Botox Laws by State 2024

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a popular injection for both cosmetic and medical procedures. Because Botox temporarily weakens or paralyzes muscles or blocks certain nerves, it can smooth facial wrinkles, help with chronic migraines, and fix severer underarm sweating, among other uses. Its usage is controversial, but when used by trained professionals, it can treat various health issues and make a difference in people’s lives.

Federal Laws Regarding Botox

Many laws vary from state to state regarding who can administer Botox injections and what are allowable injection sites. For example, Botox is an FDA-approved method of injection that serves different purposes. While it has been romanticized and idealized by the media as a cosmetic approach to fuller features, such as dimples and chin, Botox injections can also medically help some patients with their quality of life.

Laws regarding Botox on a federal level limit who can administer them so that only medical professionals can conduct this procedure. This means that licensed aestheticians usually cannot perform Botox injections, even if the purpose is purely cosmetic.

At a state level, Botox is usually regulated for such issues as dermal fillers. Each state has a different approach from its dental board regarding injecting dental botox. Arkansas, Alabama, and Maryland have the most guidance on the laws regarding Botox injections.

Arkansas

A prescription is required to obtain Botox and fillers because significant complications can occur with their injections. The performance of aesthetic procedures is within the scope of practice of a trained advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or registered nurse (RN) as part of a medically prescribed plan of care for the treatment of various dermatological conditions or as a part of a health maintenance and health promotion regime.

Alabama

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners issued an opinion stating that procedures involving Botox, Restylane, Collagen, and Mesotherapy are be the practice of medicine and, as such, each procedure must be performed by a licensed physician.

Maryland

Many cosmetic procedures, including Botox filler, are now recognized as a practice of medicine and can only be performed, in most cases, by a trained physician. That training must be approved by the American Medical Association. In addition, only licensed doctors and physicians can prescribe botulinum toxin.