By Aubry Tan, RN, Cosmetic Injector and Co-Founder of CLA.
Keypoints:
Part of our Cosmetic Treatments in Wollongong: The Complete Guide — see the guide for what a consultation with our team actually involves.
Choosing who injects your face is one of the more personal decisions you’ll make about your appearance, and in a region the size of the Illawarra, there’s genuine choice — which makes it worth knowing what to actually check. In short: look for AHPRA registration, TGA-approved products, clear consultation practices, and a nurse who’s willing to say no to a treatment that isn’t right for you.
“Cosmetic nurse” isn’t a protected title in the same way “registered nurse” is, so it’s worth asking directly:
Beyond credentials, the way a nurse runs your consultation tells you a lot:
Every injectable product used in Australia should be TGA-approved. It’s completely reasonable to ask which brand of filler, anti-wrinkle product or skin booster a clinic uses, and to expect a clear, confident answer — a hesitant or vague response is worth taking seriously.
Beyond checking registration and products, some of the most telling questions are about judgement rather than credentials:
In a close-knit region like the Illawarra, word of mouth travels fast — which cuts both ways. It means a nurse with a strong local reputation has usually earned it, but it also means it’s worth doing your own check rather than relying on a single recommendation.
Yes — cosmetic injecting by a registered nurse is legal in Australia provided it's performed under the supervision of a cosmetic doctor, which is standard practice at reputable clinics.
You can search any practitioner's name on the public AHPRA register online — it's free and takes seconds.
Experience matters a lot, but so does ongoing training — ask how recently they've completed advanced technique training, not just how many years they've practised.
No — that's generally a good sign. A nurse focused on your best outcome, rather than the biggest sale, will tell you honestly when less is more.
Our clinic is led by registered nurses and cosmetic injectors who’ll always tell you the truth about what your skin needs — even if that means recommending less than you came in for. Learn more about our team, browse our full range of treatments, or get in touch to book a consultation.