Functional Anatomy-Based Botulinum Toxin A injection to Correct Glabellar Frown Lines

Kim, Soo Jin; Choi, Jae Hoon; Lee, Jin Hyo; You, Young June; Koh, Ik Soo

Abstract

Botulinum toxin A injection to reduce glabellar lines has become one of the most popular procedures in facial rejuvenation. 5-site injection is generally accepted: into the procerus muscle at the midline and each corrugator muscle at its inferomedial and superolateral aspects. The superolateral injection site is above the pupil and approximately 1cm above the bony orbital rim. According to our observation, corrugator muscles are not either symmetric or tightly related to the surface anatomical landmarks such as pupils and bony orbital rims. Therefore when glabellar lines were treated by surface anatomical landmarks, in the case of asymmetrical corrugator, it was not precisely targeted to obtain sufficient paralytic effects. Herein, we suggest functional anatomy-based Botulinum toxic A injection to correct glabellar frown lines and its theoretical backgrounds. Between 1999 and 2007, 329 patients were enrolled in the study. 86 patients between 1999 and February of 2001 were injected by the traditional injection method. Later 243 patients were treated by the functional anatomy-based injection. By the new method, injection points were determined by observing glabellar furrows and skin fine wrinkles after repetition of muscle contraction. By this method, we could enhance the cosmetic effects and heighten patients' satisfaction.