After Endocrine Surgery

Care of the wound or incision

• Showering - You may shower normally. After showering, take a dry towel and pat the incision. You may bathe or swim two weeks after your surgery.
• Cleaning - Clean incision with a mild soap; avoid using harsh products like hydrogen peroxide.
• Covering - It is not necessary to cover your incision, but you may cover it if you wish.
• Sun exposure - Avoid direct sun exposure until the scar has matured (up to one year); please apply a layer of sunscreen, SPF15 or higher, to the incision if you are going to be in the sun. You may also wear a scarf or some other coverage for the neck if sun exposure is anticipated.
• Straining - Please try to refrain from neck strain from heavy lifting, weight lifting or any activities that cause excessive strain on the neck and the incision, for two weeks following surgery.
• Swelling - Mild swelling around the incision will decrease in about six to eight weeks; the incision will fade in six to twelve months, as the scar matures.

Caring for your scar

• The ultimate cosmetic result of your incision is dependent in a large degree on your body's natural wound-healing properties. Fortunately, neck incisions usually heal very nicely. There are a number of products available without a prescription that you may use to enhance the process of healing.
• Cocoa Butter or unscented hand cream - apply to incision once or twice daily for up to three months.
• Scar Fade cream or strips - apply twice daily for three to four months. These are available online for purchase.
• Mederma® cream - apply three times daily for up to three months.
• Scar therapy pads - worn over incision for 12 hours each day for three months.

Thyroid specific issues

• If you have been placed on Synthroid or levoxyl postoperatively, please take your medicine as directed. You will need blood work to check your thyroid function about a month after surgery. Your endocrinologist or your primary care physician will monitor your levels, and change the dosage of medication accordingly.
• If you have had surgery for thyroid cancer, you may need to switch to an iodine-free diet to prepare for radioiodine scanning and treatment. (See examples below.) 
• DO NOT eat iodized salt, sushi, seaweed, dairy products, commercial white bread, medications or vitamins that contain iodine.
• If you have been taking calcium and/or vitamin D supplements postoperatively, you may decrease the amount as directed by your physician, as long as you have no symptoms of numbness or tingling in the extremities or around the mouth.

Parathyroid issues

• If you have been taking calcium and/or vitamin D supplements postoperatively, you may decrease the amount as directed by your physician, as long as you have no symptoms of numbness or tingling in the extremities or around the mouth.
• You may need to increase the amount of calcium in your diet after surgery. Eat broccoli, spinach, clams, scallops, milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and cottage cheese. If you have lactose intolerance, you may continue taking calcium pills as directed. 
• You will need blood work to check your calcium levels at six months after surgery. You may have this test done through your endocrinologist or your primary care physician; please have the results faxed to us at 202-877-3699.

Contact Us

For additional information, appointments or patient referrals, please contact us at 202-877-3158.