Prevention

Common Errors

Knowing the pitfalls is the first step to avoiding them.

Error

Removing submandibular gland

Consequence

Severe complications (bleeding, nerve injury, sialocele)

Solution

NEVER remove — non-negotiable principle

Error

Plicating digastric tendon

Consequence

Gland anteriorization, making it MORE visible

Solution

Don't plicate — do belly shaving

Error

Excessive platysmorraphy tension

Consequence

Pulls lateral platysma away from SCM, sabotages contour

Solution

Moderate tension, mandible to hyoid only

Error

Skipping pre-hyoid fasciotomy

Consequence

Neck doesn't lengthen, limited result

Solution

Fasciotomy mandatory in 100% of cases

Error

Deep Neck on thin neck

Consequence

Skeletonized, unnatural result

Solution

Thin neck = platysmorraphy + Crevassi only

Error

Too proximal deep dissection

Consequence

Marginal mandibular nerve injury

Solution

Maintain safe distance from mandibular border

Non-Negotiable Rules

NEVER remove the submandibular gland

NEVER plicate the digastric tendon

NEVER skip fasciotomy in heavy neck