By Alex Donald, Registered Nurse | 15 August 2026
In New Zealand, cosmetic injectables can be administered by registered doctors, dentists, and nurses — but the regulations around who can do what, and under what supervision, are specific. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed choice about who performs your treatment.
The New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine and CANNZ (Cosmetic Appearance Nurses NZ) provide frameworks for safe practice. Key points:
Nurse-led clinics typically have lower overhead costs than doctor-led clinics, which can translate to more competitive pricing. At Embrace Cosmetics, Dysport is $6/unit — compared to $12-15/unit at some doctor-led Auckland clinics.
Many nurse injectors specialise exclusively in cosmetic treatments, performing them daily. A nurse who has been injecting for 10+ years may have more practical experience than a doctor who performs cosmetics occasionally alongside other medical work.
Nurses are trained in patient care and communication. This translates to thorough consultations, clear explanations, and a focus on patient comfort.
Doctors can prescribe independently without requiring standing orders from another practitioner. This can streamline the process in some cases.
For complex cases or complications, a doctor's broader medical training is valuable. However, well-run nurse clinics have protocols for escalation to medical oversight when needed.
At Embrace Cosmetics, I'm a Registered Nurse with 10+ years of experience. I work under the medical direction of Dr. Shareen Jacob, who provides prescribing oversight and clinical governance. This means you get the best of both worlds: the experience and personal care of a specialist nurse injector, with the medical oversight of a qualified doctor.
Every prescription medicine treatment at Embrace Cosmetics is supported by Dr. Jacob's standing orders. If a complication arises, there's a clear protocol for medical escalation. This model is recommended by CANNZ and is the standard for professional nurse-led cosmetic clinics in New Zealand.
Whether you choose a nurse or doctor injector, what matters most is:
Read more: About Alex & Dr. Jacob | Choosing a clinic | Treatments
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Cosmetic injectable procedures at Embrace Cosmetics are performed by Registered Nurse Alex Donald working under the medical direction and standing orders of Dr. Shareen Jacob. Always consult a qualified health professional before undertaking any cosmetic treatment.