Advancing the Evidence on Glabellar Contraction Patterns-A Prospective Multicenter Study on Its Clinical Relevance...

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Facial Anatomy
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Current glabellar neuromodulator injections often rely on visible rhytid patterns, assuming they reflect underlying muscle anatomy.
• Emerging evidence questions the clinical significance of pattern-based treatment adaptations in glabellar aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate if distinct glabellar contraction patterns influence clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
• To assess outcomes when a standardized, anatomy-based, 5-point injection algorithm is applied.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicenter study involving 119 patients treated with neuromodulators (onabotulinumtoxinA or abobotulinumtoxinA).
• Patients were categorized into five glabellar contraction patterns (V-shape, U-shape, converging arrows, omega, inverted omega).
• Clinical outcomes (Glabellar Line Severity Scale) and patient-reported outcomes (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in Glabellar Line Severity Scale was observed post-treatment.
• No statistically significant differences in clinical or patient-reported outcomes were found between different contraction pattern groups.
• Age and body mass index were significant factors influencing outcomes, unlike contraction patterns or Fitzpatrick skin type.

Conclusions:

• Glabellar contraction patterns do not significantly affect outcomes with a standardized, anatomy-based 5-point neuromodulation technique.
• The study supports prioritizing muscular anatomy and patient-specific biological factors over surface rhytid patterns.
• Standardized, anatomy-based approaches ensure consistent and effective glabellar neuromodulation outcomes.