You will want to avoid pulling at the Steri-Strips, scrubbing the area vigorously or focusing a harsh jet of water directly on the surgical site when bathing in the week following surgery. Once the Steri-Strips are removed, patients can opt to apply vitamin E cream to help minimize scars if they choose.
How do I treat my incision after thyroid surgery?
Your incision is covered with a protective tape called Steri-strip. Apply an ice pack to the lower neck the first 24 hours. You can shower and wash your hair as usual the day after surgery, but do not soak or scrub the incision. The tape will start curling up at the edges in 3 to 4 days.
How long does it take for a thyroidectomy scar to fade?
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.
Do you get a scar from thyroid removal?
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.
When can you put scar cream on incision?
Don’t rush into scar treatment right after your injury. Take good care of your wound first and wait until the skin has completely healed (no scab) before starting to apply any topical products such as Mederma® Scar treatment.
When can you put mederma on a scar?
For best results, start using Mederma® as soon as your wound has closed and continue using daily for at least 8 weeks on new scars and 3-6 months on existing scars. Make sure the scab has come off naturally and any stitches have been removed. On older scars you may start using Mederma® immediately.
How does life change after thyroidectomy?
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.
What helps surgical scars heal faster?
Here are some easy steps you as a patient can take to help reduce scarring after surgery:
- Gently massage the area.
- Massage the scar with silicone gel or vitamin E.
- Avoid Sunlight.
- Avoid putting stress on your wound.
- Take the advice of your surgeon and avoid the gym.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
Does thyroid removal leave a scar?
Scar, 2 weeks after the right thyroid lobectomy (removal of the right 1/2 of the thyroid) for 2.6 cm (about 1 inch) thyroid nodule. Scar, 2 weeks after the left thyroid lobectomy (removal of the left 1/2 of the thyroid) for 3.1 cm (about 1 inch and 1/2) Follicular Adenoma.
What are the risks of removing thyroid?
Risks of thyroidectomy include: Injury to the nerves in your vocal cords and larynx. Bleeding and possible airway obstruction. A sharp rise in thyroid hormone levels (only around the time of surgery). Injury to the parathyroid glands (small glands near the thyroid) or to their blood supply.
How long does it take for a thyroid scar to heal?
Some influences include the type and severity of the injury, skin type, nutrition and use of scar treatment products. Time Heals. According to the National Institutes of Health, it takes between two and three years for scars to turn pale and the skin to mature.
What tests are needed after thyroid removal?
This usually includes a radioactive iodine scan, and may include PET scans and other imaging tests. For those with a low-risk, small papillary cancer that was treated by removing only one lobe of the thyroid, routine physical exams by your doctor, thyroid ultrasounds and thyroid blood tests are typical.
