Prevention & Safety
Common Errors
Knowing the pitfalls is the first step to avoiding them. Learn from errors — without making them.
Error
Deepening dissector in midface
Consequence
Zygomatic branches or buccal loop injury (paralysis)
Solution
Always tilt dissector toward surface (upward)
Error
Dissecting toward lower eyelid
Consequence
Entry into orbital septum, prolonged chemosis (>1 month)
Solution
Aim from eye corner to nasal ala/mouth corner
Error
Too superficial dissection in temporal region
Consequence
Frontal nerve branch injury
Solution
Ensure plane between STF and DTF, over temporal muscle
Error
Not fully releasing orbital rim
Consequence
Limited elevation, asymmetries, insufficient result
Solution
Aggressive lateral, superior, and medial release until subcutaneous is visible
Error
Sutures too low or anterior
Consequence
Frontal nerve pinching or irritation
Solution
Position sutures as posterior and superior as possible
Error
Closing scalp with tension
Consequence
Edge necrosis, alopecia, widened scar
Solution
Traction in deep layers, not skin
Non-Negotiable Safety Rules
Never cauterize without direct visualization in midface
Never perform frontalis muscle myotomy (asymmetry risk)
Never position sutures too low or close to eyebrow
Never close scalp with tension
"The most common error in the learning curve is rushing to reduce surgical time. The transition from visual dependency to tactile navigation takes time. Respect this process."