Overview
Depending on the extent of surgery and how the patient is breathing, the first two days after surgery may be spent in the intensive care unit. Without complications, most patients are able to leave the hospital within one week. Complete healing may take up to six weeks.
Review Date 5/26/2023
Updated by: Tang Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.