Are you or someone close to you getting ready for a tonsillectomy? This common surgery is used to remove the pea-sized glands on either side of your mouth at the top of your throat.
The board-certified ENT providers at Jacksonville ENT Surgery in Lake City and Jacksonville, Florida, offer coblation-assisted tonsillectomy, which uses low-temperature radiofrequency heat energy and saline to remove the tonsils in a more gentle, precise way.
This type of tonsillectomy offers several key benefits, including not only a quicker procedure compared to traditional tonsillectomies but also less risk of damage or injury to the tissues surrounding the tonsils. In addition, patients generally heal faster and can return to regular activities sooner after a coblation-assisted tonsillectomy.
However, even after a coblation-assisted procedure, it will take at least 7-10 days before you’re back to normal. The good news is that there are steps you can take to ensure a smooth tonsillectomy recovery. Here’s how:
Your body needs time to heal after any surgery, and a tonsillectomy is no exception. In the first few days postsurgery, prioritize rest for a few days to do just that.
Create a comfortable rest area, ideally in a quiet room, where you can relax without getting disturbed. And remember that rest isn’t just about sleeping; it means limiting physical activity and avoiding strenuous tasks.
Ultimately, pay attention to how you feel. If you're tired, rest. Don't push yourself too hard too soon.
It might be tempting to return to your normal routine as quickly as possible, but giving your body the time it needs to heal is a key step for a smooth recovery.
Keeping hydrated is especially important during recovery. Drinking plenty of fluids helps ease throat soreness and prevents dehydration, so you stay healthy.
Water is the best friend choice, but you can also have other clear liquids, like electrolyte drinks, or apple juice diluted with water. Avoid carbonated beverages and citrus drinks as they can irritate your throat.
You can also suck on ice chips and popsicles. These not only provide hydration but also offer some pain relief if your throat is feeling sore, as is normal for 3-4 days after surgery.
After your tonsillectomy, your throat will be sore and sensitive, so it's important to choose foods that are gentle on your throat. In the first few days, select soft, bland foods like applesauce, yogurt, and oatmeal.
As your throat heals, you can gradually move to more solid foods, though there are some things to avoid until cleared by your provider, including nuts, raw vegetables, and chips. You’ll also want to stay away from dairy foods and acidic fruits and veggies, as these can cause discomfort.
Since you’ll have a sore throat for a few days after your tonsillectomy, it’s important to take any pain medication on schedule so you can stay ahead of your discomfort. Missing a dose can cause the pain to become less manageable.
You can also keep ice chips on hand, as mentioned earlier, to help numb your sore throat and minimize any swelling. Talk to your provider at Jacksonville ENT Surgery for personalized tips on managing postsurgery pain.
Your Jacksonville ENT Surgery team member gives you tailored instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. This may include prescribed antibiotics and medications to help with pain and inflammation.
It's crucial to follow their instructions carefully. You’ll also want to be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your provider as these visits are key to ensuring your throat heals correctly and any complications are managed quickly.
For more information about coblation-assisted tonsillectomy or tips on making sure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible, schedule a consultation online or over the phone at Jacksonville ENT Surgery in Florida.
