After Tonsillectomy – When do scabs fall off?
One of the most common questions I get from tonsillectomy patients is about scabs. In particular, people want to know whether their throat looks normal. Some folks get downright obsessed with their tonsillectomy scabs. It’s almost like loosing a tooth- the tongue just can’t seem to stop exploring the new space created. And so it is for patients recovering from tonsillectomy. I personally never cared to look back there, but I think I was the exception.
I’ve seen many tonsillectomy scab pictures. Everyone heals differently. Sometimes the scabs are white, like the ones shown here. Sometimes they take on a more greenish color. It’s also quite common for the uvula to swell considerably, especially in the first few days following tonsillectomy. All of this makes it difficult to swallow, but it also makes it very important to swallow. Using those throat muscles helps speed recovery. Drinking cold liquids and sucking on ice cools the tissues and reduces inflammation. That’s two wins!
With special thanks to the young lady who contributed these tonsillectomy scab pictures, I present the following: One example of how the throat can look on day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, and day 7, post tonsillectomy. Feel free to comment or ask questions at the bottom of the page.
Usually between days seven and ten, it’s common to see tonsillectomy scabs falling off. As the tonsillectomy scabs are coming off, some bleeding is common. Gargling with cold water will usually stop the bleed. If it does not, seek medical attention. I’ve read that about 5% of tonsillectomy patients have bleeds that require treatment. It usually happens in the first day or as tonsillectomy scabs coming off tear the tissue. Don’t try to “help the process along,” by poking at or rubbing the scabs.
Did you take your own pictures of your tonsillectomy scabs? I’m always trying to add to the resources for other patients. If you have good quality photos of your throat as you recovered from tonsillectomy, connect with me on Facebook: Tonsillectomy Resources Support Group
Thank you!
Take care and stay hydrated!
-Greg Tooke My short bio
Tonsillectomy Scabs- a photo journal:
Hey everyone,
Today I am 7 days post-op and my scabs have completely fallen off, is this normal? Or did something go wrong in my recovery? I’m seeing my ENT in 2 days and I just can’t wait to ask, there is no pain and I have been eating ok today and feeling great for once during this whole process.
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies! 🙂
I’m on day 2 and I’ve drank tons of water anf had many of ice pops and sherbet. My left side looking in the whitish scab texture is stretching and partially coming out. I’m curious if you ENT said everything was okay, I am only 17 so I know my recovery may be respectable better than some others so I was just curious.
Well, first I would have to say the pain of the surgery is no different than any of my tonsillitis episodes or allergy inflammations. They were so bad it actually caused mild depression. My only issue has really been DISCOMFORT with talking until day 5. It is now my 6th day and the scabs are more visible but Still am keeping ultra hydrated.
First day I noticed my uvula was swollen, but I was able to swallow my percocets and other pills just fine.
(SALT WATER AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GARGLES)
One secret I may have to share is that I have been gargling with salt water and hydrogen peroxide.
I wanted to steer clear of any possible infections. The salt water and peroxide actually worked well, with my tongue scrubber. I did not want to develop thrush.
I washed my mouth after every meal.
KEEPING THE MOUTH CLEAN IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Although I had 2 ice creams right away after surgery. Maybe I really have just gotten used to pain in that area.
My happiness for having them out, is probably the positivity that helped in healing faster. I am just happy I did it.
DIET:
Day 1: Mashed potatoes and ice creams and iced water, smoothies.
Day2: mashed potatoes, meat blended in the blender and ice creams. Iced water, smoothies.
Same for Day 3 and Day 4.
Day 5: had Zuchinni pasta and shrimp. (I chew everything til it’s mushy, then swallow.) smoothies/slurpees
Currently on Day 6.
I think rest is HIGHLY NUMBER 1. I slept through the day and night, including naps. I took the percocets and antibiotics on time; but I did not stop eating or drinking since day 1.
MASHED POTATOES IS A LIFE SAVER.
And washing the mouth with the hydrogen peroxide/ salt and water has relieved so much pain.
I would not reccomend ignoring the mouth area. It needs its care.
Very good advice. I’m 63 and just had mine out. Day 5. In lot of pain coughing a lot. Uvula very swollen and blocks nose when I lie down, so sleep sitting up. Told to eat anything, but sift us better with a bit of toast no and again. ?
TONSILLECTOMY
First of all, thank you all for sharing your experiences. I cannot count how many times I read this thread looking for comfort.
So, I am on day 13 and my recovery was very painful.
Days 1-4 were fine. On day 5 the pains at night started and I woke up with ear pain.
From that day on it only got worst and worst until day 9. Horrible pains at night especially when I drank water for a painkiller. Ice pack would help a lot.
From day 9 on I started feeling better and better and by day 10 I had my first night of sleep without any pain at night. What a relief.
My tips would be: ice packs constantly on your neck, warm compress on your ears when they hurt.
I couldn’t eat so well… Still can’t 🙁
Hope this goes away soon.
I am looking forward to a summer of no sickness. I would definitely do it again, and when it’s over you will feel so proud of yourself!
Hey Mariana,
After being with super bad tonsillitis for eight months, I also got my tonsils out just before summer. Honestly the pain for me was no worse than when I had tonsillitis! Absolutely it was all worth it!
Bless you…
From Australia 🙂
What happens if one of the scabs Fe out on day three