Parathyroid surgery can be stressful, particularly for patients who are unsure about what happens after treatment. Fortunately, experienced board-certified head and neck surgeon Dr. Babak Larian of the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Los Angeles is available to perform parathyroid surgery — and take the guesswork out of parathyroid surgery recovery.
By working with Dr. Larian, a patient can find out what to expect after parathyroid surgery. Dr. Larian also provides comprehensive support throughout all stages of parathyroid surgery and works closely with a patient to deliver their desired treatment results.
What Happens After Parathyroid Surgery?
A parathyroid surgery patient is taken to a recovery room following their procedure. The patient is monitored for approximately one to three hours after parathyroid surgery. Once Dr. Larian performs an evaluation and deems a patient in good condition to travel, the patient can return home.
Parathyroid surgery patients may experience discomfort within the first 24 hours following their procedure. In this instance, Dr. Larian may prescribe medication to help a patient manage their post-treatment pain.
Patients are generally instructed to eat simple, bland foods in the first 24 hours after parathyroid surgery. Soft foods like yogurt and cheese are often great choices for patients following parathyroid surgery; these foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they are easy to consume.
Running, weight-lifting, and other strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately two weeks following a parathyroidectomy. Too much exercise can cause a parathyroid surgery patient’s blood pressure to rise. It may also result in damage to blood vessels that are still healing after surgery.
Although strenuous exercise is not recommended immediately following parathyroid surgery, patients should try to stay active in the weeks after treatment. In fact, going for a walk at least twice a day stimulates blood flow in a patient’s body, which can help accelerate the recovery process. Plus, walking may help stimulate endorphins, i.e. feel-good hormones, in a parathyroid surgery patient’s brain. The result: a parathyroid surgery patient can exercise, feel good, and limit pain during their recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Parathyroid Surgery?
Parathyroid surgery recovery time varies, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days of treatment. Dr. Larian typically recommends his patients take up to five days off from work or school after a parathyroidectomy. That way, patients can use their time off to prioritize their recovery.
Healing After Parathyroid Surgery
Dr. Larian understands that proper care after a parathyroid surgery is crucial. Because, if parathyroid surgery patients take the necessary precautions, they can achieve the full results of treatment.
Thanks to Dr. Larian, parathyroid gland surgery patients can learn about how their body should feel after surgery. Dr. Larian also provides insights into post-surgery warning signs and how to address them.
In the event that a patient experiences discomfort or other problems during their parathyroid surgery recovery, reach out to Dr. Larian. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution, particularly when it comes to treating parathyroid gland deformities. By getting in touch with Dr. Larian about any concerns, issues, or questions following a parathyroid surgery, a patient can receive expert help during the recovery process.
Life After Parathyroid Surgery
Parathyroid surgery might seem like the end of the world, but it can represent a new beginning for those who previously dealt with hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Since parathyroid surgery patients won’t have to worry about the symptoms of HPT going forward, they can focus on what’s most important: enjoying life to the fullest extent.
Dr. Larian carefully performs a parathyroid surgery to minimize the risk of scarring and other long-term complications. In addition, Dr. Larian performs a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) that delivers a cure rate of 97% — by comparison, the standard cure rate of a traditional parathyroidectomy ranges from 93-95%.
Tips For Monitoring Your Progress
Dr. Larian suggests parathyroid surgery patients rest for at least 24 hours following treatment. He also recommends:
- Waiting until the day after surgery to shower or wash the hair
- Remove surgical tape seven days after surgery
- Using vitamin E and and sunscreen for at least two months on the surgical incision any time a patient goes outside
Bruising may occur on the upper chest or around the parathyroid surgery incision; this is normal in the weeks after treatment. In addition to bruising, swelling above the incision is common and should clear up with time. To relieve any pain and tightness, massage the surgery scar.
Finally, it is perfectly OK if a patient does not feel up to returning to their normal activities after parathyroid gland surgery. Take time to recover, and a patient can minimize the risk of post-surgery complications.
Schedule a Parathyroid Surgery Consultation with Dr. Larian Today
Dr. Larian is available to discuss parathyroid surgery to treat HPT symptoms. For more information, please contact us online or call us today at 310-461-0300.
