Does thyroidectomy scar go away?
Does thyroidectomy scar go away?
Scars usually take about 12–18 months to fully mature. During that time, they go through a remodeling process. Many scars that are unattractive in the first few months may greatly improve over the course of a year.
How big is a thyroid removal scar?
The classical Kocher incision for thyroid surgery, which is approximately 10 cm long, has been the gold standard for more than a century.
How long does it take for a thyroid surgery scar to heal?
Does Thyroid Surgery Leave A Scar? Like all surgeries that require an external incision, there is an initial scar from the incision made to remove some or all of your thyroid. Over time this scar will heal over 8 to 12 weeks and become barely noticeable if taken care of properly.
What should you do for a thyroidectomy scar?
Continue to avoid trauma to the incision. Apply a light coating of Vaseline or antibiotic ointment over the incision multiple times throughout the day (can stop this after two to three weeks). Keep incision out of the sunlight, or if expecting exposure to sunlight, apply sunscreen (45 SPF or greater) to incision.
Where is the scar for thyroid surgery?
Traditional thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies leave a visible scar in the middle of the neck.
How big is the incision for thyroid surgery?
Results Mean length of the incision was 5.5 cm for total thyroidectomy, 4.6 cm for lobectomy, and 3.5 cm for parathyroidectomy (P<. 001).
What happens to your body after your thyroid is removed?
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can’t make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you’ll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you’ll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).
What should a scar look like 6 months after surgery?
Stage 3: Remodeling. You’re in the home stretch: Your wound has filled in and a new surface has formed. This final period can last from 6 months to 2 years. You’ll see some changes in your scar. It will go from looking thick, red, and raised to thinner, flatter, and more like your usual skin color.
What does scar look like?
A scar may appear flat, lumpy, sunken, or colored. It may be painful or itchy. The final look of a scar depends on many factors, including the skin type and location on the body, the direction of the wound, the type of injury, age of the person with the scar, and his or her nutritional status.
How long is your neck swollen after thyroid surgery?
You will see swelling or bruising develop in the area around the incision 1-3 days after surgery. You may also notice swelling, firmness, a pulling sensation, or even some trouble swallowing. This often increases over the first 1-2 weeks and then begins to resolve over 6-8 weeks.