Does removing your thyroid leave a scar?
Traditional thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies leave a visible scar in the middle of the neck. But, advancements in endocrine surgery at Johns Hopkins allow our surgeons to provide a scarless alternative to this procedure.
How long does thyroidectomy scar take to heal?
Your scar will be most visible for the first 1-2 months after surgery, improve significantly over 2-3 months, and gradually fade over the next 6-9 months.
How big is scar from thyroidectomy?
The classical Kocher incision for thyroid surgery, which is approximately 10 cm long, has been the gold standard for more than a century.
How do you treat a thyroidectomy scar?
Continue to avoid trauma to the incision. Apply a light coating of Vaseline or antibiotic ointment over the incision multiple times throughout the day (can stop this after two to three weeks). Keep incision out of the sunlight, or if expecting exposure to sunlight, apply sunscreen (45 SPF or greater) to incision.
What are the long term effects of having your thyroid removed?
Following surgery, you may experience: Voice changes, such as, a hoarse voice, difficulty in speaking loudly, voice fatigue, and a change in the tone of your voice. These changes are due to damage to the laryngeal nerves that supply your voice box (larynx) during surgery.
Why would someone have a scar on their neck?
Scar tissue, which consists of a tough, fibrous protein called collagen, forms when the body repairs a wound. Common causes of scars include injury, surgery, and infection. As scar tissue begins to form, it may appear red, raised, and hard, but over time it fades, flattens, and softens.
Do you gain weight after thyroidectomy?
Patients undergoing thyroidectomy experience possible mild weight gain, particularly younger individuals and those with hyperthyroidism as the indication for surgery.
What foods should I avoid after thyroidectomy?
Avoid eating hard or scratchy foods like chips or raw vegetables. Avoid orange or tomato juice and other acidic foods that can sting the throat. If you cough right after drinking, try drinking thicker liquids, such as a smoothie. You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery.
What happens to your body after your thyroid is removed?
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can’t make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you’ll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you’ll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).
What does a scar on your face mean?
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues. Most wounds, except for very minor ones, result in some degree of scarring. Scars can result from accidents, diseases, skin conditions such as acne, or surgeries.
What is the life expectancy of someone without a thyroid?
Overall, people living without a thyroid or an underactive thyroid do not have a reduced life expectancy or shortened life span if they get treatment. However, the reason you do not have a thyroid can affect how long you live.
What happens to your body after thyroid is removed?
What are the symptoms after thyroid removal?
Throat symptoms after thyroid removal. A variety of local symptoms are common for several weeks after hemithyroidectomy surgery and include neck tightness, or difficulty with eating and drinking. Headaches and tiredness are also common as is weakness of the voice with prolonged use.
What to eat after thyroid removal?
Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are a common symptom after thyroid surgery, though they’re usually transient. Eating soft foods for the first few days can be helpful. Examples include foods with sauces or gravy, cooked vegetables, and casseroles.
Why is thyroid removed?
One of the most common reasons you might have your thyroid is removed is because your doctor either has found or suspects you have thyroid cancer. Another reason would be that you are suffering from an enlarged thyroid, and it is causing you to have a choking sensation or difficulty swallowing.
What is subtotal thyroidectomy?
Subtotal thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure, in which the surgeon leaves a small thyroid remnant in situ to preserve thyroid function, thereby preventing lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation therapy.