A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, pads of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. It is commonly performed for frequent infections or breathing problems due to enlarged tonsils. The throat’s appearance changes significantly during the healing process.
Immediate Post-Operative Appearance
Immediately after a tonsillectomy, within the first 24 to 48 hours, the removed areas appear as raw, open wounds. They are often covered by thick, white or yellowish-white patches. These patches are a normal part of healing, similar to a scab on an external skin abrasion, and are not a sign of infection.
The surrounding throat tissue, including the uvula, will appear swollen and red. This swelling can make swallowing difficult and may alter the voice temporarily. Minor bleeding, appearing as small red flecks in saliva, can also be present and is normal.
Stages of Healing and Appearance Changes
The throat’s appearance continues to transform over the first one to two weeks following surgery. The white or yellowish-white scabs remain for about 5 to 10 days. These scabs protect the underlying healing tissue and prevent excessive bleeding.
As healing progresses, these scabs may thicken and then begin to slough off in small pieces. This detachment occurs between days 5 and 10 post-surgery and may lead to minor, temporary bleeding, appearing as blood-tinged saliva. Beneath these detaching scabs, new, delicate pink tissue becomes visible. Swelling in the throat and uvula also subsides during this period, improving over 10 to 14 days.
Recognizing Normal Healing vs. Complications
Distinguishing between normal healing and potential complications based on the throat’s appearance is important. Normal healing involves the presence of white or yellowish-white scabs and some redness and swelling. Minor blood-tinged saliva, especially when scabs are detaching, is also expected.
Certain visual cues may indicate a complication requiring medical attention. Bright red, active bleeding that is more than just flecks in saliva, or bleeding that fills a significant portion of a cup, requires immediate medical attention. Pus, a thick, yellowish-green discharge, differs from the normal white fibrin and could signal an infection, often with worsening pain or fever. Excessive or increasing redness and swelling, particularly if it hinders breathing or swallowing, suggests an inflammatory response beyond typical recovery.
Long-Term Changes to the Throat
Once healing is complete, several weeks to a few months after tonsillectomy, the throat will have a significantly different appearance. The most noticeable change is the absence of tonsil tissue. The areas where the tonsils once resided will appear smooth and flat.
These healed areas may have a slightly different texture or a paler, scar-like color compared to the surrounding healthy pink tissue. Complete healing means the throat is free from the chronic issues that necessitated the tonsillectomy.