Vocal Cord Injection

What is a Vocal Cord Injection?

This is a procedure where a filling agent is injected into your vocal cord(s) to ‘plump them up’ or increase their volume. We use 2 different types of filler. One is a hyaluronic acid injection (HA)- This material is found naturally in our bodies and only lasts around 2 to 3 months. Another is called calcium hydroxyapatite injections (CaH)- This can be natural or synthetic and lasts around 9 to 12 months. Your provider will discuss which they recommend before surgery.

When is this recommended?

Some examples of reasons for having this procedure performed are if you have vocal cord paralysis or immobility, thin vocal cords, sulcus vocalis, choking or a weak cough due to weak or thin vocal cords, and vocal cord scar.

What should I expect from this procedure?

This procedure is done in the operating room, our anesthesia team will monitor you and make you feel a little sleepy but you will be awake. The most common way the procedure is done is through your mouth. The doctor will numb the back of your mouth with a lidocaine spray, which controls the gag reflex. Numbing medication will be dripped onto your vocal cords which may cause a funny feeling in the back of the throat. Then the injection will occur and the material will be placed.

What are the risks?

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What should I expect after surgery?

• You must be on complete voice rest for 24 hours after the procedure- this means no talking, no whispering, no coughing. For the next 24-48 hours limit the amount of voice use. Then you can return to speaking as usual.
• Your voice may be worse for a while. This is normal and goes away with time.
• Do not eat or drink for at least 1 hour after the procedure. This will give the numbing medicine time to wear off. During this time your swallow reflex will return to normal. You can resume your regular diet after one hour.
• You can expect blood-tinged mucous. This is normal. Avoid coughing or clearing of the throat. Doing this may irritate the tissue that has been injected.
• Do not smoke. Smoking will increase throat irritation and secretions.