Since it was first introduced in the mid-eighties, the cost of botox injections has fallen dramatically.

Now it seems you can get your botox 'fix' with less impact on your wallet than a good hair do.

Botox is everywhere - in clinics, spas, sold like Tupperware at parties, in drugstore chains, by home appointment - the choice is huge.

And it's the range of options that has brought the price tumbling down. But before you leap in - or even if you already have - take time to make sure you spend your money wisely.

Here's six top tips to help you budget for botox:

You get what you pay for: spas, clinics and non-qualified suppliers may advertise botox injections from around $100.  With a registered plastic surgeon you will probably pay between $200-250 for one area treated.  The results may be very different.

Find out the total cost: The price of botox depends on the number of areas treated. Adverts typically quote the smallest cost - usually for one area treated. Tell your supplier exactly what you want and get them to confirm the cost BEFORE you agree to buy.

It pays you to choose the best: natural, younger looking skin is more likely to be achieved by a good plastic surgeon with considerable experience in anti aging treatments and specifically botox. It takes deep knowledge of the facial muscle structure and practical skill in performing minutely targeted injections to get the best results.

Budget for the ongoing cost.  You'll probably need around 3-4 treatments each year to maintain the effects. If you like the results you'll probably get addicted - most botox users do. Do your sums and add up what this is likely to cost you over your lifetime and each year. Ask yourself are you ready for the financial commitment?

Don't get cheated: Botox serum is expensive - a small vial of botox can cost the supplier about $450. Unscrupulous suppliers can inject less than you need for maximum anti-wrinkle effects. This means you return more quickly for a top-up treatment. A registered cosmetic surgeon is highly unlikely to do this and you have more come back if you suspect they have done.

Don't waste your money on a bad result: Unskilled 'technicians' in spas or at botox parties are more likely to overdo the botox injections through lack of experience or knowledge. Whilst you might get a lot of botox for your buck - the result could be 'frozen face syndrome'. If you don't like the result then you've wasted your money - whatever you pay.

The best advice you can get is to stop and think before starting on the treatment treadmill.

The cost of botox injections can soon mount up and you may find the results fall short of your expectations if you choose unwisely.

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