If you’re thinking of getting Botox to smooth wrinkles, hyaluronic acid filler to plump cheeks or a high-tech tightening treatment to address sagging skin, you’re not alone. According to a new global report by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 17.3 million non-surgical aesthetic procedures were performed by plastic surgeons around the world in 2025.
Botulinum toxin treatments (also known as neuromodulators, such as Botox, Dysport and Nuceiva), hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables and non-surgical skin tightening were the most sought-out services. Prices for these in-office procedures vary in Canada and are dependent on several factors, including the area of the face and number of sessions. Injectables, typically priced per unit, can start around $200, with device-driven services costing several hundred dollars and up.
A neuromodulator is a go-to treatment in Dr. Julie Mireault’s practice. “It is safe and effective, and it will freeze the muscle which will smooth lines and wrinkles,” says the Montreal-based dermatologist. If the concern is a loss of volume, an HA filler injectable is a standard solution. “It will replenish the hyaluronic acid that was lost with time,” she says, noting results last between six to 24 months depending on the treatment area, product and your metabolism.
How Gen X Canadians are caring for their aging skin
Erica Fung, founder and managing director of 30 Hazelton Advanced Aesthetics Med Spa in Toronto, offers various non-invasive options for skin firming, including Everesse and Ultraformer MPT. Everesse relies on radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen, and the latter uses ultrasound to help lift and contour the jawline, lower face and under the chin.
For early fine lines, Fung favours microneedling with a buzzy ingredient booster, such as PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) or exosomes. “Microneedling creates controlled microinjuries that stimulate the skin’s natural wound-healing response and encourages collagen production,” she explains. “The boosters are emerging options in regenerative aesthetics, with promising, but still developing, evidence for additional skin-rejuvenating benefits.”
But before booking an appointment, you should be equally prepared to commit to a skin-care routine. “One thing that continues to surprise me is how many clients invest in advanced skin treatments but overlook the fundamentals of skin care,” Fung says. “It’s like going to the gym while maintaining a healthy diet,” she says. “Think of in-clinic treatments as your workout and skin care as your nutrition. They work hand in hand, and consistency with both is what helps you achieve the best results.”
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Whether the goal is tightening, smoothing or plumping skin, a professional treatment should be followed up with at-home topicals focused on key ingredients. Here the experts encourage simplicity, and their advice is applicable even if you’re not getting a pro treatment. “Three ingredients I recommend are retinoid, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide,” Dr. Mireault says.
“Plus daily broad-spectrum SPF 50 always to protect your investment because UVA rays can penetrate through clouds, rain and fog.” Linked to accelerated signs of aging such as dullness and dark spots, ultraviolet A radiation breaks down the collagen and elastin that give skin a firm, bouncy quality.
Fung also recommends vitamin C, ceramides, glycerin and peptides, with a caveat: “More products don’t necessarily mean better results,” she says. “Healthy, hydrated skin with a strong skin barrier creates the ideal environment for recovery and helps us achieve the best possible results from in-clinic treatments.”
Six buys to try
Here are some of the latest topicals designed to tighten, smooth and plump skin, all for under $100.
Kiehl’s 1cc* CollaShot Plump Serum
Made for use in the morning, this mix of collagen polypeptides, vitamin B12 and rhamnose (a plant sugar commonly derived from buckthorn or birch trees) helps to plump skin and improve the appearance of skin elasticity and bounce due to collagen loss.
Lâncome Rénergie Collagen+ Lift-Xtend Cream
Inspired by thread-lift procedures, this tightening treatment cream with a stretchy texture is loaded with peptides and boosted by collagen for daily use to firm facial contours.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
A K-beauty bestseller that addresses multiple signs of aging at once, this lightweight serum is formulated with 1-per-cent PDRN derived from salmon, along with niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm, plump, brighten and hydrate skin.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Double Dose Serum
This brightening blend made for mature skin and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, contains 1-per-cent Melasyl (a patented ingredient to improve the look of dark spots) and niacinamide to address dullness, hyperpigmentation and dehydration while firming.
Dieux Firm Revival HydraRetinal Firming Serum
Fragrance-free and formulated in a deeply soothing base of glycerin and snow mushroom extract, this gentle retinal serum helps to visibly firm skin, smooth wrinkles and even out your skin tone without irritating your skin barrier.
Di Morelli Exosome Overnight Repair Cream
Made in Canada for nightly renewal, this rich fragrance-free mix of plant-based exosomes (ingredients that aim to support skin barrier function), ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C seeks to help restore moisture while calming inflammation and stimulating collagen production.