Corrugator supercilii muscle: function and frown lines
The corrugator supercilii is a paired muscle located under the inner part of the eyebrows. It arises from the frontal bone, near the root of the nose, and runs outward and upward to insert into the skin of the eyebrow. When it contracts, it draws the eyebrows together and pulls them down and inward, as when frowning.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
The corrugator is the main muscle responsible for the vertical lines between the eyebrows, known as "11 lines". Together with the procerus muscle, which forms the horizontal lines at the root of the nose, and with fibers of the orbicularis oculi, it makes up the glabellar complex. The lines this group forms are dynamic wrinkles that, over time, can become visible at rest as well.
The size, strength and lateral extent of the corrugator vary quite a lot between people, and tend to be greater in men. That is why watching the patient frown is an essential part of assessing the glabella.
What care is involved in treatment?
Toxin in the glabella is one of the best-established uses of botulinum toxin in aesthetics. The most commonly cited risk is temporary drooping of the upper eyelid, which can occur when the product spreads to the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Asymmetry and changes in eyebrow position are also among the possible effects. Injection points, doses (in toxin units) and technique are defined by the licensed professional, after assessment.
When the glabella receives filler, it is a high vascular risk area, and hyaluronidase should be available.
In Harmy
The Glabella point in the marking represents treatment of the area. The projection shows smoothing of the lines without changing the expression in the photo.
Also called: corrugator, corrugator supercilii.
Frequently asked questions
What are the "11 lines"?
They are the two vertical lines between the eyebrows, formed mainly by contraction of the corrugator muscles. They get the name because they look like the number 11.