What can be expected after head & neck cancer surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of surgery and your individual health. At NYOG, we create a personalized treatment plan in advance, so you know what to expect—including tumor control, recovery timeline, and quality of life considerations. Surgery is often just one part of your care; follow-up treatment and long-term monitoring are typically needed.
How will pain be treated?
Pain management is a key part of your recovery. Right after surgery, pain is usually controlled with IV medication. As you recover, oral or injectable medications are used. Our surgical team and pain management specialists work closely with you to make sure pain is treated effectively, using the latest therapies with fewer side effects.
Will I have trouble eating?
Some head and neck surgeries can affect swallowing, either temporarily or permanently. If needed, we’ll involve a speech and swallowing therapist to support your recovery. Therapy may begin in the hospital and continue afterward as part of your care plan.
Will there be scarring?
Scarring is a normal part of healing. In most cases, it does not impact your health. If it causes discomfort or affects function, there are treatment options to address it.
Will there be other long-term effects or permanent physical changes?
This depends on the surgery and how advanced the cancer is. Some procedures cause no long-term changes, while others may result in temporary or permanent effects. We’ll discuss these possibilities with you in advance.
If I need plastic surgery, how soon can that be done following my cancer surgery?
In many cases, microvascular reconstruction is performed during the initial surgery to reduce cosmetic or functional impact. If additional plastic surgery is needed, it may be scheduled after your body has had time to heal—typically 3 to 6 months post-op.
Will I need speech therapy?
If your surgery affects your speech, therapy may be part of your recovery. NYOG offers access to a board-certified Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) who can help you regain speech function through personalized rehabilitation.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Recovery time varies by procedure. Some patients return to normal activities within days, while others may need several weeks—especially if radiation therapy follows surgery. Dr. Krevitt will give you a realistic timeline based on your procedure and treatment plan.