By Alex Donald, Registered Nurse | 15 August 2026
One of the most common questions I hear at Embrace Cosmetics is "how much will it cost?" It's a fair question — and the answer isn't as straightforward as you might hope, because anti-wrinkle injection pricing depends on several factors unique to each person.
In New Zealand, anti-wrinkle injections are priced per unit. The total cost of your treatment depends on how many units you need, which is determined by the treatment area, your facial muscle strength, and the result you want to achieve.
At Embrace Cosmetics, we offer two products:
But the per-unit price is only half the equation. What matters is the total cost — and that depends on how many units you need.
| Treatment Area | Typical Units | Cost (Dysport) | Cost (Relfydess) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frown lines (glabellar) | 15-25 units | $90-$150 | $120-$200 |
| Forehead lines | 8-18 units | $48-$108 | $64-$144 |
| Crow's feet (both sides) | 12-24 units | $72-$144 | $96-$192 |
| Full upper face (all three) | 35-65 units | $210-$390 | $280-$520 |
These are estimates only. Your exact dosage will be determined at consultation.
Stronger muscles need more units. Men typically require more units than women due to greater muscle mass. If you have deep, established lines, you may need more units for adequate softening.
Larger treatment areas require more product. Treating three areas (frown, forehead, crow's feet) will cost more than treating one.
A "softening" result needs fewer units than a "freezing" result. Many clients start with fewer units and adjust at their next appointment based on results.
Dysport costs less per unit but may require more units. Relfydess costs more per unit but may require fewer units and lasts longer. The total cost difference may be smaller than the per-unit price suggests.
While Relfydess is $8/unit vs Dysport's $6/unit, Relfydess may require fewer units to achieve the same result, and it lasts up to 5 months vs Dysport's 3-4 months. Over a year, the cost difference may be negligible. Read our detailed comparison here.
When comparing clinics, be cautious of unusually low pricing. Properly qualified practitioners using genuine, Medsafe-approved products have real costs. Extremely low pricing can indicate diluted product, unqualified injectors, or counterfeit products. Always verify that your practitioner is registered and uses genuine products.
Read more: Anti-wrinkle treatment page | Relfydess page | Full pricing
Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription medicines. Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA 500 units) and Relfydess® (relabotulinumtoxinA 150 units) have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you. Use only under medical supervision. For full details, see the Consumer Medicine Information at medsafe.govt.nz.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection at injection site, neuromuscular disorders, known hypersensitivity. For adults 18+ only.
Dysport sponsor: Ipsen Pty Ltd. Relfydess sponsor: Galderma Australia PTY LTD NZBN 9429051812249, NZ Distributor: Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.
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.