Figures 13–16. Figures 13a and 13b. Horizontal mattress used to overcome muscle pull and prevent flap opening prematurely. Figure 14. Criss-cross suture technique demonstrating the steps to tie this knot. Figure 15. Variation of the sling suture with placement of the knot on the lingual aspect for esthetic situations that will not allow knot placement on the facial aspect. Figure 16. Continuous suture used to coapt a long incision line.