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How Aesthetic Procedures Are Categorized in Canada (2026)
Quick answer: In Canada, aesthetic procedures are categorized less by “surgical or non-surgical” than by what is used and what is done. Health Canada regulates the product: botulinum toxin is a prescription drug [1], hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are Class III medical devices (Class IV if they contain animal or human tissue) that need a licence [2], and other devices need the licence their class requires [3]. Provincial regulators then decide who may perform the procedure, often by treating it as a controlled or restricted activity [4][5].
The public usually asks whether a treatment is surgical or non-surgical. Regulators ask different questions: Is it a drug or a device? Does it break the skin or go below the dermis? Who is authorized to do it? This guide explains the main lenses.
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Lens 1: How Health Canada classifies the product
- Neurotoxins such as Botox are prescription drugs. The product monograph says Botox Cosmetic should be given by a physician or authorized prescriber with appropriate qualifications [1], and BCCNM describes Botox as a Schedule I medication [5].
- Dermal fillers are medical devices. Fillers that do not contain animal or human tissue are Class III, and those that do are Class IV, and all Class III and IV devices need a review of safety and effectiveness evidence before a licence is issued [2].
- Other devices such as lasers and radiofrequency devices need a licence according to their class. Health Canada’s compliance review notes that importers, distributors and users should ensure Class II, III and IV devices they buy are licensed, and that you can check the Medical Devices Active Licence Listing [3].
- Unauthorized devices: Health Canada has not authorized any needle-free dermal filler device for sale in Canada [6].
Lens 2: How regulators classify the procedure
The CNO describes aesthetic services as cosmetic procedures that enhance, preserve or alter appearance and may include controlled acts, naming neuromodulator injections, dermal fillers, thread lifts, platelet-rich plasma and microneedling as examples [4]. In Ontario, injecting a substance and performing a procedure below the dermis are controlled acts [4]. BCCNM defines medical aesthetics as elective, non-surgical clinical procedures that include performing a restricted activity and are primarily intended to alter or restore appearance [5]. Alberta’s nursing colleges note that aesthetic procedures also fall under the definition of a personal service, which brings additional standards [7].
Lens 3: How clinics group services
Many clinics organize menus into injectables, skin rejuvenation, energy-based treatments and body contouring. This is a business grouping, not a legal one, but each service still sits under the product and procedure rules above.
| Category | Product classification | Procedure and authority |
|---|---|---|
| Neuromodulators (Botox) | Prescription drug [1] | Controlled or restricted activity; order from an authorized prescriber for nurses [4][5] |
| Dermal fillers | Class III or IV medical device [2] | Injection below the skin is a controlled act in Ontario [4] |
| Microneedling, PRP, thread lifts | Devices and products vary | Listed by the CNO as aesthetic services that may include controlled acts [4] |
| Lasers and energy devices | Licensed medical devices by class [3] | Provincial rules vary; check your regulator |
Why accurate categorization matters
It determines who may perform a treatment, what training is expected and what the patient can reasonably assume about safety. Health Canada has seized counterfeit and unauthorized cosmetic injectables, including counterfeit Botox Cosmetic, from Ontario businesses [8]. See who can perform Botox and fillers in Canada for professions by province.
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FAQ: aesthetic procedure categories in Canada
Are dermal fillers drugs or devices in Canada?
Devices. Hyaluronic acid fillers are Class III medical devices, or Class IV if they contain animal or human tissue [2].
Is Botox a drug or a device?
A prescription drug [1][5].
Is microneedling a medical procedure?
The CNO lists microneedling as an aesthetic service that may include controlled acts [4]. Whether a particular treatment does depends on depth and province.
Is cosmetic treatment covered by public insurance?
Coverage rules are set by each province, so check your provincial plan.
Related reading
References
- AbbVie Corporation. BOTOX COSMETIC product monograph, revised 20 February 2025 (Health Canada). pdf.hres.ca
- Health Canada. Guidance document: preparation of premarket medical device licence applications for dermal fillers. canada.ca
- Health Canada. Compliance monitoring: dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid. canada.ca
- College of Nurses of Ontario. New guideline for nurses supports safe aesthetic services for Ontarians, 3 July 2026. cno.org
- BC College of Nurses and Midwives. Medical aesthetics for registered nurses. bccnm.ca
- Health Canada. Needle-free dermal filler devices are not authorized in Canada. recalls-rappels.canada.ca
- CRNA, CLPNA and CRPNA. Injectable aesthetic therapies practice advice. crpna.ab.ca
- Health Canada. Counterfeit Nuceiva seized from a spa in Vaughan, Ontario. recalls-rappels.canada.ca
Updated October 2026. Classifications and rules change; confirm them with Health Canada and your regulator.