What Is Voice Surgery?
Voice surgery, also known as phonosurgery, is a specialized ENT procedure that aims to restore or improve the quality, strength, and clarity of the voice.
It involves precise microsurgical or laser techniques to treat conditions affecting the vocal cords such as nodules, cysts, paralysis, or scarring.
At Büyük Anadolu Hospitals, voice surgeries are performed by ENT and laryngology specialists using state-of-the-art laryngeal microscopes and micro-instruments, ensuring minimal trauma and rapid voice recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Voice Surgery?
You may be a suitable candidate if you experience:
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Persistent hoarseness or voice fatigue lasting more than 2 weeks
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Vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts confirmed by laryngoscopy
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Voice change following infection, trauma, or overuse
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Vocal cord paralysis or weakness after surgery or nerve injury
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Professional voice users (singers, teachers, speakers) requiring optimal vocal performance
A complete voice evaluation, including video-laryngostroboscopy and acoustic analysis, is essential before surgery.
Step-by-Step Procedure Process
Preoperative Assessment: ENT and speech therapy evaluation, laryngoscopy, and voice analysis.
Anesthesia: Usually performed under general anesthesia.
Surgery:
Through the mouth (no external incisions), the surgeon uses a microscope or laser to remove or reshape lesions on the vocal cords.
For vocal cord paralysis, procedures such as thyroplasty or vocal cord injection (medialization) may be performed to restore symmetry and vibration.
Duration: 30–90 minutes.
Hospital Stay: Outpatient or 1-night observation.
Follow-Up: Voice rest for several days, followed by speech therapy sessions.
Possible Risks and Preventive Measures
| Possible Risks | Our Preventive Measures |
|---|---|
| Temporary hoarseness or swelling | Gentle microsurgical handling of vocal folds |
| Bleeding or infection | Sterile endoscopic environment & antibiotic coverage |
| Scarring or voice stiffness | Use of precision laser and micro-instruments |
| Recurrence of lesion | Postoperative voice therapy & follow-up |
| Airway discomfort | Continuous monitoring during and after surgery |
Cost of Voice Surgery in Turkey
The cost of voice surgery in Turkey ranges between €2,500 – €4,200, depending on the type of surgery (microlaryngoscopy, laser removal, thyroplasty, or vocal cord injection).
| Country | Average Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,500 – €4,200 |
| United Kingdom | €6,000 – €7,500 |
| Germany | €5,500 – €7,000 |
| Spain | €4,500 – €6,000 |
| USA | €8,000 – €12,000 |
Recovery and Aftercare
Complete voice rest is advised for the first 3–5 days.
Gradual reintroduction of speech under guidance of a speech therapist.
Avoid shouting, whispering, and throat clearing during recovery.
Most patients notice clear improvement in voice quality within 2–4 weeks.
Professional voice users often resume performance after 4–6 weeks, following therapy.
Voice Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No — the procedure is performed under anesthesia, and recovery involves minimal discomfort.
Voice quality usually improves significantly, though minor temporary changes are possible during healing.
If vocal hygiene and therapy guidelines are followed, recurrence is rare.
After the initial voice rest period (3–5 days), gradual speech is allowed under supervision.
Yes — phonosurgery is commonly performed on singers and performers, restoring professional-level vocal quality.