Vocal cord injection is a surgical option to manage hoarseness or aspiration caused by a unilateral (one-sided) vocal cord paralysis. During the procedure, a “plumping” material is injected into the immobile vocal cord. Similar materials are used in cosmetic surgery to fill wrinkles and lines in the face.

With this procedure, your child receives an injection under general anesthesia. There is no incision in the neck. The surgeon reaches the vocal cords through the mouth with the assistance of a microscope/telescope. The procedure takes about 10 minutes to perform and your child is typically sent home the same day.

The voice tends to be more strained for the first couple of weeks after the procedure, and then should improve. The result is not long term. The injection lasts about two months to one year, depending on the material used.