Traditional thyroid and parathyroid surgery can leave a modest scar at the base of the neck. Although the incision is placed within a skin crease and typically heals well, the resulting scar is permanent and can be visible.

With this approach, the surgeon accesses the gland(s) through small incisions inside the patient’s lip. The surgery is performed with endoscopic cameras and instruments, similar to abdominal surgery, and leaves no visible scars.

How is scarless surgery performed?

The surgery is performed laparoscopically through small incisions on the inner surface of the lower lip without any external neck incisions. The inner lip incisions heal completely, leaving no evidence of surgery.

Scarless operations are carried out under general anesthesia, so patients are completely asleep during the procedure. Just like traditional thyroid surgery, nerve monitoring technology is used to protect the vocal cord nerves.

The surgeon makes three small incisions on the inner surface of the lower lip to insert surgical instruments and a high-resolution camera. These small incisions are closed after the thyroid gland is removed, leaving no external scarring.

Who is a candidate for scarless surgery?

Anyone who needs an operation to remove the thyroid or parathyroid glands is a potential candidate for the procedure. However, some limiting factors exist, such as the size of the affected gland and the underlying condition.

People with the following diagnoses may be candidates for scarless surgery:

• Benign thyroid nodule less than 4 cm
• Thyroid cancer less than 1.5 cm
• Thyroid removal for benign conditions

Our physician carefully evaluates each potential patient’s specific condition to recommend the safest and most effective treatments options.

What are the benefits of scarless surgery?

The benefit most often cited by patients is that the approach avoids any external, visible scars to the neck or other body areas, while allowing safe and complete removal of thyroid or parathyroid glands. Studies have shown that scarless procedures are equally successful and safe as traditional approaches.

What are the risks and potential complications?

The scarless approaches is considered highly safe and effective. As with any surgery, however, there are standard potential risks. The scarless option does not increase the overall risk of complication.

What happens after the procedure?

The procedure requires an overnight hospital stay. Patients are typically discharged the following morning.

For a few days following the procedure, patients can expect to have a sore throat, a scratchy voice, and a stiff neck/lip. Bruising on the chin and neck can also occur, and typically resolves quickly. Most patients do not require prescription-strength pain medication for more than two to three days after surgery, at which point an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen is sufficient. As with traditional surgery, most patients return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery.

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene post-surgery, being careful not to disturb the small, dissolvable stitches. An antibiotic and prescription strength mouthwash will be prescribed after surgery, which should be used for the first week post-surgery.