About Thyroplasty
Key Highlights
-
Minimally invasive surgical approach with a small neck incision.Significantly improves voice quality, loudness, and reduces breathiness.Can restore vocal cord closure, improving swallowing and airway protection.Outpatient procedure in many cases, allowing for same-day discharge.Customizable with different implant types (e.g., Silastic, Gore-Tex) to suit individual anatomy.High success rate in treating unilateral vocal cord paralysis./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unilateral vocal cord paralysis or paresis, often post-thyroidectomy.
- Persistent hoarseness or weak voice not responsive to voice therapy.
- Vocal cord atrophy or bowing causing significant voice impairment.
- Glottic insufficiency leading to aspiration or swallowing difficulties.
- Trauma or neurological conditions (e.g., stroke) affecting laryngeal nerve function.
- Failed previous medialization procedures.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive laryngeal examination, including laryngoscopy and stroboscopy.
- Pre-operative voice assessment and possible trial of voice therapy.
- Review of medical history, especially prior neck surgeries or radiation.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure if performed under general anesthesia.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local with sedation or general) with the anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, hematoma, or infection at the surgical site.
- Implant displacement, extrusion, or rejection requiring revision surgery.
- Over- or under-correction of the vocal cord position affecting voice outcome.
- Temporary or permanent worsening of voice quality or breathing.
- Damage to surrounding structures (rare), such as the esophagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Allergic reaction to implant materials or anesthesia.
- Scar formation affecting vocal fold vibration.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Voice rest is typically advised for 1-2 weeks post-surgery to allow healing.
- Mild throat pain, swelling, and bruising are common, managed with prescribed medications.
- A soft diet may be recommended initially if swallowing is uncomfortable.
- Follow-up laryngoscopy within a few weeks to assess vocal cord position and healing.
- Gradual return to normal speaking, avoiding shouting or straining the voice for several weeks.
- Formal voice therapy may be recommended to optimize vocal technique and outcomes.
- Final voice results are usually evident after 4-6 weeks as swelling subsides.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
-
Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full vocal stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thyroplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with endocrinology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform thyroplasty. MediFyr helps you compare endocrinologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for thyroplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full vocal stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full vocal stabilization | Know More |
Anjali Johnson, a 42-year-old high school...
Anjali Johnson, a 42-year-old high school choir director, had always relied on her clear, strong voice. For two years, she experienced progressive vocal weakness and hoarseness that resisted speech therapy. Diagnosed with a unilateral vocal fold paralysis from a previous thyroid surgery, she struggled to project in her classroom and could no longer sing with her students. Her endocrinologist, Dr. Lee, explained that the paralyzed fold was causing air waste and strain. He recommended a Type I Thyroplasty (medialization laryngoplasty) to insert a small implant, pushing the paralyzed fold to the midline. Anjali was terrified of another neck surgery but desperate. The outpatient procedure under local anesthesia was surreal, she was awake and had to phonate so the surgeon could adjust the implant for optimal voice. The immediate post-op hoarseness and swelling were expected. After six weeks of strict vocal rest and gradual therapy, her voice returned, not her old singing voice, but a strong, reliable speaking voice. Emotionally, she moved from grief over losing part of her identity to profound gratitude for regaining her professional tool and confidence.
Endocrinologists for Thyroplasty
Explore experienced endocrinologists who regularly perform thyroplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 5 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 50 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 30 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 3 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
- 12 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 27 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 18 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
- Endocrinologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata