AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY, cilt.00266023037081, ss.1-7, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
Background:
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and filler injections into the highly vascularized glabellar
region for aesthetical purposes are extremely common. Injections into the
glabellar region without precise anatomical knowledge of its vascular and
muscular topography may pose the risk of severe complications.
Objectives: We
aimed to improve the safety and efficacy of the glabellar injections by mapping
the regional muscles and vasculature in relation to the medial canthus and the
defined reference lines.
Methods: Meticulous
dissection was performed to reveal glabellar region muscles and arteries under
surgical microscope, in 16 hemifaces of whom arteries are injected with
red-dyed latex. Location of the angular artery (AA) along with its branches was
noted in relation to glabellar muscles.
Results:
The AA was always located superficial to the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle (LLSAN),
and then coursed towards the medial canthus to anastomose with the supratrochlear
artery deep to the origin of the depressor supercilii (DS). The AA gave subcutaneously
located central and paracentral branches coursing close to the mid-face line in
14 out of 16 hemifaces. Variable muscular connections were also present between
the LLSAN, the DS and the procerus (P) muscles. No arteries were detected at
the base of the medial eyebrow to which the DS, the P, and the frontalis (F)
inserted.
Conclusions:
This study provides a detailed map of muscular
and vascular anatomy of the glabellar region to facilitate safe and efficient
filler and BoNT injections without complications.