Rozina Aziz Cosmetic or aesthetic nurses assist doctors in treating patients who want to alter their physical appearance. This might provide its patients with a boost in self-esteem and confidence. You can determine if being an aesthetic nurse is the correct choice for you by learning more about their work and the steps to enter the field.
What is an aesthetics nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) with specific training in cosmetic procedures is known as an aesthetic nurse or a cosmetic nurse. Nurses specializing in cosmetic nursing work alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons to help patients boost their self-esteem through cosmetic procedures. Many medical procedures are within their capabilities.
Among the many treatments that an aesthetics nurse can administer or help with are:
- Collagen re-infusion therapy
- Body sculpting without surgery
- Hair Removal through Laser
- Tattoo Cover-Ups
- Chemical peels
- Micro-needling
- Liposuction
- Photo facials Plastic Surgery
- Dermabrasion
- Rhinoplasty
- Abdominoplasty
- Dermal filler injections
- Botox neurotoxin injections
Types of aesthetic nurse specialties:
Since aesthetic services have varied outcomes, such as fewer wrinkles and fewer scars, many different nurse specialties are linked to the industry. Aesthetic medicine uses the following treatments:
- Botox treatment
- Tattoo Cover-Ups
- Hair Removal through Laser
- Dermal fillers
- Chemical peels
What Do Aesthetic Nurses Do?
Here are some of the duties of aesthetic nurses according to their specialty:
Cosmetic Nurse:
“Cosmetic nurse” is a catch-all term often used instead of “aesthetic nurse.” In cosmetic nursing, nurses learn about and practice a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures. The majority of cosmetic nurses work in dermatologists’ offices and medical spas, but some find work in hospitals to treat patients who have suffered severe burns or other cosmetic ailments.
Cosmetic nurses often incorporate computer graphics into their consultations with patients to discuss the anticipated results of surgery. A cosmetic nurse is a jack of all trades! They can make you look fabulous with aesthetic procedures, zap away wrinkles with Botox injections, blast unwanted hair with laser therapy, and give you silky smooth skin with hair removal services.
Fillers:
The lips, cheeks, and chin are just some places that can benefit from fillers injected by cosmetic nurses. These procedures typically address wrinkles deeper than what Botox can reach.
A few types of fillers are:
Derivatives of hyaluronic acid:
Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane can be injected into a problem area to increase volume (for up to two years) temporarily.
Hydroxylapatite of calcium:
Radiesse is a brand name for a material used to smooth out wrinkles in the skin of the face.
Self-absorbable fat:
Fat can be harvested from a person’s body and used as a filler to add volume to the face, with the effects lasting for an extended period.
Microdermabrasion:
By inflicting tiny punctures on the skin’s surface, microdermabrasion stimulates the production of new collagen, which aids the skin in healing. Microdermabrasion is a method of exfoliation and suction to make the skin look younger.
Peeling Agents:
A chemical peel is a procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin by a cosmetic nurse to remove the outermost layers of the skin—the new skin forms as a result of smoother and less noticeable skin discoloration. Peels can be superficial (using compounds like alpha hydroxy acid) or deep (using acids like phenol), depending on the severity of the problem. Lighter peels require more frequent treatments and use less potent substances like alpha hydroxy acid.
Botox Nurse:
Botox is a popular injectable chemical used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on the face temporarily. OnobotulinumtoxinA, a toxin, is used in the injections. The chemical may cause months of smooth skin by interacting with a neurotransmitter to temporarily stop a muscle from moving. Due to its popularity, “Botox” is often used interchangeably with various brands of the same chemical, including Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin.
Medical spas, outpatient clinics, private practices, and even outpatient surgery facilities are all possible places of employment for nurses with expertise in Botox. Botox may be injected by registered nurses, aesthetic nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in some jurisdictions. In other states, only doctors are allowed to do this. In addition to helping patients, Botox nurses do things like:
- Taking stock of their worries and requirements.
- Instructing them on how to get the results they want.
- Outlining their various therapy options.
- Assessing outcomes and adverse consequences through follow-up.
Laser Nurse:
Laser therapy in laser nursing aims to treat skin conditions without causing any collateral damage. There are two kinds of lasers used in these procedures. In addition to encouraging collagen production by heating the skin underneath, ablative lasers destroy the skin’s outermost layer. Nonablative lasers, on the other hand, stimulate collagen formation without harming the skin’s surface.
Tattoo removal, wrinkle-smoothing, and blemish reduction are just a few of the goals of these treatments.
- Acne
- Burns
- Psoriasis
- Scars
- Having stretch marks
- Skin cancer
A laser beam breaks up the pigment in a tattoo, making it easier to erase. Lasers with more power and the ability to treat deeper layers of damaged skin are used to reduce the appearance of burn scars. Laser nurses may have other responsibilities besides administering laser therapies.
Topical prescription medication application
- First aid and wound care.
- Surgical excision of diseased or cancerous tumors.
- Instructing patients in proper skin maintenance after receiving treatment.
- Maintaining a healthy environment for laser surgery.
Laser Hair Removal Nurse:
Unwanted hair can be eliminated with a laser as well. Laser hair removal is a process where laser light is absorbed by hair pigment, causing the hair follicles to warm and be destroyed, effectively stopping hair growth. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that is performed by licensed nurses in specialized settings such as medical spas and aesthetic medicine clinics.
A nurse specializing in laser hair removal also performs the following duties:
- Adjusting the settings of therapeutic instruments like laser calibrators.
- Procedure and in-between-visits care must be explained.
- Keeping an eye on patients’ vitals and responses during operations.
How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse?
The educational requirements for aesthetic nurses are the same as those for regular registered nurses. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) requires all aspiring registered nurses to receive either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing before taking the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Check your state’s requirements to see if you meet them. Registered nurses can acquire medical aesthetics training on the job. It is possible to become a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) after working in the field for some time. Obtaining a credential could give you an edge in the employment market.
What is the Demand for Aesthetic Procedures?
Aesthetic nursing experiences is increasingly demanding, with ASPS reporting annual increases in aesthetic procedures from 2016–2019. The world of aesthetic medicine is booming like fireworks on the Fourth of July, with the American College of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Physicians (ACACP) reporting that it’s growing faster than any other field of medicine.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 16% decrease in cosmetic procedures as elective medical treatments were postponed. Despite this, interest in aesthetic services persisted as people prioritized their appearance for video calls and in preparation for future in-person events.
One-tenth of a percent of women surveyed by ASPS in 2021 said they were more interested in aesthetic procedures after the epidemic. Among women who have had aesthetic procedures before, 24% have shown an increased desire to have more procedures done.
What is The Future of Aesthetic Nursing?
Despite a slight dip in the number of aesthetic treatments performed in 2020, the future of aesthetic nursing remains as promising as its history. According to ASPS, a third of women who have had cosmetic procedures said they wanted to increase their spending on aesthetic treatments in 2021. According to New Research, the global aesthetic medicine market is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 10% from 2021 to 2028.
FAQ’s
What do aesthetic nurses do?
Aesthetic nurses are registered nurses who have specialized training in providing cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser treatments to enhance a person’s appearance.
Are aesthetic nurses qualified to perform injectables?
Aesthetic nurses are qualified to perform injectables, including Botox and dermal fillers. They have received specialized training in these procedures and are licensed to perform them.
What is the difference between an aesthetic nurse and a plastic surgeon?
Aesthetic nurses and plastic surgeons both offer cosmetic treatments but have different levels of education and training. Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who have completed extensive surgical training, while aesthetic nurses are registered nurses with specialized training in cosmetic procedures.
What are the benefits of choosing an aesthetic nurse for my cosmetic treatments?
Aesthetic nurses deeply understand facial anatomy and can provide personalized treatment plans that achieve natural-looking results. They typically have lower costs than plastic surgeons and offer a more convenient, non-surgical option for those seeking cosmetic enhancements.
Is it safe to receive cosmetic treatments from an aesthetic nurse?
Yes, it is safe to receive cosmetic treatments from an aesthetic nurse. They are licensed professionals who have undergone specialized training and adhere to strict safety protocols. Choosing a reputable practitioner who is licensed and has a proven track record of success is important.
What types of cosmetic treatments do aesthetic nurses offer?
Aesthetic nurses offer various cosmetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, and more. They can provide customized treatment plans based on a person’s unique needs and goals.
How long do the results of cosmetic treatments from an aesthetic nurse last?
The duration of results varies depending on the type of treatment and the individual’s response. Botox and dermal fillers typically last several months, while laser treatments and chemical peels may provide longer-lasting results. Your aesthetic nurse can provide more specific information on expected outcomes and aftercare.
