Lines & Wrinkles Consultation in Adelaide: What It Covers and How Pricing Works

If you’ve searched for the cost of treating lines and wrinkles in Adelaide, you’ve probably noticed that few providers publish prices. That’s because many of the treatments discussed for facial lines involve prescription-only medicines. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, prescription-only medicines can’t be advertised to the public, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) treats a published price for these treatments as a form of advertising. So instead of a price list, costs are worked out after an in-person assessment by a registered health practitioner, and you should get a written quote before you agree to anything.

This guide explains what a lines and wrinkles consultation covers, how pricing is worked out, what a written quote should include, the questions worth asking, and what to check before you book. DermaFox Aesthetics arranges consultations and is not itself a medical or cosmetic practitioner. Any treatment decision is made with the registered health practitioner who assesses you.

Why prices aren’t published online

The rules exist so people make decisions about prescription medicines with a health practitioner, not from an advertisement. They cover direct and indirect references. That includes product names, nicknames and prices. The Medical Board of Australia’s guidelines for cosmetic procedures also say advertising must not downplay risk or create unrealistic expectations.

In practice, that means:

• A responsible provider won’t show a menu of prices for prescription treatments on a website or social media
• The cost conversation happens at a consultation, where it’s tied to your own assessment
• A provider who openly advertises prices or “specials” for these treatments may not be following Australian advertising rules, so ask more questions before you go ahead

This isn’t about hiding costs. You’re entitled to full cost information before you decide. It just has to come from the practitioner who has assessed you.

How costs are actually worked out

Every face is different, and so is every plan. After assessing you, the practitioner explains which options may suit your concern. Depending on what’s driving the lines you see, those can include:

• Skin treatments such as chemical peels, skin needling or laser and light treatments
• Changes to your skincare and sun protection
• Prescription options, which can only be discussed in a consultation
• Referral to a GP, dermatologist or other specialist
• Doing nothing, which is always a valid choice

The cost depends on the plan you agree on: what’s involved, how many appointments it needs and whether a review is part of it. That’s why one figure can’t be given before the assessment.

What a written quote should cover

Ask for the quote in writing and take it home if you want to. A clear quote usually covers:

• The consultation fee, if any. Many practitioners charge one. You should know before you book.
• The proposed treatment plan. What’s recommended, in plain language, and the cost of each step.
• Review appointments. Whether a follow-up is included, when it happens and whether it costs extra.
• Cancellation and rescheduling. Notice periods and any fees.
• Time to decide. For cosmetic surgery, Medical Board guidelines require a referral (usually from a GP) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days. For other procedures, ask whether you can decide later. A responsible practitioner will say yes.

If something isn’t clear, ask for it to be written down before you agree to it.

What’s assessed at the consultation

A thorough consultation usually covers:

• Your medical history. Medicines, allergies, skin conditions, previous cosmetic treatments, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• Your skin. Type, sun damage, texture and pigmentation
• The lines themselves. Whether they show only when you make an expression or are also visible when your face is at rest, and whether volume change is part of the picture. Our guide to lines or volume loss explains the difference.
• Your goals and expectations. What bothers you, why now, and what a realistic outcome looks like for you

The practitioner should also explain the risks, the alternatives and what recovery may involve for any option discussed.

Questions to ask at your consultation

1. What is your registration type, and can I check it on the Ahpra register?
2. What do you think is causing the lines I’m concerned about?
3. What are all my options, including skin treatments and doing nothing?
4. What are the common and rare risks of what you’re suggesting?
5. What would recovery involve for me, and when would I need a review?
6. Can I have the full cost in writing, including any review appointments?
7. Who do I contact if I have a concern afterwards?

Risks and suitability

Every cosmetic procedure carries risk, and results vary between people. A practitioner should explain both common effects and less common complications, and how they would be managed. Recovery varies; your practitioner will explain what to expect.

Some people aren’t suitable for some treatments. Examples include people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with certain medical conditions or skin infections, and people taking certain medicines. Cosmetic consultations are for adults aged 18 and over. Treatments that involve prescription medicines can only be considered after an in-person consultation with an appropriately qualified, registered health practitioner. Sometimes the right outcome of a consultation is no treatment at all.

Before you book

• Check the register. Search the practitioner’s name on the Ahpra public register. Our guide to checking a cosmetic practitioner’s registration walks you through it.
• Ask about registration type. Ask what type of registration the practitioner holds and whether there are any conditions on it.
• Ask about all options, including skin treatments and not having treatment.
• Get costs in writing before you agree to anything.
• Take time to think. Don’t let pressure, discounts or deadlines push you into a decision.

For background on how lines develop, see why facial lines form and our guide to frown lines: causes and options.

Request a consultation

Tell us what you’d like to discuss and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Requesting a consultation is free and there’s no obligation; any consultation fee is confirmed before you book.

Request a consultation or read more about the Lines & Wrinkles Consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I find prices online for treating lines and wrinkles?

Many treatments discussed for facial lines involve prescription-only medicines. Australian law doesn't allow those medicines to be advertised to the public, and the TGA treats a published price as advertising. Costs are worked out after an in-person assessment by a registered health practitioner.

How is the cost worked out?

After the practitioner has assessed your skin, your medical history and your goals, they explain the options that suit you, including skin treatments and doing nothing. You should then receive a written quote that sets out each cost before you agree to any treatment.

Is there a fee for the consultation?

Requesting a consultation through us is free and there's no obligation. Some practitioners charge a consultation fee. Any fee is confirmed before you book, so there are no surprises on the day.

Do I have to decide on the day?

No. You can take your written quote home and think it over. For cosmetic surgery, Medical Board guidelines require a cooling-off period of at least seven days. For other procedures, a responsible practitioner won't pressure you to decide straight away.

Who can have a lines and wrinkles consultation?

Cosmetic consultations are for adults aged 18 and over. Treatments that involve prescription medicines can only be considered after an in-person consultation with an appropriately qualified, registered health practitioner.