The Depressor Supercilii Muscle: Anatomy,Histology,and Cosmetic Implications

Abstract

Introduction:

This article describes the anatomy and histology of the depressor supercilii muscle and discusses cosmetic implications.

Materials and Methods:

The depressor supercilii muscle was studied in detail by using gross anatomic dissections carried out on 8 sides of 4 fresh cadaver heads and 10 sides of 5 preserved cadaver heads. Histologic analysis was performed on parasagittal sections of one side of a preserved cadaver head. Measurements were taken on cadaver specimens to determine the insertion point of the depressor supercilii muscle onto the undersurface of the skin.

Results:

The depressor supercilii muscle was demonstrated to be a muscle distinct from the corrugator supercilii muscle and the medial head of the orbital portion of the orbicularis muscle. The depressor supercilii muscle was noted to be vertical in orientation and redder in color than the orbicularis oculi muscle. The depressor supercilii muscle arose from the frontal process of the maxilla approximately 1 cm above the medial canthal tendon and appeared to originate from 2 distinct heads in most specimens — a novel finding. In specimens containing 2 heads of the depressor supercilii muscle, the angular vessels passed between the 2 muscle heads. In specimens containing 1 muscle head, the angular vessels were found anterior to the muscle. The insertion of the depressor supercilii muscle into the dermis lay approximately 13 to 14 mm directly above the medial can-thal tendon.

Discussion:

The origin, insertion, and anatomy of the depressor supercilii muscle help it to act as a depressor of the eyebrow. Histologically, the depressor supercilii muscle arises distinctly from bone and has a unique insertion. The depressor supercilii muscle can be addressed and inactivated through the placement of botulinum toxin into its muscle belly or subcutaneously along its course. The depressor supercilii can also be inactivated by surgical resection through an upper eyelid blepharoplasty incision in concert with corrugator supercilii or procerus resection.