Inversion of the lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle for the treatment of periocular rhytides (crow’s feet)

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

In the continued search for increasingly expressive results, plastic surgeons are combining established techniques with new intraop erative times. This article describes a surgical technique associated with rhytidoplasties based on the resection of the lateral portion of the orbicu laris oculi muscle, followed by grafting the muscle itself, however inverted, on the resected area.

Method:

In a 5year period, 54 rhytidoplasties associ ated with the described technique were performed.

Results:

The follow up in the late postoperative period (5 years) was satisfactory, with the per manent disappearance of periocular rhytides due to the neutralization of the forces exerted by the muscle in this area. There was no dissatisfaction on the part of the patients. Consequently, the procedure had excellent re sults in the resolution of periocular rhytides and in lifting the caudal part of the eyebrow in relation to the orbit.

Conclusion:

The technique described generates permanent and satisfactory results.

Keywords:
Orbicularis oculi muscle; Wrinkles; Facelift; Periocular rhyt ides; Rhytidoplasty