Your Guide to Thyroidectomy Recovery

A full or partial Thyroidectomy Recovery is typically light and lasts for a few weeks. Your surgical team will advise you on pain medications, foods to eat during recovery, and more.

A thyroidectomy is a procedure to remove the thyroid gland in whole or in part. It might be performed to treat thyroid cancer or an enlarged thyroid.

Full recovery can take a few months, but most side effects resolve quickly. People who have a complete thyroidectomy will need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their lives.

How long does it take to heal from a thyroidectomy?

The exact healing timeline after thyroidectomy can depend on individual factors such as your overall health and age. The type of thyroidectomy you have can also make a difference. For instance, recovery from a partial thyroid removal, or hemithyroidectomy, is often quicker than recovery from a full thyroidectomy.

You might go home a few hours after your surgery. In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Either way, you’ll be able to return to light, everyday activities the next day. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s safe to resume other activities, but you’ll likely be required to avoid intense physical activities and sports for about 2 weeks.

Many people notice that their voice feels weak or hoarse following surgery. This is because the thyroid is near the voice box. Vocal changes typically only last for a few weeks following surgery.

It’s common for there to be a ridge or scar tissue over your surgical incisions. The ridge is typically firm to the touch. The incision ridge should soften in about 3 to 6 months.

Your surgical incision will be sensitive to the sun. Sunlight and the light from tanning booths can cause permanent darkening. Your surgeon might recommend a specific sunscreen during healing.

Neck pain is also common following a thyroidectomy. You might experience headaches and soreness in your neck, shoulders, and back. It might be difficult to turn your head and neck. This side effect typically resolves after about a week.

What is the aftercare for a thyroidectomy?

Your surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions. Make sure to follow them closely during recovery. The recommendations can vary depending on the type of thyroidectomy you had. However, common aftercare steps include:

• getting plenty of rest
• keeping your head raised with pillows when you lie in bed or on a sofa
• avoiding any strenuous physical activity, including lifting anything over 5 pounds
• avoiding extending your neck backward
• avoiding driving

You might be prescribed antibiotics or pain-relieving medications.

Some people also receive a drain placed under the neck incision after surgery. If you receive this tube, you’ll schedule an appointment to have it removed.

Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to resume activities such as driving, heavy lifting, and sports. If your job requires strenuous activity, talk with your doctor about what accommodations you may need.

Thyroidectomy recovery diet tips 

It can be painful to swallow after a thyroidectomy. While your throat heals, it can help to consume softer, soothing foods. These can include:

• mashed potatoes (or other veggies)
• tofu or scrambled eggs
• oatmeal
• hummus or baked beans
• cream soups
• salmon or other boneless fish
• cooked fruit
• smoothies
• baby food
• yogurt or cottage cheese
• pudding or ice cream
• popsicles

It’s a good idea to avoid acidic foods such as orange or tomato juices. Spicy foods may also not be comfortable during this time. Hard food, such as chips, hard bread, and most fruits and vegetables, can also irritate your throat.

If this diet causes you to have irregular bowel movements, a fiber supplement can help. After taking a fiber supplement, make sure to wait a couple of hours before then taking pain medications or any other medications. It’s best to talk with your doctor before taking a laxative.

How does life change after a thyroidectomy?

The changes you’ll experience after a thyroidectomy depend on the reason for your thyroidectomy and whether it was a hemithyroidectomy or full thyroidectomy. For instance, if you’ve had a full thyroidectomy, you’ll need to take a daily thyroid replacement medication for the rest of your life.

Some people who have had a hemithyroidectomy also need to take daily thyroid replacement medications. After your procedure, you’ll have blood tests to evaluate whether medications are required. Your doctor might also want to continuously monitor your thyroid hormone levels to ensure they are balanced.

If your thyroidectomy is done to treat a malignant thyroid tumor, it might resolve the cancer. However, you might need additional cancer treatment. Your doctors will discuss your treatment plan with you. Read more about thyroid cancer treatment.

If your thyroidectomy is done to treat an enlarged thyroid, you’ll likely experience a reduction in symptoms. This can include increased energy and a reduction in sweating, heat intolerance, and tremors. Read more about treating a hyperactive thyroid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thyroidectomy

What is a thyroidectomy?

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. It may be performed to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer or an enlarged thyroid. Depending on the extent of the surgery, it can be a partial thyroidectomy (hemithyroidectomy) or a full thyroidectomy.

How long does it take to heal from a thyroidectomy?

The recovery timeline after a thyroidectomy can vary based on individual factors such as overall health and age, as well as the type of thyroidectomy performed.

• Partial Thyroidectomy (Hemithyroidectomy): Recovery is often quicker than a full thyroidectomy.
• Full Thyroidectomy: Full recovery can take a few months, but most side effects resolve within a few weeks.

You might be able to go home a few hours after surgery or may need to stay overnight for observation. Light, everyday activities can usually be resumed the next day, but intense physical activities and sports should be avoided for about 2 weeks.

What are common side effects after a thyroidectomy?

• Voice Changes: Temporary hoarseness or weak voice due to proximity to the voice box.
• Incision Ridge: Firm ridge or scar tissue over the surgical incisions, which should soften within 3 to 6 months.
• Neck Pain: Soreness in the neck, shoulders, and back, which typically resolves after about a week.
• Sun Sensitivity: The surgical incision will be sensitive to sunlight, requiring specific sunscreen to prevent permanent darkening.

What is the aftercare for a thyroidectomy?

Your surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include:

• Getting plenty of rest.
• Keeping your head raised with pillows when lying down.
• Avoiding strenuous physical activities and lifting anything over 5 pounds.
• Avoiding extending your neck backward.
• Avoiding driving until cleared by your doctor.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics or pain-relieving medications. Some people may receive a drain under the neck incision, which will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment.

What foods should I eat during thyroidectomy recovery?

Swallowing can be painful after a thyroidectomy. Softer, soothing foods are recommended, such as:

• Mashed potatoes or other veggies
• Tofu or scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal
• Hummus or baked beans
• Cream soups
• Salmon or other boneless fish
• Cooked fruit
• Smoothies
• Baby food
• Yogurt or cottage cheese
• Pudding or ice cream
• Popsicles

Avoid acidic, spicy, and hard foods like chips, hard bread, and raw fruits and vegetables. A fiber supplement may be necessary if the recovery diet causes irregular bowel movements.

How does life change after a thyroidectomy?

Full Thyroidectomy: You will need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of your life.

Partial Thyroidectomy: Some individuals may also need thyroid hormone replacement, determined by post-procedure blood tests. Continuous monitoring of thyroid hormone levels may be required.

If the thyroidectomy was done to treat a malignant thyroid tumor, additional cancer treatment might be necessary. For cases of an enlarged thyroid, symptoms like increased energy, reduced sweating, heat intolerance, and tremors are likely to improve.

What is the takeaway?

A thyroidectomy is a procedure to treat conditions such as a swollen thyroid gland or a thyroid tumor. Full recovery can take several months, but side effects like hoarseness, neck pain, and difficulty swallowing typically resolve in a few weeks. Aftercare steps such as resting, following a recovery diet, taking pain medications, and avoiding intense physical activities can aid in healing. If you have had a full thyroidectomy, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is necessary. Blood tests will determine if thyroid replacement hormones are needed after a partial thyroidectomy. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow-up care.