The operative area is wrapped with sterile padding and an elastic bandage to inhibit bleeding and edema (large amounts of fluid and swelling). There is numbness and temporary discomfort in the surgical area, which can be alleviated with medication. The head is elevated for two to three days after surgery to inhibit swelling. Bruising and swelling are inevitable around the eyes and cheeks, but that begins to disappear in a couple of days to a week. As nerves regenerate, numbness of the forehead and scalp are replaced with itching. It may take up to six months for these sensations to fully disappear. The bandages are removed a day or two after surgery. Within 10 to 14 days, the stitches are removed in two different stages.