Most "scarless" thyroid surgeries in the U.S.
Pioneer of Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Western Hemisphere
better cosmetic quality-of-life vs. traditional surgery
Permanent voice changes in "scarless" surgeries
Am I a Candidate?
Most patients qualify for scarless surgery. Here's what matters.
Good candidates include patients with: thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer (most types), Graves' disease, multinodular goiter, or any condition requiring thyroidectomy — who prefer no visible neck scar.
Also (usually) eligible: Patients who have been told by another surgeon they are "not a candidate" — Dr. Russell evaluates these cases regularly and often finds scarless surgery is in fact possible.
Benefits and Risks
The primary benefit of “scarless” thyroidectomy is the absence of a visible scar. The scar is the number one complaint of patients after thyroid surgery, with about 80% of patients expressing concerns about the appearance of their scar in one recent study completed by surgeons in Chicago. Benefits of "scarless" surgery according to some studies include a quicker recovery time and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional surgery. As with traditional thyroid surgery, potential risks include infection, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. These risks are the same whether patients choose the scarless surgery or traditional surgery. Unique complications are rare, especially with an experienced surgeon. Your health is always our priority at the Russell Center. If scarless thyroid surgery is not right for you, we will let you know.
While at Johns Hopkins, Dr Russell extensively researched the topic of how scars impact a patient's quality of life, including approximately 100 papers, books and chapters on the topic. Ultimately, the results have consistently agreed: avoiding a neck scar improves the quality of life of most patients.
How It Works
Step 1 — Consultation: Dr. Russell reviews your imaging and evaluates candidacy. Same week consultation or virtual visits often available by request.
Step 2 — Surgery: Tiny incisions inside the lower lip. No neck incision. Can often have a chin or neck lift at the same time. 1–2 hours under general anesthesia.
Step 3 — Recovery: Most patients go home the same day. Potentially less pain than traditional surgery. Return to light activity within days.
Step 4 — Follow-up: Virtual or in-person. Out-of-town patients can complete entire process — consult, surgery, follow-up — in one trip.
Testimonials
"I didn't think that I cared about the scar. But not having to explain that I had surgery is wonderful." -Patient
"You mean that you can treat my double chin at the same time??" -Patient
"I wish I had done this years ago." -Patient
"I don't have to explain my scar to my patients, trainees, or colleagues." -Dr Patient
FAQ
Q: Is scarless thyroid surgery safe?
A: Yes, with an experienced team. Complication rates for TOETVA at the Russell Center are equivalent to or lower than traditional thyroid surgery. The unique risks are rare and typically resolve within days to weeks.
Q: Can scarless surgery be done for thyroid cancer?
A: In most cases, yes. Dr. Russell performs "scarless" thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, including cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes in some cases.
Q: How long is recovery from "scarless" thyroid surgery?
A: Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within a few days. Full recovery is similar to traditional thyroid surgery — typically 1–2 weeks. Some studies suggest that patients who choose "scarless" transoral surgery have less pain than other patients.
Q: Do I need to travel to Columbia, MD for this procedure?
A: Many patients travel from across the U.S. and internationally. Consultation, surgery, and a follow-up visit can often be completed in a single trip. Virtual consultations and follow-ups are available. Most other surgeons in the United States are not very familiar with this technique at this time, or have done very few cases.
Q: Another surgeon told me I'm not a candidate for scarless surgery. Should I get a second opinion?
A: Yes. Dr. Russell regularly evaluates patients who were told they weren't candidates and frequently determines that scarless surgery is in fact an option.
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