3 facts you need to know about Botox

Injections of botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, are now the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment. They block the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles, stopping wrinkles at their source. Know all the facts about the procedure before doing it though. Here are some that should help.

Botox injections diminish facial lines and wrinkles within two weeks. Two large  studies concluded that Botox injections improve the look of worry lines, or brow furrows. The peak effect was seen 30 days after injection, when 80 percent of patients showed mild or no furrows while trying to make a sad face. There have also been studies showing that Botox is effective on crow's-feet, chin wrinkles and neck lines. Results typically last for less than four months, at which point patients need fresh injections. There is a cumulative effect over time, though; people who get regular injections may see longer-lasting results. The most common side effects are headache and a temporary look of having pulled an all-nighter (caused by droopy upper eyelids). Both tend to decrease with repeated treatments.

Most dermatologists and plastic surgeons use either Botox or collagen to treat deep lines and wrinkles, however, they might be better off using both, according to recent studies. One study of 65 patients found people who received combination therapy showed significantly greater improvement in worry lines on the forehead than those who received either Botox or collagen alone. What's more, at three months post-injection, the combo patients maintained better improvement than the others.

It is very, very rare. but repeated treatments with Botox may cause the body to produce antibodies -- proteins that tag foreign objects like Botox -- as bad guys to be neutralized. This reduces the effectiveness of subsequent treatments not only for wrinkles and brow lines but also for other, non-cosmetic uses of Botox, such as treating profusely sweaty armpits. The more frequent the injections and the higher the dose, the more likely it is that your body will develop antibodies.

The fact Botox works so well is the reason it has become so popular, but make sure it is right for you before getting it done.