Supratrochlear vein: drainage of the glabella
Quick facts
- Definition
- Vein that drains the glabella and the medial part of the forehead.
- Drainage
- Joins the supraorbital vein to form the angular vein, at the inner corner of the eye.
- Neighbors
- Supratrochlear artery and nerve, corrugator and procerus muscles.
- Area
- Glabella: a high vascular risk zone in procedures with dermal filler.
- Relevance in HOF
- Anatomical reference for glabellar toxin and for caution with dermal filler.
The supratrochlear vein is a vein of the glabella and the medial part of the forehead. It follows the course of the supratrochlear artery and the nerve of the same name and drains toward the inner corner of the eye, where it joins the supraorbital vein to form the angular vein. It is one of the most relevant vessels for safety in glabellar procedures.
What is its course?
The vein starts in the forehead and descends along the midline and adjacent areas, near the root of the nose, next to the muscles that form the glabellar expression lines: the corrugator and the procerus. The supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves accompany this territory. Individual anatomical variation is large: caliber and exact position can differ from person to person.
| Component | Role in the glabella |
|---|---|
| Supratrochlear vein | Drains the glabella |
| Supratrochlear artery | Supplies the area, with a connection to the ophthalmic system |
| Supratrochlear nerve | Sensation of the glabella |
| Corrugator and procerus muscles | Movements that form the glabellar lines |
Why does the glabella demand so much attention?
The glabella is among the highest-risk zones for dermal fillers. The supratrochlear artery connects to the circulation of the orbit, and a vascular event in this region can compromise skin tissue and, in rare cases, vision. For that reason, anatomical knowledge, conservative volume, the choice of product and technique, hyaluronidase available (for hyaluronic acid) and preparation to recognize a vascular occlusion are central points of safe practice. The decision and the technique are the responsibility of the qualified professional, according to the rules of their professional council.
What about toxin in the glabella?
Toxin in the glabella is a very common approach for the expression lines between the eyebrows, and it also requires knowledge of anatomy: risk of bruising, of brow or eyelid ptosis and of spread to neighboring structures. Dose and injection points are decisions for the qualified professional, after assessment. This entry does not provide technique guidance.
In Harmy
The Glabella point of the app's marking is used to plan and show the area to the patient. The projection is illustrative and does not represent vessels. Harmy uses a symbolic unit for the glabella and does not replace anatomical assessment or the professional's decision.
Also called: vein of the glabella.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the glabella considered high risk?
Because the vascular network of the glabella, with the supratrochlear artery and vein, communicates with the circulation of the eye. A vascular event there, even if rare, can have serious consequences, including visual ones.