How long is a thyroid scar?
HOW BIG WILL THE INCISION BE? This is largely dependent on how big your thyroid is and how extensive a surgery is required for removal. You may ask your surgeon how long they expect your incision to be. In general, most incisions will be between 1.5 to 3 inches long.
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.
Do thyroid scars go away?
The scar may have raised borders, too. Patients usually hate the look of raised borders around a scar, but early on in the process, this actually helps the skin to heal. Raised thyroid scars usually flatten over time.
Is thyroid removal major surgery?
A thyroidectomy is a treatment for a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions of the thyroid gland. A thyroidectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.
How long is recovery from thyroid removal?
Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off to recover. You should not drive for at least a week. There are no other restrictions. Depending on the amount of thyroid tissue that was removed and the reason for your surgery, you may be placed on thyroid hormone (Synthroid or Cytomel).
Where is the scar from thyroid surgery?
Traditional thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies leave a visible scar in the middle of the neck.
Will I gain weight after having half my thyroid removed?
Conclusions: Despite the perception of many patients that their thyroidectomy and thyroid hormone replacement or suppressive therapy is responsible for their subsequent weight gain, there were no significant differences in weight gain over time in comparison to a control group of euthyroid patients with thyroid nodules …
How long is hospital stay after thyroid removal?
In the case of thyroid and parathyroid surgery, the risk is 1 in 300 patients (much less than 1%). Because of this rare chance of bleeding, we keep you in the hospital for 4 hours after the operation for observation and in certain cases may observe you overnight in the hospital.
Can I live a normal life without my thyroid?
Can you live without your thyroid? The short answer is yes. People can live full, long lives without a thyroid (or with an underactive thyroid) if they take medication to replace the absence of thyroid hormones in their body with thyroid medication.
How long does it take to get scars from thyroid surgery?
Scar appearance improves with time, and the final result is generally evident 6 months after surgery. Fairer-skinned individuals generally have lighter-colored scars than individuals with darker complexions.
What causes a scar on the right side after thyroid surgery?
Scar, 3 years after a total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection (removal of entire right neck lymph nodes) on the right side for advanced thyroid cancer with metastatic disease to the right side neck lymph nodes
How long does it take for a thyroid incision to heal?
Your incision may be firm and red for many months after the procedure. The scar may have raised borders, too. Patients usually hate the look of raised borders around a scar, but early on in the process, this actually helps the skin to heal. Raised thyroid scars usually flatten over time.
What should I use to cover my thyroid surgery scar?
Simply put, the less sunlight that strikes your incision, the better your thyroid surgery scar will look over time. A great way to do this is to use a piece of gauze and frame it with Hy-Tape. Make sure you use enough gauze to block out all UV radiation.