Thyroplasty Surgery

Thyroplasty Surgery is a safe and effective voice correction procedure that improves a weak, breathy, or soft voice caused by vocal cord paralysis or incomplete closure of the vocal folds. It is a laryngeal framework surgery where a small implant is placed to gently push the weak vocal cord towards the midline. This helps both vocal cords close properly, resulting in a stronger, clearer, and more stable voice. Thyroplasty is also known as vocal cord medialization, medialization thyroplasty, or vocal cord implant surgery.

What Are the Signs of Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis?

• Weak, breathy, or airy voice

• Difficulty speaking loudly

• Voice fatigue while talking

• Choking or coughing while eating/drinking

• Poor voice projection

• Trouble singing

• Shortness of breath while speaking

Why is Thyroplasty Surgery Done?

Thyroplasty is recommended when the vocal cord cannot close on its own due to paralysis or weakness. It helps:

• Improve voice loudness and clarity

• Reduce breathiness

• Improve swallowing

• Enhance communication confidence

Indications to Go for Thyroplasty Surgery

You may need Thyroplasty if you experience:

• Persistent weak or breathy voice

• Unilateral vocal fold paralysis

• Glottic insufficiency (gap between vocal cords)

• Difficulty projecting voice

• Poor voice after thyroid/neck surgery

• Professional voice demands (teacher, singer, speaker)

• No improvement after speech therapy

Types of Thyroplasty Surgery

Thyroplasty is divided into 4 main types, based on what the surgeon wants to achieve with the vocal cords. These surgeries help improve voice quality, breathing, or airway space depending on the patient’s condition.

1. Type I Thyroplasty (Medialization Thyroplasty)

👉 Used for weak or paralyzed vocal cord
This is the most common type. A small implant is inserted to push the weak vocal cord towards the middle so both cords can close properly.
Best for:

• Unilateral vocal cord paralysis

• Breathy or weak voice

• Voice fatigue

• Voice leakage during speech

This is also known as:

• Vocal cord medialization

• Vocal cord implant surgery

• Voice restoration surgery

2. Type II Thyroplasty (Lateralization Thyroplasty)

👉 Used to widen the airway
In this type, the surgeon gently pulls the vocal cords apart to create a wider air passage.
Best for:

• Spasmodic dysphonia (voice breaks/spasms)

• People who feel “tightness” or “strain” while speaking

It helps reduce strain and makes the voice more stable.

3. Type III Thyroplasty (Relaxation Thyroplasty)

👉 Used to lower a high-pitched voice
In this procedure, the tension of the vocal cords is reduced to lower the pitch of the voice.
Best for:

• Very high-pitched voice

• Some congenital voice conditions

• People wanting a more natural or lower tone

4. Type IV Thyroplasty (Tensioning Thyroplasty)

👉 Used to increase voice pitch
Here, the vocal cords are stretched to create a higher-pitched voice.
Best for:

• Very low-pitched voice

• Specific voice correction needs

• Some professional voice users

Do’s & Don’ts Before and After Thyroplasty Surgery

Risks

Thyroplasty is a safe procedure, but like any surgery, minimal risks may include:

• Mild pain or swelling

• Implant shift (rare)

• Temporary voice changes

• Infection (very rare)

Benefits

• Stronger, clearer voice

• Natural and permanent improvement

• Better communication

• Improved swallowing

• Boost in confidence and professional life

• Fast recovery

Advantages of Thyroplasty Surgery

• Local anesthesia (patient can speak during procedure)

• Highly accurate voice correction

• Reversible and adjustable implant

• Long-lasting results

• No effect on breathing

Why Choose ORL International Hospital?

• Delhi’s leading ENT & Voice Surgery Centre

• Expert team for vocal fold paralysis treatment

• Advanced technology for laryngeal framework surgery

• Precision implants for natural voice improvement

• Patient-friendly environment

• High success rate in voice restoration surgery

• Personalized care, quick recovery, and best outcomes

Thyroplasty Surgery is a voice correction procedure that improves a weak, airy, or breathy voice caused by vocal cord paralysis. It works by placing a small implant to bring the weak vocal cord to the midline, allowing both cords to close properly for a stronger and clearer voice. ORL International Hospital offers advanced medialization thyroplasty, vocal cord implant surgery, and voice restoration procedures performed by expert ENT specialists. The treatment enhances voice clarity, reduces breathiness, and restores confident communication.