By Dr. Jill Salyards, Owner & Founder of Refine Dermatology in Knoxville, Tennessee

When it comes to non-surgical anti-aging treatments, neurotoxins—including Botox, Dysport, and similar products—remain some of the most effective and versatile tools in modern aesthetic dermatology. Whether your goal is to prevent wrinkles, soften existing lines, or enhance facial balance, neurotoxins offer natural-looking, customizable results for a wide range of patients.

As one of the most popular treatments at Refine Dermatology in Knoxville, I want to walk through what neurotoxins are, how they work, and the treatment areas that make the biggest impact.

What Are Neurotoxins? How Botox & Dysport Work

Neurotoxins work by relaxing small, targeted facial muscles that contribute to expression lines. Over time, repeated facial movement—such as frowning, raising your eyebrows, squinting, and smiling—creates creases in the skin.

By gently softening the pull of these muscles:

• The overlying skin appears smoother
• Fine lines become less visible
• Deep wrinkles are prevented from forming
• The face looks refreshed, lifted, and well-rested

Whether you choose Botox, Dysport, or another FDA-approved brand, all neurotoxins work similarly. The best product for you depends on your anatomy, goals, and aesthetic preferences.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Neurotoxins?

One major advantage of neurotoxins is how customizable they are.

Patients in their:

• 20s–30s often use neurotoxin preventatively to stop fine lines from setting in.
• 40s–60s+ typically use it to soften wrinkles, lift the brows, or improve facial harmony.

Neurotoxins can be tailored for:

• Preventing wrinkles
• Treating established lines
• Softening harsh expressions
• Slimming the jaw
• Enhancing facial balance

Treatments are quick, virtually painless, and require little to no downtime. Results appear gradually over a few days and last 3–4 months on average.

Most Common Neurotoxin Treatment Areas

Plus a few you might not know about!

Below are some of the most effective treatment areas for Botox or Dysport:

Glabella (“11 Lines”)

The vertical lines between the eyebrows that deepen when you frown.

Treating this area:

• Softens harsh or tired expressions
• Prevents deep creases
• Opens and brightens the eye area

Forehead Lines

These horizontal lines appear when raising the eyebrows.

A properly balanced treatment ensures:

• A naturally expressive forehead
• Smooth skin without brow drooping
• A refreshed, lifted look

The goal is softening—not freezing—movement.

Crow’s Feet

The small lines at the outer corners of the eyes from smiling or squinting.

Treatment:

• Softens fine lines
• Brightens the eye area
• Maintains a natural smile

Brow Lift

Strategic neurotoxin placement can create a subtle lift in the brows.

Benefits include:

• More open, awake-looking eyes
• A more youthful upper face
• Helping offset early brow descent

Lip Flip

A popular option for patients who want fuller-looking lips without filler.

A lip flip:

• Uses a tiny amount of neurotoxin
• Relaxes the upper lip muscle
• Creates a soft, slightly “turned out” upper lip
• Enhances your smile naturally

Additional Neurotoxin Areas You Might Not Know About

Neurotoxins aren’t just for the upper face—they can address multiple cosmetic and functional concerns:

Masseter (Jawline Slimming & TMJ Relief)

Treatment can:

• Slim the jawline
• Improve facial contour
• Reduce clenching and grinding
• Ease tension headaches

Chin (Orange Peel Texture)

Neurotoxin softens dimpling or rough “orange peel” texture.

Bunny Lines

Small wrinkles on the sides of the nose that appear when scrunching the face.

Treatment softens them without affecting your smile.

Gummy Smile

Relaxing the upper lip reduces excessive gum show when smiling.

Platysmal Bands (Neck Rejuvenation)

Neurotoxins can soften vertical neck bands, improving the neck profile and overall youthfulness.

These smaller treatment areas often require very little product but provide significant improvement in facial balance.

Why Neurotoxins Are One of My Favorite Anti-Aging Treatments

Neurotoxins remain a top choice in cosmetic dermatology because they are:

• Customizable
• Safe
• Minimally invasive
• Quick
• Highly effective

With thoughtful placement, results look natural and never frozen or overdone.

Ready to See What Neurotoxins Can Do for You?

If you’re curious about Botox, Dysport, or preventative anti-aging, Dr. Jill Salyards and the team at Refine Dermatology in Knoxville can create a personalized neurotoxin plan tailored to your anatomy, expressions, and goals.

Book a cosmetic consultation online or by calling the office at (865) 545-0900.