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Muscles that act on glabellar skin: a closer look
1Department of Surgery, at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA. dknize@aol.com
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|January 8, 2000
Summary
This study clarifies the anatomy of glabellar muscles, identifying distinct structures like the depressor supercilii and oblique corrugator head. Findings inform new techniques for forehead rejuvenation and eyebrow shaping.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Facial Anatomy
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Coronal incision forehead lifts have long enhanced facial aesthetics.
- Newer endoscopic techniques for glabellar muscles reduce reliance on coronal incisions.
- This necessitates a clearer understanding of the relevant facial anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine the surgical anatomy of the glabellar muscle complex.
- To resolve existing misconceptions and controversies regarding these muscles.
- To correlate anatomical findings with nerve supply for potential therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Fresh cadaver dissections of glabellar musculature.
- Simulated muscle action studies on four specimens.
- Nerve blockade studies on the temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve in 10 subjects.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the depressor supercilii muscle as a distinct entity.
- Identified the oblique head of the corrugator supercilii muscle.
- Demonstrated that the zygomatic facial nerve branch innervates medial eyebrow depressor muscles.
Conclusions:
- The transverse corrugator head contributes to vertical and oblique glabellar lines.
- The oblique corrugator head, depressor supercilii, and orbicularis oculi medial head all depress the medial eyebrow.
- Nerve blockade data supports targeted nerve ablation and physiologic eyebrow elevation in foreheadplasty.