If you are a nurse thinking about moving into aesthetics, you have probably already asked yourself: “Am I allowed to practice?”, “How does regulation work?”, “Do I need a postgraduate program?”, “Is it worth changing fields?”
Aesthetic Nursing is no longer a distant possibility; it has become an established, regulated, and growing field in Brazil.
In this guide, we bring together everything you need to know to understand this new field of practice, based on updated regulations and on our experience training thousands of aesthetic health professionals.
Already decided you want to start? Go straight to the point:
Already have a nursing degree? Check out the Nepuga Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing
Still in college? See the Advanced Training Course in Aesthetics and get started before you graduate
In this article you will find:
- What Aesthetic Nursing is
- What the regulations say: COFEN (Brazil's Federal Nursing Council) resolutions
- Which procedures the aesthetic nurse can perform
- Why move from hospital nursing to aesthetics
- Market data for 2026
- How the Nepuga Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing works
- Postgraduate Program or Advanced Training Course: which to choose
- Frequently asked questions
What is Aesthetic Nursing?
Aesthetic Nursing is the field in which Nurses with a specialization in Aesthetics can work, focused on caring for patients' skin, body, and self-esteem through minimally invasive aesthetic procedures.
The aesthetic nurse does not simply carry out techniques. They perform clinical assessment, plan courses of action, apply procedures, and follow up with the patient.
The foundation of nursing, which includes anatomy, pharmacology, biosafety, and clinical reasoning, connects directly with aesthetic practice.
The specialization complements this training with specific technical knowledge, supervised practice, and alignment with legal requirements.
Can a nurse work in aesthetics? What the law says
Yes. A nurse's work in aesthetics is regulated by the Federal Nursing Council (COFEN) and is already established in Brazil.
This regulation is defined by a set of resolutions that set clear criteria for practice.
Among the main regulatory milestones are:
- COFEN Resolution No. 529/2016: first regulatory framework for Aesthetic Nursing
- COFEN Resolution No. 626/2020: update to the field's guidelines
- COFEN Resolution No. 715/2023: minimum requirement for supervised practice
- COFEN Resolution No. 568/2018: regulation of Nursing offices and clinics
- COFEN Resolution No. 736/2024: implementation of the Nursing process
To practice legally, the nurse must meet essential requirements:
- Hold a Nursing degree recognized by Brazil's MEC (Ministry of Education)
- Have an active registration with COREN (Brazilian professional council)
- Complete a lato sensu postgraduate program in aesthetics
- Complete the supervised hands-on course load (hours)
- Register the specialty with the Regional Council
Together, these ensure safe, ethical practice aligned with the rules.
Which procedures can the Aesthetic Nurse perform?
With the proper specialization, the nurse can work with different procedures within aesthetics. These procedures are minimally invasive and require technical preparation and clinical responsibility.
Among the main ones are:
- Facial harmonization
- Botulinum toxin application
- Hyaluronic acid fillers
- Collagen biostimulators
- Support threads
- Intradermotherapy
- Carboxytherapy
- Chemical peels
- Technology-based procedures
Why move from hospital nursing to aesthetics?
Over the years, many nurses have started looking for new career possibilities. This happens because hospital routines, in many cases, present significant challenges.
Among them:
- Long, exhausting on-call shifts
- Night shifts and weekends
- Physical and emotional strain
- Limited financial growth
Aesthetic Nursing emerges as a concrete alternative. In practice, the professional finds:
- Professional autonomy: in aesthetics, the nurse can work independently, as a freelance professional, in clinics or in their own office.
- Better pay: market estimates indicate that aesthetic nurses can earn between R$15,000 and R$25,000 per month with private appointments, and may exceed R$30,000 for those who run their own office and master advanced techniques.
- Quality of life: the routine allows more schedule flexibility, lighter environments, and a better balance between personal and professional life.
- Professional fulfillment: the aesthetic nurse deals directly with patients' self-esteem and well-being, reaping visible and rewarding results from the very first appointments.
The Aesthetic Nursing market in 2026
The aesthetics sector in Brazil continues to expand. Demand for minimally invasive procedures is growing, driven by changes in the population's behavior.
Among the main factors are:
- A search for natural results
- Greater value placed on self-care
- Technological advances
- Increased access to procedures
In addition, the market is more demanding. Patients look for qualified professionals with solid training and technical backing.
This scenario favors nurses who invest in specialization and work within the rules.
How the Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing works at Nepuga
Nepuga is a national reference in aesthetic health training. With more than 20 years of experience, it is accredited by Brazil's MEC, offers nationally valid certification, and has already trained more than 80 thousand professionals across Brazil.
Course structure
The Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing offers two course load (hours) options, 360 hours and 480 hours, with an average duration of 11 months.
Theory classes take place in a hybrid format: live synchronous classes and asynchronous content (online), providing flexibility so professionals can fit the specialization into their routine.
In addition, the specialization offers up to 15 hands-on classes with patient care, supervised by professors who are national references in the field, so you can start your journey in the field with confidence and safe practice.
Content covered
The program covers the main pillars of aesthetic practice:
Facial harmonization: botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen biostimulators, PDO threads.
Body procedures: technology-based protocols, intradermotherapy, carboxytherapy.
Injectables: advanced techniques focused on safety and clinical reasoning.
Fundamentals: applied anatomy, aesthetic pharmacology, biosafety, professional legislation.
Entrepreneurship: basics of management, marketing, and positioning for those who want to open an office or clinic.
PUGACODE® Method: the exclusive differentiator
One of Nepuga's biggest differentiators is the PUGACODE® Method, developed by Dr. Ana Carolina Puga. It was created around three pillars: safety, economy, and effectiveness.
This method allows professionals to apply techniques with precision and confidence from their very first appointments.
In practice, it includes exclusive tools such as application point simulators, innovative techniques for body procedures, and an accelerated learning system that makes it easier to memorize markings, making practice safer and more assertive.
Supervised practice
One of the big differentiators is the Hands-on Experience. Students treat real patients, under the supervision of experienced professors.
This process contributes to:
- Developing technical confidence
- Sharpening clinical reasoning
- Building professional confidence
Certification
Upon completing the specialization, the professional receives a nationally valid certification. The certificate is recognized by the market and aligned with the requirements of the Professional Councils.
Locations across Brazil
Nepuga has teaching clinics and support campuses in several cities across Brazil, including São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba, and other capitals, making access easier for biologists from different regions.
Want to start your specialization? Secure your spot in the Nepuga Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing
Postgraduate Program or Advanced Training Course: which to choose?
This is a common question. The postgraduate program is intended exclusively for professionals who have already completed their degree and allows regulated practice in the field.
Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing
It is intended exclusively for nurses who have already completed their degree. Upon completing the course, the professional receives the specialist title and can work in aesthetics in a regulated way, in accordance with the Council's requirements.
Learn about the Nepuga Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing
Advanced Training Course in Aesthetics
It is aimed at students who have not yet completed their degree. Students in health-related programs (Nursing, Biomedicine, Pharmacy, Aesthetics, Physiotherapy, among others) can start the advanced training right away.
The big benefit: once the degree is complete, the student can fully credit the hours taken in the advanced training and continue in the postgraduate program, without having to retake courses. In practice, the student gets ahead, reaching the market better prepared and with a competitive edge even before graduating.
Learn about the Advanced Training Course in Aesthetics and get started before you graduate
It works as early preparation, but it does not replace the specialization required to practice.
A real story of transformation
The evolution of Aesthetic Nursing can be seen in practice, through professionals who have already made this transition.
In the postgraduate program, Dr. Regina de Souza Barros found guided practice, a safe method, and close support in the hands-on classes with patients.
Check out this and other success stories on Nepuga's YouTube:
Frequently asked questions about Aesthetic Nursing
Can a nurse apply botox?
Yes, as long as they hold a postgraduate degree and meet COFEN's requirements.
Can a nurse perform facial harmonization?
Yes, including fillers, biostimulators, and support threads.
Is a postgraduate program required?
Yes. The specialization is mandatory to practice.
How long does the postgraduate program last?
On average, 10 to 12 months, with a course load of 360 to 480 hours.
Do I need an active COREN registration?
Yes. Active registration is mandatory.
Can a nurse open a clinic?
Yes, in accordance with COFEN regulations.
Take the next step in your career
Aesthetic Nursing is a regulated, growing field with high demand for qualified professionals.
If you want to work with safety, autonomy, and excellence, specialization is the way.
Already have a nursing degree? Learn about the Nepuga Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Nursing
Still in college? Start with the Advanced Training Course in Aesthetics
About Nepuga
Nepuga is the largest aesthetic health ecosystem in Brazil.
Founded by Dr. Ana Carolina Puga, the institution played a fundamental role in establishing aesthetics as a regulated multiprofessional field.
With more than 20 years of experience and more than 80 thousand professionals trained, Nepuga is a reference in training, supervised clinical practice, and alignment with the rules of the Professional Councils.
Sources consulted
COFEN Resolutions No. 529/2016, No. 626/2020, No. 715/2023, No. 568/2018, and No. 736/2024
Nursing in Aesthetics Booklet — Coren-SP (2023)
COFEN/COREN system regulations
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Brazilian Association of the Personal Hygiene, Perfumery, and Cosmetics Industry (ABIHPEC)
Laís Bianquini
NEPUGA content team — Núcleo de Especializações Ana Carolina Puga.
