How much do wrinkle-relaxation treatments cost?
- Maria Rountree
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
TL;DR
The cost of wrinkle-relaxation treatments varies depending on the individual, treatment plan, and clinical expertise required. In Australia, pricing, specials, and promotions cannot be publicly advertised due to regulatory restrictions. These treatments are not subsidised under the PBS and are considered elective medical procedures, requiring qualified clinicians and individualised assessment (TGA, 2023; Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024).
Why can’t pricing be advertised?
Wrinkle-relaxation treatments involve prescription-only medicines (Schedule 4), regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Under Australian law:
Prescription medicines cannot be advertised to the public
Clinics cannot promote treatment using price, inducements, or incentives
Advertising must not encourage unnecessary use of a medical treatment
This is outlined under the Therapeutic Goods Act and associated advertising guidelines (TGA, 2023).
As a result, pricing is only discussed:
During a consultation
Or in response to a direct, individual enquiry (non-promotional context)
Why can’t clinics advertise specials, promotions, or sales?
You may notice that reputable clinics do not advertise:
Specials
Discounts
Limited-time offers
Package deals
This is intentional—and required.
Under TGA and AHPRA advertising guidance, it is unlawful to promote prescription-only medicines using inducements, including discounted pricing or time-based offers (TGA, 2023; AHPRA, 2023).
Why?
Because these treatments are medical procedures, not retail products.
Offering promotions may:
Encourage impulsive decision-making
Pressure patients into treatment
Undermine the need for proper clinical assessment
Regulation is designed to ensure decisions are based on clinical suitability and informed consent, rather than marketing incentives (AHPRA, 2023).
Why aren’t these treatments on the PBS?
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatments that are:
Medically necessary
Used to treat illness or disease
Wrinkle-relaxation treatments used for aesthetic purposes are:
Elective (non-essential)
Not required for disease management
Because of this, they are not subsidised under the PBS and are privately funded
(Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024).
Why do costs vary?
Wrinkle-relaxation treatments are medical procedures, not standard beauty services.
Cost reflects:
Clinical training and qualifications
Detailed facial assessment
Individualised treatment planning
Time spent in consultation and follow-up
Use of regulated prescription medicines
This aligns with broader healthcare principles, where treatment is tailored to the individual rather than standardised (AHPRA, 2023).
Why this is different from “beauty treatments”
Unlike many beauty services, these treatments:
Involve prescription-only medicines
Require medical oversight
Carry clinical risk if performed incorrectly
They are therefore regulated as therapeutic goods, not general cosmetic services (TGA, 2023).
Our approach at The Aesthetic Medic
At The Aesthetic Medic:
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive consultation
Treatment is tailored, not templated
Safety and long-term outcomes are prioritised
Pricing is discussed transparently after your assessment, once a personalised plan is created.
Final thoughts
Wrinkle-relaxation treatments are not a standard “off-the-shelf” service. They are individualised medical procedures, which is why pricing varies—and why advertising pricing, specials, or promotions is restricted in Australia (TGA, 2023).
Book a consultation
If you’re considering treatment, you’re welcome to book a consultation. This is a relaxed, informative session where we assess your goals and provide a personalised plan—including a clear discussion of costs.
References
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (2023) Advertising prescription medicines to the public. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au (Accessed: 2026).
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) (2023) Guidelines for advertising regulated health services. Available at: https://www.ahpra.gov.au (Accessed: 2026).
Department of Health and Aged Care (2024) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) overview. Available at: https://www.pbs.gov.au (Accessed: 2026).
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