Carruthers et al developed a simple scale for grading crow's feet. This can aid in the evaluation of a patient requesting plastic surgery. The authors are from multiple institutions in Canada, the United States and Germany.
Crow's feet are wrinkles that extend laterally from the lateral canthus of each eye. They are one of the facial features associated with aging.
The severity of crow's feet depends on:
(1) history of smoking
(2) exposure to ultraviolet light
(3) other environmental exposures
(4) disorders of collagen and elastin fibers
(5) genetic predisposition
The appearance of crow's feet may be affected by:
(1) contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscles
(2) lighting
(3) application of cosmetics and "anti-wrinkle" creams.
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Scale
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Wrinkles
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Features
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0
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none
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none
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1
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very fine and few
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short, shallow and transient
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2
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fine
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3
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moderate
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|
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4
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severe and multiple
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long, deep and permanent
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The examination should be standardized as much as possible, especially if the patient is to be followed over time. Photographs under the same lighting condition can improve the consistency of grading.
