What Is the Common Recovery Time for Thyroid Surgery?

Thyroid surgery is recommended for thyroid cancer, cysts, Grave's disease, and symptomatic nodules on the thyroid. According to Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC), the recovery time for thyroid surgery is relatively fast for most patients.

Preparations

• To reduce the risk of complications, do not drink or eat after midnight the day of your surgery. Discontinue the use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications one week before surgery.

Procedure

• During the operation, a four-inch incision is made in your neck. Once the thyroid gland is partially or completely removed, the surgeon stitches up the incision. The procedure takes up to three hours under general anesthesia, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM).

Recovery

• If the operation is free of complications, expect to recover in a week or two.

Exceptions

• Infection---which is rare, according to JHM---may delay your recovery. Discharge or redness at the incision site are signs of an infection.

Restrictions

• JHM reports that there are no restrictions following thyroid surgery, except for a one-week ban on driving. Avoid activities in which your neck is strained for two weeks, suggests WCMC.

Supplementation

• Whether your thyroid is partially or completely removed, you likely will take thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of your life. Also, according to WCMC, you may need temporary calcium supplementation.