Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost in NZ: What Determines the Price?

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.

How Anti-Wrinkle Injections Are Priced

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.

Typical Unit Counts by Treatment Area

Treatment Area Typical Units Cost (Dysport) Cost (Relfydess)
Frown lines (glabellar)15-25 units$90-$150$120-$200
Forehead lines8-18 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.

Factors That Affect Your Cost

Muscle Strength

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.

Treatment Area Size

Larger treatment areas require more product. Treating three areas (frown, forehead, crow's feet) will cost more than treating one.

Desired Result

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.

Product Choice

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.

Dysport vs Relfydess: Total Cost Comparison

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.

Is Cheaper Always Better?

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

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shareen Jacob. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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.

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.

Serving Glenbrook, Waiuku, Pukekohe, Franklin & South Auckland