Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are commonly used to treat disorders of these glands in the neck. The thyroid surgery recovery  process typically lasts one to two weeks before normal activities can resume. It can sometimes be uncomfortable due to the sensitivity of the neck area.

When working with a skilled team of surgeons and following post-operative instructions, a minimally invasive thyroid surgery can be completely safe and highly effective.

It’s normal to have questions about the immediate post-surgery period, recovery timeline, and long-term outcomes before you have thyroid or parathyroid surgery. Keep reading to learn what to expect and how to manage your post-surgery care and overall recovery.

The first 24-48 hours after surgery

There are several types of thyroid surgeries . A total thyroidectomy involves removing the entire thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in front of your windpipe just under the voice box. A thyroid lobectomy entails removing one of the two thyroid lobes. Parathyroid surgery removes one or more of the four parathyroid glands, which are embedded in the back of the thyroid.

Thyroid surgeries usually take anywhere from one to three hours to perform. Many patients can go home within four to six hours after the procedure. The surgery is performed under anesthesia, so someone will need to drive you home.

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may have to stay overnight.

Because the surgery involves operating on delicate neck structures, you may experience a sore throat, swallowing difficulties, hoarseness, and neck pain during the first several days of recovery.

Once you are able to swallow, you can take oral pain medicine. You’ll receive prescriptions before leaving the hospital. Getting them filled on the way home is an excellent way to make sure you don’t run out if the pain continues.

Doctors usually recommend eating soft foods for the first day or two after surgery. Cooked vegetables and nutrient-rich soups are much easier to swallow. Chilled smoothies can provide relief with their cooling temperature. As the swelling goes down, you’ll be able to gradually return to your regular diet.

Understanding your recovery timeline

Your overall health and the type of thyroid procedure you have performed both impact your recovery time. Patients with chronic health issues or extensive gland removal sometimes experience longer recovery times. Your doctor will go over a number of aftercare  recommendations that you can use to speed up your healing and support a smoother recovery.

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week or two of having thyroid surgery. But your doctor may suggest certain activity restrictions so you don’t strain the healing incision. For example, they’ll tell you to avoid heavy lifting for at least 10 days to prevent bleeding and reduce pressure on the neck area.

Months 1-3: Long-term recovery

Even though the incision  from the surgery heals within a few weeks, it can take several months (or years) for the scar to fade and the skin to soften and flatten. It may also take a few months for your voice to fully stabilize and no longer sound hoarse.

Caring for your incision and managing scars

Your incision  may ooze fluid that appears watery or reddish in color the first day or two after surgery. This is nothing to worry about. However, if it oozes thick or yellow pus, call your doctor and ask for more tips about incision care. You may need to go in for an evaluation. 

The rim of the incision will likely feel hard or raised, but it will soften over the next three to six months. Be careful with sunlight since UV exposure can darken or discolor the healing skin. Wearing sunscreen will improve scar healing and keep it from becoming more noticeable.

Voice care and throat comfort

Because the glands are close to the voice box, it’s normal for a patient’s voice to be weak or hoarse after thyroid surgery. Any changes to pitch and tone usually go away within a few months. Rarely are the voice changes permanent.

Post-surgery recovery tips  to help your voice heal:

• Stay hydrated. Supports tissue recovery and comfort.
• Avoid throat clearing. Prevents added strain on vocal cords.
• Rest your voice as much as possible. Reduces irritation and promotes natural healing.

Managing pain during your thyroid surgery recovery

The pain  you experience after thyroid or parathyroid surgery may range from mild to moderate. The worst discomfort usually occurs at the incision site or in the surrounding muscles because of nerve irritation. You may also notice neck stiffness due to the swelling.

Your doctor will likely recommend ice and prescription pain medication.

You can also use these non-medication strategies to improve your comfort after surgery:

• Use warm compresses or heating pads to alleviate stiffness in the back and shoulder areas.
• A good sleeping position for reducing swelling and promoting better rest is lying on your back with your head elevated.
• Use extra pillows so the head and neck have more support.
• Avoid late meals and beverages that cause disruptions to your sleep.

Medication and hormone management

Patients who undergo a total thyroidectomy typically need thyroid hormone replacement  therapy to replace the hormones their thyroid can no longer produce. It’s crucial to take the hormones as prescribed and to adjust dosages according to the results of follow-up lab tests.

You should never quit the medication without telling your doctor, since it can cause serious symptoms by disrupting your body’s metabolic balance.Not taking replacement hormones after a total thyroidectomy can lead to hypothyroidism, which will affect your energy levels and may also cause weight gain.

What to know about calcium supplements after surgery

After the surgery, your calcium levels  may fall, because of a disruption of the parathyroid function. This is very normal and usually temporary. But to make up for the drop, your doctor may have you take calcium supplements.

If you notice tingling in your hands, feet, or lips after surgery, it could be because you have low calcium. Your doctor will go over how much you need to take and how often.

Follow-up care and monitoring

Your doctor will schedule you for a postoperative care appointment  about one to two weeks after the surgery. You may also need to have regular blood tests. The doctor will do supplement or medication adjustments if the tests reveal low calcium levels or inadequate hormone regulation.

When to contact your doctor

Keeping a close eye on the incision site and your pain levels will help you know whether you need to contact your doctor before any follow-up appointments. If you notice any of the following during your thyroidectomy recovery, book an appointment  right away:

• Fever of at least 101.5.
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Chills
• Increase in pain at the incision that pain medication doesn’t ease
• Increased swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision
• Numbness or tingling of fingers, toes, or around the mouth.
• Muscle cramps

Finding thyroid specialists in Tampa-St. Petersburg

According to the American Thyroid Association, about 20 million people in America have a thyroid disease. And up to 60% of those people don’t realize they have one.

Patients suffering from thyroid issues can get the care they need from the Otolaryngology specialists at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health. Our team of knowledgeable, experienced ear, nose and throat specialists employs cutting-edge diagnostics and surgical procedures combined with personalized guidance for every stage of care.

We provide treatment for sleep apnea, head and neck tumors, thyroid disorders, and more. Contact our otolaryngology team today to learn more about thyroid surgery recovery.

About Drs. Espinola and Pfaff

Dr. Trina Espinola is a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon. She’s highly trained in the latest medical and surgical techniques for conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. She has presented on topics such as thyroid cancer management and is experienced at treating thyroid and parathyroid disease. Dr. Espinola is fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows her to give all patients the utmost level of care. Request an appointment with Dr. Espinola by calling (727) 553-7100.

Dr. Julia Pfaff is a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon whose areas of expertise include thyroid and parathyroid disorders, head and neck cancer, and sinus conditions. Having undergone thyroid surgery during her medical training, Dr. Pfaff draws on her personal experience to connect with her patients and provide exceptional care. She is one of the few doctors in Florida qualified to perform the Inspire Implant procedure for sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pfaff by calling (727) 553-7100.