Plainsboro and Monroe, NJ

Plainsboro and Monroe, NJ

Doctor examining a patient's mouth

Head and Neck Surgery

Head and neck surgery is a broad term used to describe multiple procedures performed in these areas. They include procedures for the ears, nose, and throat that are designed to improve function, facilitate proper breathing and more.  The benefits of head and neck surgery are vast. For many patients, head and neck procedures help them breathe easier and reduce painful symptoms caused by recurring infections in the ears, nose, or throat. Overall, the goal of any head and neck surgery is to improve the health of the patient as well as their comfort.

Types of Head & Neck Surgery

Excisions

An excision is the surgical removal of a mass by cutting it out completely. The procedure can be used to remove benign or malignant tumors, abscesses, and other growths that are causing pain, secondary medical issues, and other problems.

Submandibular Surgery

Submandibular surgery removes the submandibular gland, which is located in the neck below the jaw. It is often performed on patients who experience blockages, infections, and masses in the gland, which may result in pain while eating due to increased production of saliva.

Parotid Surgery 

Parotid surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove or treat conditions affecting the parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands located near the ear. This surgery may be necessary to address issues such as tumors, infections, or blockages within the parotid gland.

Lymph Node Surgery

Lymph node surgery, also known as lymphadenectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of lymph nodes.  This surgery is often performed to diagnose, stage, or treat conditions such as cancer, where the affected lymph nodes may contain cancerous cells or serve as indicators of disease progression.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea surgery refers to a range of surgical procedures aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These surgeries typically involve the removal or modification of anatomical structures in the upper airway, such as the uvula, tonsils, or excess tissue, to alleviate airway obstruction and improve breathing during sleep.

Tonsil Surgery

Tonsil surgery, or a tonsillectomy, is performed to remove the tonsils from the throat. It can be performed to alleviate recurring inflammation and sore throats, as well as to correct sleep apnea in some cases.

Preparing For Head And Neck Surgery

Man touching his neck and wondering if he needs neck surgery

Preparation will depend on the type of surgery you are undergoing, but a few requirements are standard for all procedures. Patients need to stop taking any medicine that can thin the blood two weeks before surgery. We advise patients to stop smoking, as it impairs healing. If your procedure is done under general anesthesia, you’ll be informed of when you must stop eating or drinking prior to the surgery.

Head And Neck Surgery Recovery

Recovery times range based on the procedure performed; it can range from days to several weeks. Follow-up care may be required to assess healing or determine additional needs. Before your surgery, we will inform you of what to expect during your recovery period, so that you can make any necessary arrangements for transportation, time off, and care.

How Much Does Head And Neck Surgery Cost?

The cost of head and neck surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of treatment. Most are covered by insurance, but you may have out of pocket costs depending on your plan. We offer CareCredit® financing to pay for out of pocket costs. For questions about insurance coverage or financing, please call us.

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