What should you know about Botox and plastic surgery?

Botox uses botulinum toxin to reduce activity in a targeted muscle. It may soften expression lines or change the appearance created by muscle movement, but it does not cut, lift, remove, or reposition tissue. Plastic surgery is an operative field that can address structural changes, skin excess, tissue position, or contour through surgery. These approaches have different recovery, anaesthesia, risks, and expected results.

A line visible only during expression may respond to muscle relaxation, while loose skin, marked folds at rest, or loss of volume may call for another discussion. [Dermal Fillers](/treatments/injectables/dermal-fillers/) are also non-surgical but add volume rather than relaxing muscle.

Start with an examination by a licensed medical professional who understands both the facial anatomy and the limits of injections. Describe the change you want, how long it has been present, and whether it appears at rest or with movement. Share prior procedures, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding plans, neuromuscular conditions, and medicines or supplements.

Ask for a clear comparison of injection treatment, surgery, observation, and other options. Review the product and injection plan in the [Botox](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-injection/) overview and learn about [Botulinum Toxin Type A](/materials/botulinum-toxin-type-a/) before consenting.

After an injection, contact the clinic for increasing pain, swelling, redness, discharge, or unexpected facial weakness. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing or swallowing, widespread weakness, severe dizziness, or sudden facial swelling. After surgery, follow the surgical team's specific safety instructions and seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask: Is my concern caused mainly by muscle movement or tissue structure? What can an injection change, and what can it not change? Would surgery offer a different benefit? What recovery and follow-up would each option involve?