ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL-CORRECTION OF GLABELLAR CREASES

BACKGROUND. A number of alternatives exist for the temporary correctio n of glabellar creases and frown lines. The traditional ''open'' opera tive procedure has often involved a large incision to gain access to t he depressor muscles that are responsible for the deformity. While use ful for patients with multiple or move significant deformities, patien ts with isolated glabellar creases and frown lines have been reluctant to consider an extensive surgical procedure, with ifs attendant morbi dity, for an isolated problem. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this report i s to describe a Mew technique of endoscopic corrugator muscle resectio n, without the need for the traditional lengthy scalp incision. METHOD S. Traditional criteria for patient selection was employed. A series o f 10 consecutive patients with vertical mid-forehead glabellar-eyebrow frown lines were treated by endoscopic corrugator muscle resection an d evaluated. RESULTS. The procedure was efficacious in reducing the fr own-muscle complex prominence and rhytids in the mid-forehead area. Ci rcumstances of heavy folds, hyperactive muscle function, or premature furrows in patients with good skin tone appear to be most suitable for this technique. CONCLUSION. With the introduction of a move acceptabl e, less problematic surgical solution, deformities in the forehead-eye brow area can be readily addressed surgically. The procedure is a cost -effective alternative to temporary techniques improving aesthetic pro blems in the forehead-eyebrow area.