Promiment Adam's Apple six weeks after tracheal shave, is it really just swelling?

Question

I had a tracheal shave about 6 weeks back. The day after the surgery during a redressing I saw the incison and it was really flat. I had a prominent adam's apple and it was completely gone. However over the next few weeks some of the bump came back as well as difficulty in swelling. I was given local steroid injection to help with the swelling and while the swallowing got better, the bump is still quite visible (unfortunately in every photo I take, even from far). Could it really be swelling?

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

If your initial result appeared satisfactory and subsequent swelling occurred then you likely have residual swelling.  See your surgeon and discuss any concerns.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Dear Finallybeing, 
Thank you for your question. Six weeks after a tracheal shave is usually about the time when most of the swelling goes down. This issue seems to be highly variable and can be more prominent in one person versus another. I have had patients who have this swelling persist for 3-4 months even with steroid injections. I would discuss this issue with your surgeon and find a treatment plan that works for you. 
Let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. Good luck! 
P. Daniel Ward, MD.

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. From what you are describing you may have had a fluid collection underneath the skin after surgery at some point. Normal swelling should have subsided, but fluid collections after surgery may prolong this or cause thickened scar tissue. The steroid injection you had can be a good option, but you will also want to give it some more time to heal.
Best of luck to you,
Sarah Saxon, MD

Joseph M. Pober, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Since your earlier result was satisfactory, the subsequent fullness is not residual prominence of the adams apple. It more likely may be swelling.

Promiment Adam's Apple six weeks after tracheal shave, is it really just swelling?

Answers (4)

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