After surgery, dressings or bandages may be placed on incisions outside your child's mouth.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in the general health of your child, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Your plastic surgeon or the attending staff will instruct you on feeding your child as well as any restrictions or special activity instructions. Don't be surprised if you find that arm restraints have been placed on your child in recovery. They will prevent him or her from injuring the surgical site as it heals.

Restraints may be removed several times a day, so long as your child is supervised and prevented from touching the surgical site or sucking a thumb.

Your child's discomfort can be controlled with pain medication. If necessary, sutures will be removed following surgery. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling resolves.

After surgery, diligent sun protection is essential to prevent the formation of irregular scars or pigmentation.