Percutaneous selective myoablation in plastic surgery.

A new technique in aesthetic plastic surgery termed "myoablation" is described. Thermal energy is applied via the percutaneous route for ablation of selected facial muscles to modify the facial dynamics. Myoablation was found to be useful in ameliorating noticeable frown wrinkles caused by muscular hyperactivity. A series of 30 patients underwent myoablation as the sole procedure with encouraging results. In 80% of the cases, good to excellent aesthetic results were achieved. This report presents the electrophysiologic bases, technique, animal experiments, and initial clinical experience of myoablation.