr Izzy.
That one shift in mindset can change how you consult, treat, and support patients who are 40+ in your aesthetic clinic.
Perimenopause vs. Menopause
“Menopause is diagnosed as being 12 months since their last menstrual period. And perimenopause is less than 12 months, where we’re seeing changes in the menstrual cycle.”
Dr Izzy outlined a typical trajectory:
- Mid–late 30s: testosterone trends down.
- Early 40s: progesterone declines.
- Mid-40s onward: estrogen drops.
As estrogen falls, cycles often space out or go missing. Skin can feel thinner, joints ache (hands, knees, lower back), and patients frequently report the “middle-aged spread.”
“When we lose estrogen… our fibroblasts become dysregulated… This can translate to skin becoming thinner, [and] joints… more sore. It’s really common… to gain weight around the tummy… even when eating well and exercising."
Why this matters in aesthetics
For too long, menopause has been underdiagnosed and undertreated.
“Currently, 85% of women are mismanaged for a condition that affects 100% of women by age 55.”
By adding women’s health pathways to your practice, you’re helping to close a major gap in medicine. You’re saying: we see you, and your experience matters.
"We have safe ways to manage this in conjunction with lifestyle… and it’s absolutely a woman’s right to have access to this.” - Dr Izzy.
Untreated symptoms aren’t just inconvenient.
“Heart attacks become the third biggest killer for women [not on appropriate therapy]. Fragility hip fractures… 75%… are in fact women… small falls shouldn’t be something that is going to take their life.”
Connecting patients to competent care is essential to preventive health.
Ready to support your patients holistically?
“Position yourself as more than an injector — become a guide.”
If you’re a Fresh Clinics member, you can access Fresh Health and start referring today. Not yet a member? Get in touch and we’ll show you how to integrate safe, modern women’s health support into your clinic.
Why Clinical Excellence Drives Success
Why clinical excellence drives sustainable success: Discover how prioritizing patient safety and high standards builds a loyal client base and profitable clinic.
In today’s booming aesthetics industry, clinics are popping up on every corner. Many chase growth with ads, discounts, and quick-win marketing tactics. But the truth is: the fastest-growing businesses aren’t the ones spending the most on ads — they’re the ones delivering the best patient outcomes.
At Fresh Clinics, we’ve supported more than 2,000 nurses and doctors in building thriving practices. The data is clear: clinical excellence is the #1 driver of clinic growth. Why? Because excellence fuels patient trust, and trust fuels referrals.
In this article, we’ll share:
- Proprietary insights from Fresh’s network of clinics
- Why referrals, not ads, are the ultimate growth engine
- The Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model for sustainable success
The problem with “quick-fix” business growth
The aesthetics industry is often framed around leads, discounts, and fast revenue. Competitors offer:
- Paid ads campaigns
- Website rebuilds
- “Get more patients fast” playbooks
The issue? Patients notice the difference.
Poor consultation processes, unprepared practitioners, and inconsistent results lead to disappointment — and in some cases, safety risks.
Clinics built on short-term marketing tactics struggle to retain patients and eventually burn out.
Fresh data: Referrals are the growth engine
Fresh’s work with thousands of practitioners has revealed a simple truth: referrals account for the majority of sustainable growth in clinics.
- Practices that focus on complication management training see up to 2x more referrals within 6 months.
- Practitioners who adopt a consultation mastery framework report a 35% increase in repeat patient bookings.
- Clinics that deliver consistently superior outcomes see organic referral growth surpass paid acquisition by Year 2.
This is the compounding power of excellence. Each happy patient tells a friend, leaves a glowing review, and builds the practitioner’s reputation.
The Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model
We’ve codified what works into the Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model — a framework built on what we’ve seen across 2,000+ aesthetic clinics.
1. Consultation mastery
- A structured consultation builds trust and ensures tailored outcomes.
2. Complication confidence
- When practitioners are trained to handle complications, confidence radiates.
- Patients sense this security — leading to stronger loyalty and referrals.
3. Patient experience
- Every touchpoint matters: from the first consult to follow-ups.
- A superior patient journey drives love, loyalty, and advocacy.
4. Business growth through referrals
- Delivering excellence creates a flywheel: Great outcomes → Referrals → More patients → Sustainable revenue.
Why Clinical excellence builds premium brands
The benefits go beyond just growth:
- Exclusivity: Better practitioners attract better patients.
- Future-Proofing: As competition intensifies, only practices with clinical excellence will stand out.
- Industry Stewardship: Putting patients first sets Fresh and its members apart from negative industry trends.
In short, excellence isn’t just a growth strategy — it’s a brand strategy.
Key Questions Answered
What is the #1 way clinics grow?
Referrals. And referrals come from delivering excellent patient outcomes.
Why are referrals better than ads?
Ads can buy attention. But only excellence earns trust — and trust is what fuels long-term patient advocacy.
What role does complication management play in growth?
Confidence in handling complications radiates to patients. It builds safety, trust, and loyalty — all drivers of referrals.
What is the Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model?
A framework for sustainable success: Consultation Mastery, Complication Confidence, Patient Experience, and Business Growth via Referrals.
Conclusion: Excellence wins, every time
The aesthetics industry is evolving quickly. In the short-term, anyone can buy ads. In the long-term, only those who build their practices on clinical excellence will thrive. At Fresh, we’ve helped over 2,000 nurses and doctors achieve their dreams — by putting patients first, building confidence, and creating practices that grow on referrals. The future of aesthetics is clear: Excellence drives growth.
Latest Articles
The Real Faces of Fresh Clinics
We love showcasing our community, and firmly believe in leading by example. To abide by the same advertising rules as our Fresh Members, we took a bold step forward during our recent Brand Shoot – showcasing the REAL faces of Fresh!
The day commenced at
Not a Fresh Member?Reach out to our team today or schedule a time to chat below.
How to Attract and Keep the Right People in Your Clinic
Watch the full session here.
When we asked clinic owners about their biggest growth challenges in the 2025 State of Medical Aesthetics Report, nearly a quarter said one thing stood out: finding and keeping the right staff. And it’s not surprising. Having the right people beside you can make or break your business.
That’s what we recently explored in our SoMA session, 'Building Your Dream Team: Attracting and Keeping Top Talent in Your Clinic.' Hosted by Aniella, Business Development & Key Account Manager, from Fresh Clinics, the discussion featured two inspiring clinic owners, Olivia from A&O Cosmetics and Skin in Shepparton, and Hannah from Self Cosmetic Science in Adelaide. Between them, they’ve grown thriving teams in very different markets, but share one philosophy: get the culture right, and the rest will follow.
Hiring in a regional vs. city market
For Olivia, building a team in regional Victoria brings both challenges and benefits. “The pool that you are employing from is significantly smaller,” she shared. “People just really aren’t floating around here, being cosmetic nurses.” But being in a small town also means connections run deep. “When you do interview people, I’ve always known of them somehow. It has its pros and cons, but it’s worked out well for us so far.”
Hannah agreed that hiring is rarely easy, even in Adelaide. “It has taken time; we haven’t always had our dream team. I always say hire on personality, not on skill, and hire slowly. Our last hire took nine months. Do not rush it.”
Why personality matters
Both speakers agreed that a candidate’s personality, values, and ethics matter far more than their resume. As Hannah explained, “I don’t really care what experience someone has… they just need to be a good person and have really good ethics. I’m more than happy to then train someone up; they just need to be the right fit for the team.”
Olivia added that passion is a major green flag in an interview. “Those that’ll just be like, ‘I’ll do anything to work for you’ - that’s the drive you want to see.”
On the flip side, there are red flags that are just as obvious. Hannah warned against candidates who speak negatively about previous employers: “It puts a question in my mind - am I then going to be the person they talk about at their next interview?”
Rethinking the interview process
Like most business owners, both Olivia and Hannah admitted their approach to interviewing has evolved over time. Olivia laughed, remembering how nervous she was in her first interview: “I felt like I was going to vomit before it. It just came very unnaturally.” Today, her interviews are more conversational, focusing on personality and goals rather than stock standard questions. “I just trust my gut a lot more now,” she said.
Hannah has also moved away from rigid Q&As. “We try and be a lot more conversational now. We peel the onion back, find out their motivations, and we’re much more direct. Before, we wanted our staff to like us, but now it’s about making sure it’s the right fit both ways.”
Retention through culture
Attracting staff is one thing, but keeping them is where the real work begins. For both Hannah and Olivia, the secret lies in culture.
Flexibility is non-negotiable. “Most of my staff are mums. I’m a mum to two kids, so I get the juggle,” said Olivia. “If they need time off or want to go on holiday, if you give me notice, it’s nearly always a yes.”
Hannah has taken the same approach: “We only work a four-day work week. We don’t work weekends, and we’re not open on Wednesdays. Our staff absolutely love it.”
Recognition also plays a huge role. Olivia is deliberate about making her staff feel valued: “I’m always thanking my staff and celebrating their achievements. Feeling valued and appreciated is something you don’t get in a lot of workplaces, but it’s so important.”
Beyond pay and perks, what keeps staff loyal is the sense of belonging. Hannah’s approach is to find out what motivates each individual. “For some, it’s discounted treatments. For others, it’s flexible working arrangements or more education opportunities. It’s not always the obvious things.”
Both Hannah and Olivia also invest in shared experiences. From team dinners and after-work drinks to attending conferences together, they emphasise the importance of connection. “We’ve all become quite good friends,” said Hannah. “We celebrate our wins together, and that makes a huge difference.”
Setting new hires up for success
The onboarding process can make or break a new hire’s success. For Olivia, that means shadowing from day one, no matter how much prior experience someone has. "Regardless if they have experience, we will be doing things differently. It’s also about introducing them to the team, my family, even my kids - it’s social as well as clinical.”
Hannah also emphasised shadowing, but with a focus on consulting skills and clinic culture. “It’s not just about teaching them clinical skills. It’s more about how to talk to clients, our policies, and our procedures. That really can’t be taught in a day.”
Building your dream team isn’t about luck. It’s about patience, leadership, and creating a culture where people feel valued. As Olivia summed it up, “This is an us thing, it’s never a me thing. As I grow, I want to bring my team up with me.” When you put people first, you don’t just attract talent, you keep it.
Want more industry insights and business tips you won't find anywhere else? Join Fresh now!
Building your dream team: Attracting and keeping top talent in your clinic
Access this exclusive session with some of Australia's top clinics as they share their insights on how to build a thriving team.
Brought to you by Fresh Clinics exclusive State of Medical Aesthetics Report, 2025
Join our special guests:
- Olivia Feldtmann, ANO Cosmetics and Skin
- Hannah Rivers, Self Cosmetic Science
- Hosted by Aniella Leeks, Business Development and Key Account Manager at Fresh Clinics
What you'll learn:
- Simple but effective recruitment approaches that help you find the right fit, not just the right resume
- Onboarding secrets that set new team members up for success from day one
- How to create a clinic culture that makes staff want to stay for the long-term
- Practical leadership techniques that boost team satisfaction and performance
The Fresh Approach to Skin Fundamentals
Last week, Fresh Members had the opportunity to hear from Niva Leones, a passionate aesthetic nurse injector and founder of Bulverde Med Spa.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Niva brought her signature warmth, depth of knowledge, and practical strategies to a packed session focused on skin assessments, product integration, and patient outcomes.
‘’Aesthetics - I love it with all my heart," Niva shared. "I've been blessed to work alongside great cosmetic surgeons, and I want to pass on what’s helped me build a loyal, thriving patient base."
And if there’s one thing Niva made clear from the very beginning, it’s that: "Cosmetic medicine isn’t just about treatments. It’s about trust. It’s about connection. That’s how you build a long-term career."
Start with the skin
It’s tempting to focus on injectable plans or treatment menus, but as Niva reminded us, real results come from taking the time to understand the canvas you’re working with - the skin.
"They don’t teach skincare in nursing school," she said. "If you want to offer comprehensive care, you need to really understand the skin, and not be afraid to touch the face, assess the tissue, and ask the right questions."
Niva spoke passionately about using tools like the Fitzpatrick Scale* - not in a textbook sense, but with a human-first mindset. She encouraged open, respectful conversations about a patient’s background, skin structure, sensitivity, hormonal balance, heritage, and lifestyle.
"It’s not intrusive to ask about a patient’s background; it’s critical for giving them the right care," she explained. "That’s how you deliver results that patients trust you for."
*The Fitzpatrick Scale is a system used to classify skin types based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. It categorizes skin into six types, with Type I being the most sensitive to the sun and Type VI being the least sensitive.
This scale helps in determining appropriate sun protection measures and understanding a person's risk of skin damage.
Why microneedling and peels matter (more than you think)
Niva encouraged our members to master the fundamentals first. Start with:
- Specialising in microneedling
- Offering chemical peels
- Dermaplaning and skin prep
- Layer in laser hair removal or simple energy devices when you're ready
"You don’t need to invest $300,000 in fancy equipment straight away," Niva said. "You need technique. You need trust. And you need a strong understanding of the skin’s needs."
Build your product range the smart way
Selling skincare products can sometimes feel awkward - unless you follow Niva’s golden rule: Only recommend what you genuinely believe in and use yourself.
"Patients can tell if you’re pushing something," she said. "Start small. Stock the products you love. Trust builds from there."
She also encouraged practitioners to leverage programs like Alle and Aspire to create loyalty incentives without extra cost, adding value to the patient experience while strengthening retention.
Above all, Niva encouraged nurses and PAs to be confident in recommending treatments and products as part of their professional duty of care.
"As nurses, recommending the right treatments isn’t about sales, it’s about helping your patients feel their best. Stick to what you know. Stick to science. Trust will follow."
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your med spa, Fresh Clinics is here to support your growth. Reach out to our team today!
Why Med Spas are Adopting Exosomes
Are you searching for the next groundbreaking innovation in skincare to offer to your patients?
Welcome to the world of exosomes, the tiny yet mighty cellular communicators revolutionizing skin quality.
During a recent Fresh Clinics webinar, expert trainer Rajdi Gemeri, a registered nurse and owner of Pause Mediclinic in Australia, explored the science behind exosomes, their clinical applications, and how practitioners can integrate them into their med spas.
What are Exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles that play a crucial role in cell communication. They carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids as molecular messengers that promote skin regeneration, collagen production, and overall tissue repair.
"I like to explain exosomes to my patients as ‘text messages for your skin,’ sending signals to behave optimally," explained Rajdi.
Unlike traditional growth factors used in skincare, exosomes offer a more advanced, targeted approach by delivering bioactive materials directly to skin cells, resulting in stronger, healthier, and more resilient skin.
Clinical Application: Bringing Exosomes to Your Practice
The versatility of exosome therapy allows it to be seamlessly incorporated into existing treatments. In fact, exosomes are most effective when combined with procedures that create microchannels in the skin, allowing deeper penetration:
- Micro-needling: When combined with micro-needling, exosomes penetrate the skin more effectively, enhancing their regenerative effects. The micro-needling process creates tiny channels that allow exosomes to deliver deeper into the skin layers, resulting in improved texture, reduced pore size, and a reduction in pigmentation
- Energy-Based Devices: Exosomes can be applied post-treatment for those with access to lasers or radiofrequency devices. They accelerate healing, reduce downtime, and act as an anti-inflammatory
- Injectable Combinations: Exosomes can be applied alongside bio stimulators for enhanced skin rejuvenation
One of the greatest advantages of exosomes is their simplicity of use. Clinicians can add exosome therapy to existing treatments without extending session times.
"If you're already offering micro-needling or laser treatments, adding exosomes is a natural next step. It enhances results, improves patient satisfaction, and increases your service value,” Rajdi shared.
Boosting Your Business: Financial Benefits
Many clinics report doubling their hourly turnover after introducing exosome treatments.
For instance, a clinic that typically charges $350 for skin needling can add exosome therapy as an additional $350 service, increasing treatment revenue to $700. This straightforward addition can increase business profitability while delivering impressive outcomes for patients.
Patients are becoming more educated and are actively seeking non-invasive, regenerative treatments. Businesses that offer exosome therapy set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive market.
Rajdi’s advice is clear: "Don't overthink it. Just go with it and watch the magic happen."
The future of skincare is here. Want to incorporate exosomes into your clinic? Reach out to our team today.
Member Spotlight: Glam Haux
Nestled in the heart of downtown McKinney, Texas, Glamhaux Med Spa is redefining beauty and wellness, thanks to its founder's expertize and passion, Taryn Hooper.
With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, including 15 years in nursing and aesthetics, Taryn has built a reputation for delivering natural-looking results that empower her clients to feel confident and radiant.
“I’ve always been passionate about aesthetics,” Taryn shared. “Helping people enhance their natural beauty and feel good about themselves is what drives me every day.”
A Journey of Empowerment
Taryn’s journey into aesthetics began after years of working in nursing and teaching. Her experiences at other med spas inspired her to branch out on her own in 2024, creating a space where she could personally connect with her clients and focus on their unique needs.
“It just made sense to go out on my own,” Taryn explained. “I’ve worked for different med spas and taught at an institute here in Dallas, but my passion is really about working closely with my patients. Owning my own practice allowed me to integrate that personal touch.”
When it came to taking the leap, Taryn leaned on her network of fellow nurses and nurse practitioners for advice and encouragement. “My friends and even my patients believed in me before I believed in myself,” she recalled. “That support made all the difference.”
Partnering with Fresh Clinics
Taryn discovered Fresh Clinics through a recommendation from a close friend and fellow nurse practitioner. Since joining, she has relied on Fresh for compliance, medical directorship, and support.
“Fresh Clinics has been amazing,” Taryn said. “From the onboarding process to ongoing support, they’ve walked me through every step. Their team is always there when I need help, whether it’s compliance checks or product-related issues.”
One feature Taryn particularly appreciates is the ease of managing good faith exams. “Having everything in the app, from approvals to patient history, saves so much time and keeps me compliant. It allows me to focus on what I love - treating my patients.”
Beyond compliance and medical oversight, Taryn values the sense of community that Fresh Clinics encourages. “It’s a big world, but the aesthetics community can feel so small. Connecting with other practitioners has been incredibly rewarding.” she shared.
Glamhaux Med Spa offers a range of services, including neurotoxins, fillers, microneedling, and wellness-focused treatments like weight loss programs. “I’m always researching new innovations, like exosomes,” she said. “While they’re only approved for topical use in the U.S. right now, I’m excited about their potential.”
To nurses considering starting their own med spa, Taryn offers this advice: “Just go for it. Do your research, prepare for the highs and lows, and lean on your network for support. It’s a big leap, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
With Fresh Clinics as her trusted partner, Taryn is not only transforming her clients but the future of aesthetics in Texas.
Breaking the Stigma: Complication Management in Aesthetics
In aesthetic medicine, although rare, complications can and do happen. But rather than seeing them as failures, it’s time to shift the narrative.
Although these complications occur infrequently, their potential impact necessitates transparency, preparedness, and ongoing education.
During our recent international webinar, bringing together Members from the USA and Australia, Fresh Clinics co-founder Dr John Holbrook led a candid discussion on complication management, breaking down stigma, and ensuring patient safety remains the top priority in aesthetics.
A New Perspective on Complications
“Bad things happen. They’ll happen to all of us,” Dr Holbrook stated. “What matters more than anything is recognizing, escalating, and managing it appropriately.”
One of the most critical complications discussed was vascular occlusions (VO). Vascular occlusions are a rare but serious complication associated with dermal fillers. They occur in fewer than 0.05% of treatments.
Dr Holbrook reinforced that quick recognition and treatment are key: “Anytime you see vesicles, think necrosis. The answer is simple - open up the vessel with hyaluronidase.”
Vascular occlusion can sometimes be misdiagnosed due to varying symptoms, but practitioners were urged to act swiftly. “Pain is a helpful sign, but just because it’s painless doesn’t mean there’s no occlusion,” Dr Holbrook advised.
The Reality of Infections
While vascular occlusions require immediate dissolving of filler, infections can be more challenging. Immune-mediated inflammatory reactions can present anywhere from days to years after HA filler was initially injected. The swelling and tenderness in the distribution where the fillers were injected are often, but not always, triggered by illness in the patient a couple days prior to the swelling.
NSAIDs and prednisone are typically used to manage these reactions. If an infection is suspected, antibiotics and dissolving the filler are standard therapy. Dr Holbrook highlighted, “You are obliged to dissolve any filler post-infection, no matter what.”
Practitioners were reminded to take a proactive approach with close patient monitoring to prevent further complications such as abscess formation.
Seeking to maintain adverse events at less than 1% of treatments that occur is a shared mission. The Monthly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meetings hosted by Fresh Clinics highlight where and how practice can continuously improve.
No Practitioner is Alone
Breaking the stigma around complication management requires a collective shift in perspective.
Complications are not a reflection of incompetence but are part of cosmetic medicine and an opportunity to learn, improve practice, and enhance patient safety. Fresh Clinics offers ongoing support through its medical team, software, and training to ensure all practitioners have the knowledge and confidence to navigate complications.
If you want to be part of a network that prioritises safety, education, and professional growth, explore how Fresh Clinics can support you. Reach out to our team today.
The Business Blueprint: Essentials for Cosmetic Clinic Success
Access this exclusive session with some of Australia's top clinics as they share their insights on how to build a strong business foundation for your clinic.
Brought to you by Fresh Clinics exclusive State of Medical Aesthetics Report, 2025
Join our special guests:
- Meg McNeil and Lori Hogan, Derm Haus
- Lisa Rush, Lisa Rush Skin Clinics
- Bronywyn Roberts, Facestudio by Bronnie
- Hosted by Tealle Anderson, Community Insights & Content Manager at Fresh Clinics
What you'll learn:
- How to set meaningful business goals that drive real clinic growth
- Making sense of your financial statements (without needing an accounting degree!)
- The key performance indicators successful clinics track religiously
- Why having a business mentor dramatically increases your chances of success
- Practical systems to implement in your clinic starting tomorrow
Nurse Injector Training
How to become a nurse injector: training, certification & career guide
An estimated 25.4 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed in 2023 in the United States. Of these, neuromodulator injections such as Botox or Jeuveau accounted for nearly 9.5 million of them.
As demand grows for subtle, natural-looking enhancements, so does the need for skilled, certified nurse injectors, and it's higher than ever. If you're a registered nurse interested in expanding your skillset into the world of medical aesthetics, nurse injector training provides a good opportunity for career progression.
This guide breaks down what the training involves, where it can take you, and how Fresh Clinics can help you build a career in aesthetics.
What's the opportunity?
Non-surgical treatments like cosmetic injections are more in demand than ever before. But they can’t be performed without trained professional nurse injectors who can deliver safe, effective results.
In states like Texas and Pennsylvania, the need for both is especially high. That is why now is a great time for registered nurses to add this string to their bow.
Once trained, nurse aestheticians can work in medical spas and dermatology clinics or even start their own aesthetic practice with oversight from a medical director. With the right certification and support, these skills can open up a more flexible, higher-earning, and creatively fulfilling career path.
What does a nurse injector do in aesthetic medicine?
A nurse injector is a licensed healthcare professional, typically a registered nurse (RN), who specializes in performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Primarily, their main focus revolves around administering injectable treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers. These are used in treatments aimed at reducing fine lines, smoothing wrinkles, and restoring facial volume. The main purpose is to help patients achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance without the need for surgery or extended downtime.
In addition to dispensing injections, nurse injectors conduct thorough patient consultations and assess patients' medical history. They also design personalized treatment plans based on each client’s facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. To do this, they must have in-depth knowledge of facial muscles, nerves, and blood vessels to ensure they place injections accurately and safely, every time.
For a nurse injector, their key skills typically include possessing a precise injection technique, a strong understanding of product properties, and the ability to recognize and manage potential complications. They are also often responsible for educating patients about aftercare and ensuring strict ethical and legal standards are adhered to. In short, you could say that a nurse injector blends clinical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver safe, high-quality aesthetic outcomes.
Inside nurse injector training: what you’ll learn and why it matters
If you're exploring a career in aesthetic medicine, it's important to know what nurse injector training includes. In addition to teaching you how to inject patients properly, the right training gives you the medical, technical, and ethical foundation to deliver outstanding results.
Here is an overview of what you’ll learn and why it’s important.
Facial anatomy fundamentals
One of the first things your training will focus on is learning detailed facial anatomy. This is important because you’ll need to understand where muscles, nerves, and blood vessels lie under the skin. Such knowledge is crucial for every cosmetic procedure you’ll perform. It helps to avoid complications and achieve precise, natural-looking outcomes that patients will love.
Toxin and dermal filler techniques
Learning how to administer anti-wrinkle injections like Botox and dermal fillers safely and effectively is something you’ll be required to master. There is a good chance you will be performing many of these treatments. When training to be a nurse injector, you'll be taught how to treat areas like frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines, lips, and more. You’ll also develop the skill of adapting techniques based on the individual client’s face and goals.
Product knowledge and patient assessment
Nurse injector training also covers the differences between various injectable products, including their properties, uses, and how they interact with tissue. Once complete, you’ll be able to professionally practice consultation skills, such as how to assess patient suitability, manage expectations, and support physicians in obtaining the client's informed consent.
Complication management
Knowing how to recognize and handle side effects and rare adverse reactions is an essential part of being a nurse injector. That is why you will be trained to spot early warning signs and act quickly to protect patient safety, if required.
Hands-on training
Perhaps, most importantly, top-tier courses typically include live patient training. This is a vital step in the process because working in a real-life setting gives prospective nurse aestheticians valuable experience that online teaching alone can’t replicate.
Where can nurse injectors work?
Fully qualified injectors have a wide range of career options available to them in the aesthetic industry. Most commonly, they can work in medical spas, where treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are offered in a client-focused and relaxed environment.
However, others are employed in dermatology or plastic surgery clinics. Working in collaboration with physicians, they provide cosmetic injections as part of a broader medical service.
For those wanting to be their own boss, there’s also the option to work independently. Many nurse injectors start their own businesses or operate as mobile aesthetic providers. To do this, all they need is the right qualifications, access to a medical director, and proper documentation systems in place.
How to become a nurse injector: A step-by-step guide
If you’re ready to pursue a career as a nurse injector, Fresh Clinics makes each step easier by offering training, mentorship, and resources tailored to your career goals.
Here's an overview of what this entails.
Step 1: Become a registered nurse (RN)
To work as a nurse injector in Texas, Pennsylvania, and other states in the USA, you must hold a valid RN license. This license must be active and registered in the specific state where you plan to practice. It also requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Step 2: Gain clinical experience
While not always mandatory, having some hands-on experience in patient care can help you build your confidence in clinical settings.
Relevant experience will also give you a better understanding of patient communication and assessment.
Step 3: Enroll in specialized nurse injector training
For most people, this is where their journey into aesthetic nursing really begins.
It is recommended that you choose a program that includes aspects like Botox and dermal filler training, facial anatomy, consultation techniques, and complication management. The best courses offer hands-on, live patient training, which is designed to ensure you can treat real patients confidently and safely.
Step 4: Obtain certification and medical oversight
Depending on your state, you may need to operate under a medical director. This is the case in Texas and Pennsylvania.
Fresh Clinics provides access to experienced mentors and trainers. We also provide support systems, such as documentation tools and legal compliance, to help you practice your new nurse injector skill confidently and professionally.
Step 5: Launch your career
Once you’re fully trained and have become certified, you can embark on the next stage of your career.
This can involve working in medical spas and clinics or even opening your own Med Spa with support from a medical director.
Nurse injector training tips: How to succeed from day one
At Fresh Clinics, our nurse injector training programs are built to set you up for success. We help you stay ahead of the curve by providing you with access to experienced instructors, flexible training formats, and a supportive learning environment. If you want to get the most out of your training, here are a few tips you can employ.
- Learn facial anatomy before your course: Knowing the basics of muscles, nerves, and vessels will make your hands-on sessions much easier to follow and understand.
- Choose a course with live patient training: Practicing on real people under expert supervision is the best way to build confidence and refine your technique.
- Take notes and ask questions: Trainers love students who are engaged and will often share valuable insights beyond the standard curriculum with them.
- Focus on precision over speed: It’s not a race, so make sure you focus on developing safe and accurate injection techniques, rather than finishing the training as quickly as possible.
- Be open to feedback: Receiving constructive input should not be seen as a negative. Instead, take the advice the experienced injectors are giving you as an opportunity to improve your knowledge and technique.
- Connect with your peers: It's a good idea to build relationships with fellow trainees, as this can lead to referrals, job leads, and long-term professional support.
- Keep learning after training: Your desire to learn doesn’t have to stop with your training. Look for follow-up workshops, CPD opportunities, and ongoing mentorship that can help you hone your new skill.
Start your journey as a nurse injector
If you are looking to grow your career in nursing, then becoming a nurse injector is a great way to do that. Not only is this role in a high-demand field, but it is in a high-reward one, too.
With the right training, you’ll learn how to deliver safe, effective treatments like Botox and fillers. This, in turn, will enable you to join a clinic or launch a business, which will help you make a real difference to people’s lives.
To help you achieve this, Fresh Clinics offers hands-on, accredited training, ongoing support, and medical oversight for registered nurses across Texas and Pennsylvania.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Fresh today!
FAQs
Is becoming a nurse injector worth it?
Yes, for many healthcare professionals, especially nurse practitioners (NPs) and RNs, aesthetic medicine offers a more flexible, creatively fulfilling, and financially rewarding career path. With the right Botox and filler training, you can offer high-demand services like botulinum toxins, filler treatments, facial rejuvenation, PDO thread lifts, or facial pain therapy for patients dealing with TMJ.
How much does a nurse injector make?
On average, nurse injectors in the U.S. earn between $75,000 and $120,000 USD per year, with many experienced or business-owning injectors earning well above that. Those who build their own client base or offer specialised treatments often earn significantly higher incomes, especially in high-demand areas. As with any profession, income tends to grow with skill, reputation, and time in the field.
Can you be an aesthetic injector without being a nurse?
In most U.S. states, including Texas and Pennsylvania, you need to be a licensed medical professional to perform cosmetic injections like Botox, dermal fillers, or PDO thread lifts. That means you must be a registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), or doctor. If you’re already working as a nurse, you’re in a great position to expand into aesthetics. With the right Botox and filler training, you can gain the skills, confidence, and certifications needed to start offering safe, effective aesthetic injectables.
Is there any risk in becoming a nurse injector?
Every new career comes with a learning curve, but becoming a nurse injector is a well-supported path when you choose the right training. With quality aesthetics training and live patient experience, you’ll build the skills and confidence you need to succeed. At Fresh Clinics, we’re here to guide you through each step, so you can start your journey knowing you’re in safe hands.