Arch Craniofac Surg.  2023 Oct;24(5):218-222. 10.7181/acfs.2023.00451.

The significance of split-face studies and electromyography in forehead rejuvenation

• Moon B
• Park KY
• Mun HG
• Kim YS
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2547239
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2023.00451

Abstract

Background
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic substance with a wide range of uses, from the treatment of musculoskeletal spasms to antiaging regimens by improving wrinkles. Split-face studies in which drugs are injected in the right and left sides of the faces have been actively conducted in botulinum toxin studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reliability of a split-face study for determining the effectiveness of botulinum toxin based on eyebrow height and movement, and electromyography results.
Methods
Thirty-one women aged 35 to 55 years were included in the study. Eyebrow height was measured as the distance from the eyebrows to the upper eyelid margin on the primary gaze, and eyebrow movement was measured as the distance when the forehead was wrinkled for 5 seconds. A noninvasive method was used for electromyography of the frontalis muscles.
Results
No statistically significant differences in right and left eyebrow heights and movements, and electromyography findings (p= 0.256, p= 1.000, and p= 0.978, respectively) were found. Pearson correlation analysis showed that electromyography muscle activity is positively associated with eyebrow movement, respectively (p< 0.001).
Conclusion
We advocate the reliability of split-face study and the usefulness of electromyography of frontalis muscle in forehead rejuvenation research.

Keyword

Botulinum toxins / Electromyography / Forehead / Rejuvenation