Depending on the extent of surgery and the need to closely monitor the patient's breathing, the first 2 days after surgery may be spent in the intensive care unit. Without complications, most patients are able to leave the hospital within 1 week. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks.

Although not without risk, these surgeries usually result in a much more normal appearance.

Those who have suffered a traumatic injury often need to work through the psychological and emotional issues of the trauma itself and the change in their appearance. Both children and adults who have suffered a traumatic injury may suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Consulting a mental health professional or joining a support group can be helpful.

Likewise, parents of children with disfiguring craniofacial deformities often feel guilty or ashamed, especially when the deformities are due to a genetic condition. As younger children grow and become aware of their appearance, psychiatric symptoms may develop or worsen.