Relaxers and Fillers

Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D.

What are Relaxers and Fillers?

Relaxers (this term was invented by Dr. O’Connell) are medications designed to relax muscles that create overlying facial wrinkles. Relaxers have other non-aesthetic uses as well, for example treatment of migraine headches, grinding of the teeth and excessive sweating. Examples of relaxers are Botox and Dysport (Dysport was originally submitted to the FDA also under the name, Reloxin). Because all relaxers are not currently FDA approved, the information provided here is intended solely for its educational value. PurTox, Xeomin and Revance are other relaxers that are not US FDA approved and Myobloc is not FDA approved for cosmetic use.

Relaxers are best used in the upper one-third of the face and treatment of “glabellar frown lines” (the vertical lines at the base of the nose – also known as the “number 11’s”), transverse forehead wrinkles (“worry lines”) and “crows feet” are the most common uses. There are uses for relaxers elsewhere in the face and some examples are treatment of vertical banding in the neck, improvement of lip wrinkles, nasolabial folds and excess muscle function in the chin.

Fillers are products that are injected into the face to improve the appearance of wrinkles and folds and to increase volume in the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Relaxers and Fillers are commonly used by plastic surgeons, they a also fall under the category of cosmetic dermatology.

If you have questions about plastic or cosmetic surgery please visit Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut, L.L.C..

Common wrinkles and folds - Connecticut

Diagram above provided by Mentor Corporation and edited by Dr. Joseph O'Connell.

Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D.

208 Post Rd. West
Westport, CT 06880