Journal
In the UK, aesthetic injectable treatments are largely unregulated, which means that, in many cases, a person does not need any medical training to offer them. That surprises most people. Choosing a registered healthcare professional is the single most important safety decision you can make.
A registered nurse has years of clinical training, a deep understanding of anatomy, and experience recognising and managing complications. Shelley has 15 years of clinical experience across the UK, Ireland and Australia, and currently also practises within the NHS in dermatology.
Some treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections, are prescription only medicines, while many other aesthetic treatments, such as dermal fillers, skin boosters and polynucleotides, are not. The prescription only ones can only be prescribed by a qualified prescriber, such as an independent nurse prescriber, a doctor or a dentist, and that prescriber must assess you in person. Remote prescribing of these medicines is not allowed.
A registered nurse who is not an independent prescriber can still provide treatment safely, but a prescriber has to see you face to face first. So it is completely reasonable to ask any practitioner who is not a prescriber exactly who their prescriber is, and whether that person will assess you in person before treatment. If a rare complication occurs, a trained clinician also knows what to do and has the tools to act.
Registered nurses are accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work to a professional code. That means honest advice, realistic expectations and your wellbeing first. It is a level of accountability that an untrained injector simply does not have.
Before you book anywhere, ask: are you a registered nurse, doctor or dentist; are you a prescriber, and if not, who prescribes for you and will they assess me face to face; what training have you completed; and what is your plan if there is a complication. If you cannot get a clear answer, keep looking.
You can read more about Shelley, or contact us with any questions. There is no such thing as a silly one.
Thinking about treatment? Book a free, no-pressure consultation with Shelley.
Book a ConsultationThis article is general information, not medical advice. All treatments require a consultation and, where relevant, a prescription. 18+ only. Individual results may vary. Shelley Jones is a registered nurse (NMC).