At the Osborne Head and Neck Institute, we perform your surgery, meaning that a fellowship-trained laryngologist is the only person to operate on your voice. No residents, physician assistants, or medical students perform any part of your procedure, unlike what happens at many teaching hospitals and universities, where young physician training is the standard.


VOCAL CORD INJECTION

Vocal cord injection is performed when there is a vocal cord paralysis or partial paralysis (paresis). The ideal candidate is one where the paralysis results in only a small space between the vocal cords. This procedure may be done under local or general anesthesia.

It involves an injection into the side of the vocal cord, that fills the gap between the vocal cords by pushing the weak side closer to the strong side. Because the injection does not go into the vibrating portion of the vocal cord, there is minimal risk of a worsened voice.


THYROPLASTY

Thyroplasty is performed when there is a vocal cord paralysis or partial paralysis that results in a larger gap between the vocal cords or a gap in the back of the larynx (voice box). Large gaps and gaps in the back of the larynx respond better to thyroplasty than injection.

Thyroplasty involves implanting a material on the side of the vocal cord that pushes it closer to the strong side. This involves an incision in the neck that is closed by a plastic surgeon, to avoid cosmetic issues.


POOR CORD CLOSURE TREATMENT

Many people, particularly professional voice users, suffer from an inability to fully close their vocal cords. This results in the feeling that speaking and singing is effortful and very tiring. Though it is not fully understood why this happens, the treatment is simple and intuitive.

Injecting a small amount of filler into the sides of the vocal cords enables closure without changing voice quality. Fatigue often disappears the next day.


PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Thyroplasty is done through an incision in the neck, which can leave an unsightly scar if not properly closed. This scar is easily visible, as it is located in the middle of the neck. At OHNI, careful closure is always completed by a plastic surgeon at the time of surgery, resulting in the least visible scar possible. This is of particular importance to those who do on-camera work.

Further, cosmetic neck lift may be performed at the time of your thyroplasty, allowing for rejuvenation of your neck. Dr. Jason Hamilton is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who partners with our doctors in the thyroplasty procedure, making it possible, when appropriate, to restore form and function while simultaneously improving one's appearance.


CORRECTION OF THYROIDECTOMY / SPINE SURGERY SCARS

Thyroidectomy and cervical spine procedures are performed through incisions in the neck. These incisions are easily visible, particularly when not closed meticulously, by a plastic surgeon. Dr. Hamilton uses state-of-the-art techniques to revise your previous surgical scar, making it less visible. This is critical to those who perform for a living but is beneficial to anyone who is disturbed by the appearance of their surgical scar.


VOICE THERAPY

Voice therapy involves the rehabilitation of voice through non-surgical approaches. This is of critical importance in the recovery of voice function and is used regardless of whether you have voice surgery. The most important element of voice therapy is working with a therapist who is skilled in voice care. OHNI’s Division of Voice is able to provide a highly-skilled voice therapist to aid in your recovery.


LARYNGEAL ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

One of the most frustrating elements of a vocal paralysis is the unpredictability of recovery. Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is a simple diagnostic procedure that may provide critical information about the likelihood of recovery from your injury.

It may also guide the professional voice user who suffers from poor cord closure hyperlink to poor cord closure page to determine if a vocal cord injection may be of help.