Thyroid Disease is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions affecting the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck. This gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones influence metabolism, energy production, and the proper functioning of organs and tissues.
When the thyroid gland doesn’t function as it should, it can lead to a variety of thyroid diseases. These conditions can manifest in several ways, impacting your overall health and well-being. Some thyroid diseases may cause an overproduction of hormones (hyperthyroidism), while others result in an underproduction (hypothyroidism). In some cases, the thyroid gland may develop nodules or become enlarged (goiter).
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the primary categories of thyroid disorders, can originate from an array of underlying conditions that influence the thyroid gland’s functionality.
Recognizing the symptoms of thyroid disease is vital as they often overlap with other health issues, making it challenging to identify. Whether you’re managing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the presentation of signs may differ.
For suitable patients, thyroid surgery no longer has to leave a visible neck scar. Surgery Group LA offers advanced scar-minimizing approaches — including transoral (TOETVA) and robotic techniques — that hide or eliminate the incision while keeping safety first.
The thyroid is removed through small incisions hidden inside the lower lip, leaving no visible scar on the neck. TOETVA is an option for select patients with smaller nodules or glands.
Robotic approaches can move the incision away from the front of the neck to a more discreet location, reducing the cosmetic impact of surgery for appropriate candidates.
When a conventional approach is best, a small, carefully placed incision and meticulous technique keep any scar as discreet as possible.
Across every approach, we use careful technique to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve that controls the voice and to preserve the parathyroid glands that regulate calcium.
Candidacy depends on the size and nature of your thyroid condition. Learn more about our scarless thyroid approach, our minimally invasive thyroid surgery, and thyroidectomy options.
Answers to the questions patients ask us most about thyroid surgery, scarless options, recovery, and what to expect afterward.
Many patients are candidates for scar-minimizing options. Transoral (TOETVA) surgery leaves no visible neck scar, and when a neck incision is needed it is small and carefully placed in a natural skin crease so it fades over time.
Candidacy depends on the size of your thyroid or nodule, the underlying diagnosis, and your anatomy. We review your imaging and biopsy results to recommend the safest approach with the best cosmetic outcome.
Most thyroid operations take a few hours. Many minimally invasive patients go home the same day or after a single night of observation, depending on the extent of surgery.
Most people return to normal activities within one to two weeks. We ask you to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a short period while the incision heals.
If the entire thyroid is removed, you'll take a daily thyroid hormone replacement pill. After a lobectomy (removing one lobe), many patients keep enough function and may not need medication.
We use careful nerve-protecting technique to safeguard the nerves that control the voice. Temporary hoarseness can occur and usually resolves; a permanent voice change is uncommon.
The parathyroid glands that regulate calcium sit next to the thyroid and are carefully preserved. Some patients have temporary tingling in the hands or around the mouth, which is easily managed with calcium and vitamin D.
Surgery may be recommended for thyroid nodules, goiter, thyroid cancer, and some cases of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease) when other treatments aren't suitable.
The decision is based on biopsy results, the nodule's size and growth, and whether it causes symptoms. Many nodules are simply monitored. Learn more about thyroid nodules.
Yes. Surgery is the main treatment for most thyroid cancers. The extent of surgery depends on the type and stage, and may be followed by additional therapy when needed.
A lobectomy removes one lobe (half) of the thyroid, while a total thyroidectomy removes the whole gland. Your diagnosis determines which is recommended.
Our practice is in Beverly Grove at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers (8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048), serving the Westside and greater Los Angeles.
More importantly, our team of world-renowned surgeons have saved countless lives, and have enabled countless more to live healthy, happy lives.
Our practice is in Beverly Grove at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers — convenient to the Westside and greater Los Angeles.
Surgery Group LA — 8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Call (310) 861-7493 to schedule a thyroid consultation.
Consulting with thyroid specialists is essential to ensure the effective management of your condition. Our team of experienced doctors specializes in thyroid treatment, providing expert care personalized to your specific needs. We are here to address your inquiries and support you on your path towards improved health.
