Tonsillectomy Scabs- How and when do they fall off?
Regardless of the tonsillectomy method used, some sort of scab is going to form over the the area from which your tonsils have been cut, coblated, and/or cauterized.
It’s normal. It is normal. People often become obsessed with the appearance of the tonsil beds as they recover from tonsillectomy. Almost like a recently lost tooth, it can be hard to resist the temptation to explore the new landscape. This too is normal. I strongly advise against molesting the area with foreign objects. Those scabs will fall off on their own. Touching, poking, or scraping on them increases the risk of hemorrhage and you don’t want that.
Many Otoraryngologists, or ear, nose and throat, (ENT) specialists recommend eating a somewhat rough diet, (think dry toast), to keep the affected area clear of excessive tonsillectomy scab build-up. This advice is most often given in the United Kingdom and Australia. Most ENT’s in the United States advise a soft diet.
Which ever route you take, there will likely be formation of tissue that covers the tonsil beds. I recommend following the advice I give in other pages of this site; keep the throat moist, avoid sharp foods, stay hydrated, take pain medications on schedule, sleep upright if possible, and leave those tonsillectomy scabs alone. They will normally begin to slough of at about day seven or eight of your recovery.
What Happens When Tonsillectomy Scabs Fall Off
You may feel a sharp pain occasionally as the tonsillectomy scabs fall off. This is common. This is normal. There is a slight increase in risk of bleeding while tonsillectomy scabs fall off. If you do have some bleeding, try gargling with ice cold water. This will usually stop the bleeding. If this doesn’t work, and bleeding becomes profuse, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately. Don’t panic. In there relatively rare cases, health care professionals have great success at stopping the bleed.
Daily Photos of Throat After Tonsillectomy. Caution: Scabs
If you’re in La Crosse, WI check out the Great Big Outlet La Crosse Technology’s Factory Outlet Store
I had my tonsillectomy on October12th, I’m on day six in the healing process, after reading this I have no idea who in the hell would ever tell anyone to eat DRY TOAST while recovering!
Don’t follow that, please don’t,
I’m able to suffer down some soup with veggies, as well as popsicles and cold water, but other than that my throat, tongue, and neck are swollen, sore, and stiff.
I can’t take any pain meds, so the only way I can get any relief is with ice packs on my throat, and cold cold water/popsicles,
My advice is just REST, keep your throat as cold as you can handle, and at night NyQuil can be your best friend it’s helped numb my throat, ease the general pain(headache,stiffness,sore/sharp throat pain) and get to sleep, which otherwise would be impossible.
Warm baths have also helped, but please bring an ice pack and ice water with you, if you get the area too hot it can open up the wound and you can start it bleeding again,
I hope some of this helps,?
Hello!
I had my tonsillectomy on the 15th Nov so this i day 6 for me.
I live in Sweden and reading your stories the main difference seem to be I was prescribed strong painkillers in form of Oxicodon (type of morphine) and Paracetamol. On top of that I also got medication towards inflammation, reduction in bleeding and pills again opiate induced constipation. These painkillers are a blessing for the pain and my recovery!
Reading your stories it doesn’t seem to be the same procedure in the US? What were you prescribed?
Speedy recovery!
I had mine out on the 16th here in the US. I was prescribed Oxicodone (10mg every 4 hours) and I can supplement that Tylenol as well. The Oxi really helps. It’s saved my life so far. I couldn’t imagine not having it – and reading that some who have posted here don’t makes me so sad for them. I hope we all get through this!!
You all are lucky. I got Tylenol with codeine, enough for 5 Days. Nothing for inflammation. Then i took a trip to emergency room. Now I have to use over the counter children’s motrin (40mg) and alternate with over the counter extra strength tylenol. Pain is ridiculous.
I have been fighting day 5 now with no relief from my triple surgery, a septoplasty, tonsilectomy, and a uppp! One surgery at a time ive been told is horrid but I ended up with three at one time, I have tried many things to ease the pain for even just comfort, I have only drank two ensures and water a day. To night was so horrid that I just didn’t want to deal anymore. So I cleared my head and got to thinking what would sooth the pain but not hinder the healing process or maybe even help, I thought about aloe and I just couldn’t do it, then I seen my coconut oil and I said it has healing, hydrating, soothing properties why not I took a teaspoon and instantly the pain was taken away it is now tolerable! It doesn’t last long but enough to get through for a bit. Just don’t drink water after It! Of course it’s cold pressed, organic oil! If you can handle the oil feel I would try It! But ask your doctor first of course, as I am not a doctor. All the benefits of the oil and now helps with pain I will be buying more in the morning! Hope this helps, happy healing and best wishes!
Had my surgery Oct 12th so this is day three for me. Did anyone have scabs falling off around day 4/5? I have one that feels like it may come off but idk if it’s wishful thinking. I was able to eat super soft foods day one and two but this morning the pain was intense. Now later I the day not so bad I haven’t taken my meds as of yet and feel okay without them.. wondering am I healing fast or am a gullible duck that should prepare for the shit storm still to come.
I had my tonsillectomy on Oct 6th as well. The pain Intensified overnight! I’m changing up my routine by gargling with lukewarm salt water. Wow that helps so much!! It’s amazing! Also I am going to buy a humidifier and put it right next to me as I sleep propped up at night. The dry air is terrible for the throat tissue. I haven’t taken any of my narcotic pain meds. Just Tylenol. Hang in there guys!!
I am on day 6 of my tonsilectomy recovery. I am now able to eat more solid foods and I am drinking plenty of fluids. My scabs are now begging to fall of and when they do they bleed , anybody else experienced this ?
I’m on day 6 and one side of my throat feels like a itch and dry I can’t shake with some throbbing at times and yes I’ve been bleeding off and on its bright red then it fades to pink. I’m worried. Not sure if it is normal.