Some patients who have more severe bowing of the vocal cords, or atrophy of the cords, require both plumping of the vocal cords and for the vocal cords to be moved to a more favorable position.

In those patients, a thyroplasty is performed. When a thyroplasty procedure is recommended, this means that the implants are placed through the thyroid cartilage and behind the vocal cords themselves.

This requires a small incision in the midline of the neck while you are asleep. In this procedure we drill a small hole through the thyroid cartilage, and then place the implant on the inside of the thyroid cartilage, pushing the vocal cord over to a more favorable position.

To check the position of the vocal fold, the surgeon will perform laryngoscopy to assess how much the vocal cord has moved to a better position, and where exactly to place the implant.

Patients who have this procedure may experience a sore throat, as well as some minor neck pain and swelling after the procedure.

Post-operative Instructions

You will be asked to use a confidential voice, as often there is swelling of the vocal folds after the procedure is performed.

When you return in approximately one week, you will begin working with the speech pathologist to maximize your voice results.

During the week after the surgery, you should apply antibiotic ointment and take the prescribed medicines as instructed.

Staying well hydrated is always important, and we will ask you to use a confidential voice. A confidential voice is the volume and quality of voice that you would use in talking to a close friend in a crowded area about a personal topic.

Maximal voice improvement is generally accomplished within one month after the surgery.