Levator anguli oris: a cadaver study implicating its role in perioral rejuvenation.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the levator anguli oris in perioral rejuvenation by delineating the detailed anatomy of this muscle and illustrating a new technique to elevate the oral commissure using this muscle. Fresh cadaver dissection was carried out in 9 facial halves specifically examining the anatomy of and surrounding the levator anguli oris. This muscle was identified in each cadaver to coalesce with the zygomaticus major muscle at the modiolus, thus elevating the oral commissure. In 3 facial halves, an intraoral incision from the canine to the modiolus was performed. This allowed easy access to the levator anguli oris muscle for plication and successful elevation of the oral commissure. This procedure could be applied in combination with traditional face lifts to enhance facial rejuvenation or potentially used to reanimate the partially paralyzed face.