Thyroplasty: Types, Side Effects, Recovery, and More
Several types of thyroplasty can alter or repair the vocal folds. This surgery is typically considered safe, and recovery times are minimal.
A thyroplasty is a surgical procedure done to modify your vocal cords. It’s typically a treatment for dysfunction in your voice or difficulty coughing.
Thyroplasty is considered a safe and common procedure, and you can usually go home the same day. However, there are still some risks and aftercare instructions you should consider.
Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of thyroplasty and what to expect after the procedure.
What is thyroplasty surgery for?
Thyroplasty is also called laryngoplasty or simply vocal cord surgery. It’s a label for a category of surgeries performed on the vocal cords to either influence the voice or improve respiratory function. This includes:
These surgeries can help with vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord dysfunction, breathing difficulties, or altering the sound of your voice.
Thyroplasty has been used to help singers whose vocal cords are damaged by overuse, misuse, or an accident.
Thyroplasty can also be a part of gender confirmation surgery. Some trans and cis people use types 3 and 4 to change the pitch of their voice to be more in line with their gender identity or presentation.
Possible side effects and complications of thyroplasty
Thyroplasties are generally considered safe and are done in outpatient facilities so that you can go home the same day.
Some of the possible side effects of thyroplasty include:
Some rare complications of a thyroplasty include:
What to expect after thyroplasty
Most of the time, you’ll be awake for the procedure, and local anesthesia will be used. However, for some types and situations, general anesthesia may be used. Talk with your surgical team if you have any concerns about anesthesia.
After a thyroplasty, you’ll have a bandage around your neck. Avoid touching it until a doctor tells you it’s OK. Your surgical team will observe you before you’re discharged to ensure that you can breathe, swallow, and walk around normally.
Make sure to follow the directions your surgical care team gives you carefully, as your recovery may require personalized steps. However, in general, here are some tips to help make your recovery quick and effective:
You’ll usually visit the doctor or surgeon a week or two after surgery to check on your progress and receive any further aftercare instructions.
Frequently asked questions about thyroplasty
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about thyroplasty.
What is the success rate of thyroplasty?
Thyroplasties are considered routine and safe surgeries. While complications are possible, the rates are typically low.
A 2020 study of 29 people who underwent thyroplasty found that most of them reported a significant improvement in their perception of their voice quality.
Titanium implants used in thyroplasty sometimes break. However, according to a recent study in 2023, these fractures are usually small and did not result in statistical differences in the success of the surgeries.
Is thyroplasty painful?
Some pain or soreness is normal after a thyroplasty. The pain should center around the location of the surgery and slowly get better over the course of several days. Your surgical team should provide prescription pain medications to help or give recommendations for the best over-the-counter pain meds for you.
Get immediate medical help if your pain is severe, does not respond to medication, escalates quickly, or causes you to have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Signs of swelling and prolonged pain could indicate an infection.
Is thyroplasty permanent?
Yes, typically, unless further damage is done to the vocal folds, additional surgeries are not needed. However, many of these procedures are reversible if necessary.
Changes to the vocal pitch achieved by thyroplasty are usually permanent effects.
Is thyroplasty covered by insurance or Medicare?
Yes. Thyroplasty is covered by insurance if it’s deemed to be medically necessary.
This includes thyroplasty for gender confirmation surgery; however, your insurance company may require psychiatric evaluations or other prerequisites to determine that you’re a candidate for gender confirmation surgery.
Takeaway
Thyroplasty is a safe, effective way to improve your voice if you have vocal cord paralysis or vocal cord nodules. It’s also a tool to help change cis and transgender people change the pitch of their voice.
Talk with a doctor to make sure you understand the risks and outcomes you can expect from thyroplasty.
Hey there, little buddy!
So, you know how we all have voices? Well, sometimes, some people might have problems with their voices that can make it hard for them to speak or sing. That’s where something called thyroplasty comes in. It’s like a special kind of surgery that helps fix problems with the voice.
Thyroplasty is like an extra special tool that helping doctors fix the tiny muscles inside our throat that are called the vocal cords. These muscles help create our voices, and when they’re not working just right, it can affect the way we sound.
There are different types of thyroplasties, and each one helps with different problems. Some make the voice lower or higher, while others help fix problems with breathing. It’s like putting a new, special piece inside our throat to make our voice better.
The surgery is usually quick and safe, and the person having it usually goes home the same day. There might be a little bit of discomfort afterwards, but this goes away over time.
Some people who have had thyroplasty say it’s helped them make their voice feel way better. It’s like a brand new voice! And that’s really cool.
What is Thyroplasty?
Thyroplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve or alter the voice by adjusting the position or tension of the vocal cords. It’s often used to treat voice disorders.
What Are the Types of Thyroplasty?
There are several types of thyroplasty, including Type I (medialization), Type II (lateralization), Type III (relaxation), and Type IV (tension). Each type aims to correct specific voice issues.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Thyroplasty?
Common side effects of thyroplasty may include temporary swelling, bruising, throat discomfort, and changes in voice quality. Serious complications are rare but can include infection or vocal cord paralysis.
How Long Does Recovery from Thyroplasty Take?
Recovery from thyroplasty typically takes a few weeks. Patients usually experience immediate voice changes, with gradual improvement over time. Full recovery, including optimal voice quality, may take several months.
Is Thyroplasty a Permanent Solution for Voice Disorders?
Thyroplasty often provides a long-term or permanent solution for many voice disorders, especially when successfully correcting the underlying vocal cord issue. However, individual results can vary.
Who Is a Candidate for Thyroplasty?
Candidates for thyroplasty are usually individuals with specific types of voice disorders, such as vocal cord paralysis or bowing. A thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist is necessary to determine candidacy.
What Should I Expect During a Thyroplasty Procedure?
During a thyroplasty procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the neck and adjusts the vocal cords using implants or other techniques. The procedure is often performed under local or general anesthesia.
Are There Alternatives to Thyroplasty?
Yes, alternatives to thyroplasty can include voice therapy, injection laryngoplasty, or other surgical techniques depending on the nature and severity of the voice disorder.
How Much Does Thyroplasty Cost?
The cost of thyroplasty can vary widely depending on factors like geographic location, the surgeon’s experience, and specific procedure type. Consultation with a medical provider is necessary for accurate cost assessment.
Can Thyroplasty be Reversed?
In some cases, thyroplasty can be adjusted or partially reversed if the desired outcome is not achieved. This decision should be made in consultation with a qualified surgeon.
