Sometimes, a small incision is also positioned underneath the chin. Dr. Copeland places most sutures beneath the skin where they aren't visible, and these dissolve on their own. After surgery, she will prescribe topical creams and techniques to reduce scarring and enhance the result. The bulky dressing applied right after the operation is usually removed on the second day after surgery, and hair may be shampooed at that point. Bruising and swelling usually subside within two weeks, but make-up can be worn after the first week.
Patients usually resume business and social activities after one or two weeks.