Although an overnight bed is automatically reserved for each patient, you can most likely go home the same day after a 6 hour observation period in the recovery room. You are given the option of either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. With general anesthesia you are completely asleep during the operation. With local anesthesia your neck area is numbed, mild sedatives may be given to reduce anxiety, and you are awake during the operation. Since you will be awake, you will be in close communication with your surgeon throughout the operation.
All surgery causes scarring, and how the patient scars is dependent on the individual.
However, there are some techniques that surgeons use to minimize scarring. As a general rule, it is unusual for adults to have a noticeable scar after six months. All operations involve some pain and discomfort. Our goal is to minimize this discomfort. At the time of operation, your surgeon will give you some numbing medicine which usually lasts about eight hours.