The operative area is wrapped with a sterile padding and an elastic bandage to inhibit bleeding and edema. There will likely be numbness and temporary discomfort around the surgical site. These symptoms are easily controlled with medication.
The head should be elevated for two to three days after surgery to inhibit swelling. Bruising and swelling is inevitable around the eyes and cheeks, but this begins to disappear in about a week.
As the nerves regenerate, numbness of the forehead and scalp will soon be replaced with itching. It may take up to six months for these sensations to fully disappear. The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery. Within 10 to 14 days, the stitches or clips will be removed.
Update Date: 11/7/2011
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
