title: Surgical correction of crow's feet deformity with radiofrequency current.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are many published surgical techniques for the correction of crow's feet deformity, but subsequent contour irregularities and early recurrence are often reported.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors present a radiofrequency (RF) technique to treat crow's feet that can prevent complications while simultaneously maintaining long-term results.
  
  
  METHODS
  From April 2010 to February 2012, a total of 52 consecutive patients (3 men and 49 women) underwent surgical correction of crow's feet with an RF current. Following elevation of the skin flap in the temporal area, the lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle was partially elevated and splayed. Then the RF current was applied to the elevated muscle flap until the target temperature of 60°C to 80°C was reached. Clinical outcomes were observed through photographs with patients in a natural smiling position.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean (SD) patient age was 52.7 (2.2) years (range, 31-73 years). Patients were followed postoperatively during a mean period of 23 months (range, 15-36 months). There were no recurrences of crow's feet during the follow-up period. No major complications were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The main advantage of this surgical technique is preserving continuity of the orbicularis oculi muscle while selectively decreasing muscle tone. Hence, this technique may prevent any contour irregularities. The RF current causes irreversible muscle fibrosis, which in turn provides long-lasting results. While the early results of this series show promising long-term efficacy and a good safety profile, the small number of patients and short-term follow-up period warrant further study.
authors: Dr Ryu is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Seoul, South Korea.
authors: Min-Hee
authors: MH
authors: Ryu
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Kahng
authors: Yongho
authors: Y
authors: Shin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: crow’s feet; oculoplastics; orbicularis oculi muscle; radiofrequency; wrinkles