An anatomical approach to glabellar rhytids.

OBJECTIVE: To identify surface landmarks that can serve as reference points to the underlying musculature in the treatment of glabellar rhytids.

METHODS: Fifty cadaver hemibrows were dissected to assess the location, disposition, and relationships of the brow muscles, along with their variations at each of several consistent locations. Particular attention was paid to the corrugator supercilii, frontal belly of the frontalis, and procerus muscles.

CONCLUSIONS: The information gained here may be applied to the pharmacological or surgical treatment of glabellar rhytids. Knowledge of the frequent location of the muscles involved, relative to easily identifiable surface landmarks, allows a more precise approach.