Aesthetic services are procedures done for cosmetic reasons: to enhance, preserve or change appearance. While they may be marketed as routine and low risk, they carry the same risks as other medical procedures, including infection, pain and, in serious cases, even death.

Only a health professional registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) can be called a “nurse” and is authorized to practice in Ontario. CNO, a regulatory body, sets standards for nursing practice and helps protect the public by ensuring nurses provide safe, competent and ethical care. Nurses can provide a range of aesthetic services, including administering neuromodulators, dermal fillers, thread lifts, platelet rich plasma and microneedling. When deciding to receive aesthetic services, it's important to understand what to look for, so you can make an informed choice.

Aesthetic Services Are Medical Procedures

Some aesthetic services are invasive and involve controlled acts. Controlled acts are procedures that carry risk if performed by someone not properly trained, which is why they are regulated under Ontario health professional legislation. In aesthetic practice, controlled acts may include procedures performed below the skin or the administration of substances by injection.

Your Nurse Has Professional Responsibilities to You

Nurses who provide aesthetic services must meet the same professional standards as nurses working in any health care setting.

This means your nurse must:

  • practice within their scope
  • have the knowledge, skill and judgment to perform the activity safely, including managing any outcomes
  • follow CNO's practice standards and guidelines
  • follow infection prevention and control practices to reduce infection risk so the environment supports safe care
  • ensure you understand and agree without pressure to the procedure
  • put your safety, well-being and best interests first

Ask About Training and Experience

Aesthetic services and procedures are not fully taught in entry‑level nursing education. Nurses must obtain additional education and training before offering these procedures.

You have the right to ask:

  • What training and education has the nurse completed and when?
  • How have they maintained their skills and competence?
  • Do they have experience managing complications or adverse events?
  • Will the nurse or an unregulated care provider be providing the service?
  • If provided by an unregulated care provider, what training, education and experience has that person received?

You can also verify whether a nurse is registered and authorized to practice by using CNO's Find a Nurse register.

Understand Who Is Authorizing the Procedure

Many aesthetic procedures require an authorizing provider, such as a Nurse Practitioner or physician, specifically when controlled acts or prescription medications are involved. The authorizing provider should be actively involved and reasonably accessible when working with nurses who are implementing their orders.

You have the right to ask:

  • Who is the authorizing provider or medical director?
  • What training and education has the authorizing provider or medical director completed?
  • How is that provider involved in your care and follow‑up?

You Must Give Informed Consent

Before any procedure, your nurse must obtain your informed consent. This means you should be clearly informed, understand and without pressure voluntarily agree to the procedure. You can change your mind or withdraw consent at any time.

You should be told:

  • what the procedure involves
  • the risks, benefits and possible complications
  • alternative options (if any)
  • expected results and follow‑up needs
  • what product or substance will be used, why and if they are Health Canada-approved
  • information about fees, including fees for any administrative services, missed appointments, cancellations and acceptable payment methods

The Setting Must Be Safe and Prepared for Emergencies

Aesthetic services settings should support client safety, including infection prevention, appropriate equipment and plans for managing complications or emergencies.

You have the right to ask:

  • Where will the procedure take place?
  • How is infection prevention managed?
  • What happens if something goes wrong during or after treatment?

Advertising Must Be Honest and Ethical

Nurses must advertise their services in truthful, professional and ethical ways.

Be cautious of advertisements that:

  • guarantee results
  • use exaggerated or sensational claims

You should never be pressured to provide testimonials.

Your Privacy and Health Information Matter

Your personal health information, including photos or videos, is protected by privacy laws. Nurses must safeguard your information and obtain your consent for how it is used.

You have the right to ask:

  • How are my records stored and protected?
  • Will images of me be used for documentation or advertising?
  • How long is my information kept?
  • How can I access my records?

Your picture or video should never be used in advertising without your explicit consent.

You Should Never Feel Pressured

While aesthetic services are elective, you should never feel rushed or pressured to proceed.

A good provider will:

  • respect your values and goals
  • recommend care based on evidence and safety
  • decline to provide services they believe are not in your best interest

Remember

Aesthetic services provided by nurses are health care services, not just cosmetic treatments. Taking the time to ask questions, understand risks and confirm qualifications helps protect your safety and supports informed decision‑making.

If you have questions about a nurse's accountabilities, reach out to CNO's Practice Quality Team.

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