The Crest Injection Technique for Glabellar Line Correction and the Paracentral Artery.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Anatomy
• Facial Aesthetics

Background:

• The glabella is a high-risk zone for blindness following cosmetic filler injections.
• Understanding the precise arterial anatomy is crucial for preventing severe complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical course of arteries within the glabellar region.
• To identify specific vessels associated with the risk of ocular complications during filler injections.

Main Methods:

• Meticulous dissection of 30 geriatric embalmed cadavers.
• Latex injection into the arterial system to visualize vessels.
• Analysis of arterial pathways in relation to glabellar and radix vertical zones.

Main Results:

• The supratrochlear artery (88%) ascends along the medial canthal vertical line.
• A dominant paracentral artery was identified in the radix vertical zone (27%).
• The paracentral artery's proximity to the midline and radix lines poses a risk during injections.

Conclusions:

• The supratrochlear and dominant paracentral arteries are key vessels to consider for ocular complication risks in glabellar injections.
• Techniques like pinching to create a skin crest can temporarily occlude the paracentral artery, enhancing injection safety.