Who can perform aesthetic injections in Türkiye?
Treatments such as botulinum toxin and fillers are medical procedures and in Türkiye are carried out by doctors. Which doctors may perform which procedures is set by Ministry of Health regulations.
In Türkiye, alongside doctors whose specialty covers these procedures, there may also be doctors who have completed training and certification for certain aesthetic treatments under the relevant regulations. The details of these rules, which procedures they cover and their current status can change over time. For that reason this page does not cite specific regulation articles; the Ministry of Health's official sources are the right place for up-to-date information.
The underlying principle is simple: aesthetic treatments given by injection or with energy-based devices are medical procedures carried out under a doctor's responsibility. Treatment by someone who is not a doctor, or outside a health facility, can create serious problems for both safety and legal protection. If you are unsure who is allowed to perform a procedure, it is reasonable to ask the person and the facility directly before booking.
How can you find out whether a doctor is authorised?
You can ask for the doctor's full name, their specialty or area of authorisation and the health facility where treatment will take place. Some information can also be checked through official channels, which may change.
At consultation, the doctor would be expected to introduce themselves and explain their specialty or authorisation for the procedure. It is also common for diplomas, specialty certificates or training certificates to be available at the facility. There may be official ways to verify a doctor's identity and specialty; because these can change, check the current options through the Turkish Ministry of Health or relevant professional bodies. International patients may find it helpful to ask the clinic for this information in writing.
Clear, consistent and calm answers to your questions matter. Social media accounts, follower numbers or shared images do not show that a doctor is authorised. Likewise, a treatment being quick or looking simple does not remove the need for proper authorisation. When deciding, you can also consider how much time the doctor gives the consultation, how they explain the risks and how they respond to your questions.
Why does it matter that the doctor treats you personally?
When the doctor who examines you, plans the treatment and explains the risks also performs it, responsibility and follow-up are clear. It is normal to ask in advance who will carry out the treatment.
Sometimes the consultation is carried out by one person and the treatment by another. This is not always a problem, but you should know who will treat you and what their authorisation is. During injection, decisions about amount, depth and technique are made in real time, and if something unexpected happens the person responding also needs to be a doctor. It is therefore sensible to find out who is responsible from start to finish.
When follow-up is carried out by the same doctor, the result and any need for adjustment can be handled more consistently. Knowing whom to contact, by which route and at what times after treatment is also part of this responsibility. This is especially relevant for international patients, who should agree before leaving how they will reach the treating doctor or the team the doctor designates once they are back home.
What should an authorised doctor do at consultation?
Take your health history, listen to your expectations, assess whether you are suitable, explain possible risks and alternatives, and obtain your informed consent.
The consultation is one of the most important stages of treatment. The doctor should ask about your medicines, allergies, past illnesses, pregnancy or breastfeeding and previous aesthetic treatments. By assessing your facial anatomy, skin quality and muscle movement, they should explain which treatment may genuinely help and which would not be suitable. Recommending against a treatment where appropriate is a natural outcome of this assessment.
Informed consent is a process showing that you understand what the treatment involves, its expected effect, possible side effects and complications, the alternatives and aftercare. It is not just a form to sign but a conversation in which your questions are answered. Asking for time to read the form, for any unclear wording to be explained, for a copy of what you sign and, if needed, for information in a language you understand are all reasonable requests.
Which situations call for caution?
A lack of clear information about the doctor's identity or authorisation, treatment outside a health facility, product details not being shared and no discussion of risks are all signs that call for caution.
Offers of injections at home, in a hotel room or in a beauty salon, treatments carried out by people who are not doctors and going straight to treatment without a consultation raise serious safety questions. Being pressured to decide quickly, or being told there are no side effects at all, should also inform your judgement. Every medical treatment has a risk profile, and those risks should be discussed openly before you agree to anything.
If you find yourself in this situation, postponing and seeking a second opinion is always an option. There are official routes for raising concerns about unauthorised treatment or procedures carried out outside a health facility; which authority is responsible depends on the regulations. This page does not offer legal advice. For current information, check the official sources of the Turkish Ministry of Health and the provincial health directorate.
Frequently asked questions
Can a beautician give Botox in Türkiye?
Botulinum toxin is a medicine and its use is a medical procedure. In Türkiye such treatments are expected to be carried out by a doctor authorised under the relevant regulations. Check official sources for current rules.
Can someone who is not a doctor inject filler?
Filler injections are medical procedures and in Türkiye are expected to be carried out under a doctor's responsibility. Who may perform which procedure is set by regulations; check current official guidance for details.
Is it acceptable to ask a doctor about their qualifications?
Yes. Asking for the doctor's name, area of authorisation and who will perform the treatment is a normal and reasonable question. You should receive clear, calm answers.
Is a certificate the same as a specialty?
No. A specialty refers to postgraduate specialist training completed in a particular field, while a certificate may show training in specific procedures. Which qualification is required for which procedure depends on regulations.
Does a large social media following mean a doctor is more qualified?
Social media visibility does not show a doctor's authorisation or experience. Authorisation and suitability should be judged through qualifications, consultation and open communication.
Can a nurse give Botox or filler in Türkiye?
In Türkiye, aesthetic injections such as Botox and filler are expected to be performed by a doctor authorised under the relevant regulations. The roles of nurses and other health staff are set separately by regulation; they may help with preparation, care and follow-up under the doctor's responsibility. If unsure who will inject, ask beforehand; the Ministry of Health's official sources set out current role definitions.
What does a doctor do if filler blocks a blood vessel, and should I ask beforehand?
Yes, it is sensible to ask before treatment. When a blocked blood vessel is suspected after hyaluronic acid filler, the doctor usually injects hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler and monitors blood flow closely; a change in vision needs urgent referral to a specialist centre. Hyaluronidase dissolves only hyaluronic acid fillers, and quick access to it and to emergency supplies is part of safe filler practice.
Can a Botox or filler plan be made over a video call?
A video call can be useful for initial information and questions, but it does not replace a face-to-face consultation. Facial muscle movement, skin quality, previous fillers and the condition of the area on the day can only be assessed in person. The Botox or filler decision and informed consent are therefore finalised face to face with the treating doctor, and an online plan may change.
What does it mean if a doctor declines to do the treatment I asked for?
A doctor declining or postponing the treatment you asked for is usually a safety decision based on your health history, the current state of your skin or a gap between your expectations and the likely result. You can ask for the reason and discuss any alternatives. A second opinion is always possible, but understanding the doctor's reasoning before seeking the same treatment elsewhere is worthwhile.
Sources (5)
- T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı: Ayakta Teşhis ve Tedavi Yapılan Özel Sağlık Kuruluşları Hakkında Yönetmelik (Resmî Gazete 19.04.2025, sayı 32875) (2025)
- Türk Dermatoloji Derneği: Üyelere Duyuru: Ayakta Teşhis ve Tedavi Yapılan Özel Sağlık Kuruluşları Hakkında Yönetmelik estetik amaçlı sağlık hizmetleri maddesi değişikliği (7 Ocak 2025) (2025)
- U.S. FDA: Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers)
- American Academy of Dermatology Association: American Academy of Dermatology Association Statement on Reports on Counterfeit Injectables (2024)
- NHS (UK): Choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.