Had facelift and woke up with raspy deep voice. Should I be worried about a voice box injury?

Question

Had facelift fee days ago and I woke up with a raspy deep voice. The. Nurse was worried. What can i do to get better and should I be worried about a voice box injury

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

It is common to
have a sore throat or a hoarse, raspy voice after being intubated during
surgery.  This is due to irritation caused
by the endotracheal tube, which was used to maintain an airway during the procedure.  Your raspy voice will resolve on its own in just
a few days, without any treatment. 
Should the raspy voice not improve over the first several weeks after
your facelift, contact your plastic surgeon.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

It is higly unlikely that any structural damage ( like nerves to the vocal chords, or vocal cords themselves) occured during your surgery.  Most likely it is a temporary swelling due to your anesthesia.  Your symptoms should resolve on their own in a few days

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

As other posters have noted, this is most likely related to the breathing tube utilized for the procedure and should resolve in due course.  A few things I would recommend: avoid caffeine, citrus juices, chocolate or other acidic food substances.  If you have a history of acid reflux that requires medication, taking the medication could help speed the healing process. Keep your Surgeon posted on your progress.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is likely that you have some swelling from the tube used to put you asleep for anesthesia. This can occur during a facelift or any procedure where general anesthesia is used. It is not uncommon for some of my patients to have similar complaints and also a sore throat. This typically resolves within a week or two. However, if your symptoms persist then I would discuss this issue with your surgeon.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

A temporary raspy voice or mild irritation of your throat is possible after a facelift when general anesthesia is used.   The raspy voice and irritation is typically caused by the tube the anesthesiologist uses to provide breathing support.  The raspy voice and irritation typically resolves itself in a matter of a few days.  The irritation can be improved with drinking cool liquids and humidifying the air, if needed.  If the symptoms persists then your surgeon should be informed.  Rarely, does the issue warrant an evaluation by ENT physician.I hope this helps.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

During intubation, the endotracheal tube is place between the vocal cords.  Irritation can create a day or so of hoarseness.  There will be no long term effect.

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

Did you have a general anesthetic?This is a much more likely cause of a sore throat or a raspy voiceand is very common. Would discuss with your surgeon-

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

What type of anesthesia did you have for your facelift?  If it was a general anesthesia, then it is possible you were intubated and there can be some temporary change in the voice.  Normally, this should resolve fairly quickly over time.  If you did not have a general anesthesia, then there may be another cause for your voice change after surgery.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

This can happen after the breathing tube is placed in your wind pipe to protect your lungs during  surgery. I would mention it to your plastic surgeon and I believe time is our friend. This typically gets better.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

It is not too uncommon to have temporary hoarseness/ change in voice following any type of surgery that requires general endotracheal anesthesia where a breathing tube is inserted down the trachea to deliver oxygen and inhalation anesthetics.  The insertion of the breathing tube can sometimes cause some minor trauma to the airway and cause a sore throat as well as some voice changes.  Sometimes just have a breathing tube in the tracheal for an extended period of time can cause some swelling that can manifest in a raspy voice.  Luckily most of it is just temporary.  If it persists or gets worse it should be evaluated by your PS or another specialist.  Best wishes.

Had facelift and woke up with raspy deep voice. Should I be worried about a voice box injury?

Answers (14)

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