Can an Esthetician Do Injectables in Florida?
If you’re planning to work in medical aesthetics in Florida, chances are you’ve wondered: “Can an esthetician give Botox injections?” or “Can I do fillers if I work in a med spa?”
This is one of the most common questions among new estheticians, so let’s clear up the confusion with real Florida rules, not just salon gossip.
Short Answer: No — Estheticians Can’t Inject in Florida
Under Florida law, esthetician licenses (Facial Specialist) do not authorize you to inject Botox, fillers, Kybella, or any other prescription injectables.
Injectables are considered medical procedures. To legally perform them, you must hold a valid medical license, such as:
- Physician (MD or DO)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Registered Nurse (RN)* (only in specific cases and always under supervision)
A Facial Specialist License alone does not allow injectables.
So, What Can Estheticians Do in a Medical Spa?
Working in a med spa or plastic surgeon’s office is still a great option for estheticians — but your role will focus on non-invasive skincare services.
Typical services for Medical Estheticians include:
- Facials and skin analysis
- Light to moderate chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Pre- and post-procedure skincare
- Educating clients on home care
What About Microneedling?
Assisting medical staff (under supervision)
- If the device penetrates more than 1mm into the skin, it’s considered a medical procedure.
- Deeper microneedling must be performed by a licensed medical professional.
- Some shallow cosmetic microneedling may be allowed for licensed estheticians, but you should always check with your supervising physician and local board.
Why Are Injectables Restricted?
Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers:
- Are classified as prescription-only drugs.
- Require medical evaluation, dosage, and injection into facial muscles or deeper skin layers.
- Can cause serious complications if done incorrectly — so the law protects patients by requiring medical training.
What Estheticians Can Do to Expand Their Skills
While you can’t inject, you can:
- Specialize in advanced facials, chemical peels, and non-invasive skin rejuvenation.
- Take courses in laser treatments (with proper supervision and where legally allowed).
- Get additional certifications in advanced skincare to increase your value in medical settings.
- Build strong relationships with supervising physicians — they may help you grow into advanced roles (some estheticians later train as nurses to add injectables to their skillset).
Key Takeaway
| Service | Licensed Esthetician | Medical Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Facials & peels | ✅ | ✅ |
| Botox, fillers, Kybella | ❌ | ✅ |
| Deep microneedling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Laser resurfacing | ❌ (unless certified + legal in FL) | ✅ |
What To Do Next
If your dream is to offer advanced medical procedures like Botox:
1️⃣ Get your Facial Specialist License
2️⃣ Gain experience in a med spa
3️⃣ Consider further education as a nurse or physician assistant if you want to inject legally.
Related Florida Guides
👉 How to Get Your Facial Specialist License in Florida
👉 Facial Specialist vs Medical Esthetician: What’s the Difference?
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