title: An alternate elective neck incision.
abstract: The classic submandibular incision parallels the inferior border of the mandible and does not follow the resting skin tension lines of the neck. A modified approach is described that initially follows these lines but, as the midbody region is approached, a zigzag incision with legs of 1 to 3 cm and tip angles of approximately 70 to 90 degrees is made. This zigzag skin incision is adjusted for the intended surgery. Subjectively, the results are much more esthetic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, TX.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Zide
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Epker
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology