Procerus muscle: function and the horizontal line on the nose

The procerus is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle located between the eyebrows, over the root of the nose. It arises from the nasal bone and the upper lateral cartilage and inserts into the skin between the eyes. When it contracts, it pulls the inner part of the eyebrows down and forms one or more horizontal lines at the root of the nose.

It is the muscle that comes into play in an angry expression, in concentration or when bothered by light, together with the other glabellar muscles.

Why does it matter in HOF?

The procerus is part of the so-called glabellar complex, the group of depressor muscles of the area between the eyebrows. The lines it forms are dynamic wrinkles: they appear with movement and, over the years, can become marked even at rest.

That is why treatment of the glabella with botulinum toxin usually includes the procerus, alongside the other depressors. Because it pulls the eyebrow down, relaxing this muscle also influences the position of the inner part of the eyebrow. Points, doses and technique are defined by the qualified professional, after assessment.

What precautions apply to the area?

The glabella is a high vascular risk area for fillers, because of its proximity to branches connected to the circulation of the eye. When the plan includes hyaluronic acid in the area, hyaluronidase must be available. With toxin, the most commonly remembered unwanted effects are asymmetry and temporary drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow through diffusion.

In Harmy

The Glabella marking point represents toxin treatment of the area. In the projection, the effect shows up as softer lines, without changing the expression in the photo. See the procedure at toxin in the glabella.

Also called: procerus, pyramidalis nasi muscle.