Who can inject hyaluronic acid and Botox?

A look at the legal framework in Germany:

Nowadays, the demand for aesthetic injections such as Botox and hyaluronic acid treatments has risen sharply. More and more people want to give their appearance a little boost or have certain problem areas treated.
But who is allowed to inject hyaluronic acid? Who is allowed to inject Botox? What legal framework exists in Germany to ensure patient safety?

This blog article takes a detailed look at the legal provisions and the responsibilities of the various professional groups.


Aesthetic injections as medical procedures:

Aesthetic injections are legally considered medical procedures as they interfere with the body and can involve risks. For this reason, they must be carried out by qualified specialists to ensure patient safety.

The responsibility of doctors:

In Germany, aesthetic injections may generally be carried out by doctors of human medicine. This includes doctors with general medical training as well as specialists in various fields. Dentists are expressly excluded from this. They are not permitted to perform aesthetic procedures beyond the red of the lips.

Doctors generally have the necessary medical knowledge to carry out treatments safely and professionally. They are able to recognize possible complications and act appropriately.
Nevertheless, a doctor may only do what they know how to do safely. With our courses, we try to pass on the necessary knowledge to enable safe application.

Naturopaths and aesthetic injections:

Alternative practitioners in Germany have a license to carry out medical activities. In principle, they are also permitted to carry out invasive procedures, including aesthetic injections.

Injections with hyaluronic acid are therefore clearly permitted. When injecting with Botox, alternative practitioners operate in a legal gray area. Although they are not allowed to independently obtain prescription drugs such as Botox, they are permitted to inject them.

“Prospective” alternative practitioners are not yet allowed to carry out injections. However, they are of course permitted to undergo further theoretical training to prepare them for a possible future career, which is why they are also allowed to take part in our courses.

It is important to note that the skills and training of alternative practitioners can vary greatly, increasing the risk of inappropriate treatments. Sound training in the aesthetic field is therefore essential. At the Oezgoeren Academy, we try to do our part to ensure this.

Medical assistants and medical beauticians:

Medical assistants and medical beauticians have usually completed special training and are trained in aesthetic treatments. However, they are not allowed to carry out invasive procedures, including aesthetic injections, on their own authority.
However, medical beauticians and medical assistants can take on supporting tasks, such as the preparation and follow-up of the treatment, as well as the care of the treated skin areas.

Quality standards and certifications:

To ensure patient safety, doctors and alternative practitioners who carry out aesthetic injections should have special additional training in this area.

Conclusion:

In Germany, aesthetic injections may only be carried out by qualified doctors and alternative practitioners. Other professional groups such as “prospective” alternative practitioners, dentists, medical assistants or medical beauticians are not authorized to do so.
The legal framework aims to ensure patient safety and prevent improper treatment.
In order to guarantee the quality and competence of the doctors and alternative practitioners carrying out the treatment, it is advisable to look for additional training and certifications. We at the Oezgoeren Academy offer such certifications.