Tonsillectomy Los Angeles & Glendale
Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in both children and adults. At Southern California ENT and Allergy Associates (SCENTAA), Dr. Michael Bublik performs it using Coblation technology, a minimally invasive approach that significantly reduces post-operative discomfort compared to traditional tonsillectomy techniques. Whether you are dealing with recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, or a peritonsillar abscess, our team in Los Angeles and Glendale offers expert evaluation and surgical care tailored to your individual needs.
What Are Tonsils and Adenoids?
Your tonsils are two small, oval-shaped glands located at the back of your throat, one on each side. Your adenoids are a similar mass of lymphatic tissue positioned higher up, behind the nose and above the roof of the mouth. Together, they form part of your immune system and help protect your body from infection by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose.
In childhood, the tonsils and adenoids are particularly active as the immune system develops. In many people, they become less important over time as the body builds immunity through other means. When the tonsils and adenoids become chronically infected, significantly enlarged, or begin to cause persistent health problems, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution.
Tonsillitis refers specifically to inflammation or infection of the tonsils and can be caused by both bacterial and viral agents. Symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands in the neck, fever, and, in some cases, white or yellow patches on the tonsils. Enlarged adenoids can cause nasal obstruction, snoring, and recurrent ear infections, particularly in children.
When Is Tonsillectomy Recommended?
Dr. Bublik evaluates each patient individually before recommending tonsillectomy. Surgery is typically considered when other treatments, including antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication, have not provided lasting relief or when the tonsils are causing significant ongoing health problems.
Recurrent Tonsillitis
Tonsillectomy is commonly recommended for patients who experience frequent episodes of tonsillitis, generally defined as seven or more infections in a single year, five or more episodes per year over two consecutive years, or three or more episodes per year over three consecutive years. Recurrent tonsillitis causes significant disruption to daily life, missed school or work days, and repeated courses of antibiotics that can contribute to antibiotic resistance over time.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children and can also contribute to the condition in adults. When the tonsils obstruct the airway during sleep, they cause breathing pauses, poor sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. In children, untreated sleep apnea can affect behavior, school performance, and development. Tonsillectomy, often combined with adenoidectomy, is frequently highly effective in resolving sleep-related breathing problems in these patients.
Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms next to the tonsil, typically as a complication of severe tonsillitis. It is a painful condition that can make it very difficult to swallow or open the mouth. Patients with a peritonsillar abscess, particularly those with prior episodes of tonsillitis, are often candidates for tonsillectomy to prevent recurrence.
Coblation Tonsillectomy in Los Angeles
At SCENTAA, Dr. Bublik performs tonsillectomy using Coblation technology, a significant advancement over traditional surgical techniques. Coblation is available at our Los Angeles and Glendale offices and has become our team’s preferred approach due to its combination of surgical precision and improved patient experience.
How Coblation Technology Works
Coblation uses a low-temperature radiofrequency field to precisely dissolve and remove tonsil tissue, rather than cutting or burning it away as traditional methods do. The term ‘Coblation’ stands for controlled ablation, and the technology is specifically designed to minimize thermal damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the surgical site.
Traditional tonsillectomy techniques that use heat, such as electrocautery, can reach temperatures of 400 degrees Celsius or higher at the tissue site. Coblation operates at a fraction of that temperature, typically between 40 and 70 degrees Celsius, which means less damage to surrounding structures, reduced post-operative swelling, and a more comfortable recovery for the patient.
Coblation technology also provides ablation, resection, tissue coagulation, and blood vessel hemostasis in a single surgical device, giving Dr. Bublik precise control throughout the procedure and supporting a clean, efficient surgery.
Benefits of Coblation Tonsillectomy
Numerous studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals support the clinical advantages of Coblation tonsillectomy. Patient benefits that have been documented in the literature include:
- Reduced post-operative pain compared to traditional tonsillectomy methods
- Less damage to surrounding healthy tissue due to lower operating temperature
- Reduced intra-operative and post-operative bleeding
- Faster return to normal diet and daily activities for many patients
- Well-established safety profile in both children and adults
Dr. Bublik will discuss whether Coblation tonsillectomy is the right approach for your specific situation during your consultation.
What to Expect: Procedure and Recovery
Tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes. The procedure is done entirely through the mouth, with no external incisions. When performing the procedure using Coblation, Dr. Bublik removes tonsil tissue layer by layer with precision, ensuring thorough removal while protecting the surrounding throat structures.
Most patients are discharged the same day and can return home once they have recovered from anesthesia. A responsible adult must be available to drive the patient home and remain with them for the first 24 hours following surgery.
Recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days. Throat pain and discomfort are expected during this period and are managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Staying well hydrated and eating soft, cool foods helps support healing. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for approximately 2 weeks and to avoid crowded environments to reduce the risk of infection during the recovery window.
Dr. Bublik will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. If you experience heavy bleeding, high fever, or difficulty breathing at any point during recovery, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Why Choose SCENTAA for Tonsillectomy in Los Angeles?
Dr. Michael Bublik is a board-certified otolaryngologist with extensive experience performing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children and adults. At SCENTAA, we are committed to using the most advanced, evidence-based surgical techniques available, which is why Coblation has become our standard approach for tonsil removal.
Our Los Angeles and Glendale offices provide a high standard of surgical care in a setting that prioritizes patient comfort, clear communication, and thorough post-operative support. We see patients across the full spectrum of tonsil-related conditions, from recurrent tonsillitis to sleep-disordered breathing, and we work with each patient individually to determine the most appropriate treatment path.
If you or your child has been experiencing recurrent throat infections, significant snoring, or difficulty breathing during sleep, contact our team to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bublik.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, the two oval-shaped glands at the back of the throat. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures for both children and adults. At SCENTAA, Dr. Bublik performs tonsillectomy using Coblation technology, which operates at low temperatures to minimize post-operative discomfort compared to traditional techniques.
When does a child need a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is typically recommended for children who experience recurrent tonsillitis (seven or more infections in a year, or five or more per year for two consecutive years), obstructive sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or significant breathing difficulties during sleep. In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of sleep-disordered breathing, and surgery is frequently very effective in resolving these symptoms.
Can adults have a tonsillectomy?
Yes. Tonsillectomy is performed in both adults and children at SCENTAA. Adults may be candidates for the procedure if they experience recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, a history of peritonsillar abscess, or persistent tonsil stones causing discomfort or bad breath. Recovery in adults can take slightly longer than in children, but the procedure is safe and well-tolerated.
What is Coblation tonsillectomy, and how is it different?
Coblation tonsillectomy uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to precisely remove tonsil tissue, rather than the high-heat methods used in traditional tonsillectomy techniques such as electrocautery. Traditional methods can generate temperatures of 400 degrees Celsius or more, while Coblation operates at 40 to 70 degrees Celsius. This lower temperature means less thermal damage to surrounding tissue, reduced post-operative swelling, and a more comfortable recovery for most patients.
Is tonsillectomy painful?
Some throat pain and discomfort during recovery are expected with any tonsillectomy. With Coblation technology, post-operative pain is typically less than with traditional methods due to the lower operating temperature and reduced tissue damage. Pain is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications, and Dr. Bublik will provide detailed pain-management guidance as part of your post-operative care instructions.
How long does tonsillectomy surgery take?
The procedure itself typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes under general anesthesia. It is performed entirely through the mouth with no external incisions. Most patients are discharged the same day after recovering from anesthesia. A responsible adult must be available to drive the patient home and remain with them for the first 24 hours following surgery.
What is the recovery time after tonsillectomy?
Recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days. Throat pain, discomfort, and some white coating at the surgical site are normal during this period. Patients should stay well hydrated, eat soft, cool foods, avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks, and avoid crowded environments to reduce the risk of infection. Most children are able to return to school and most adults to work within 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature of their work and their individual recovery.
What can you eat after a tonsillectomy?
Soft, cool foods are recommended during the recovery period. Good options include ice cream, yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and broth-based soups. Hard, crunchy, or sharp-edged foods, such as crisps, toast, or crackers, should be avoided, as they can irritate or scratch the surgical site. Staying well hydrated is particularly important for healing and managing discomfort.
What are tonsil stones, and can tonsillectomy help?
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small calcified deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They can cause bad breath, a feeling of something stuck in the throat, and occasional discomfort. Tonsillectomy removes the tonsils entirely, eliminating the source of tonsil stones. It is typically recommended for patients with persistent, large tonsil stones or those causing significant symptoms that have not responded to other management strategies.
What is adenoidectomy, and is it done at the same time as tonsillectomy?
Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids, the lymphatic tissue located behind the nose, above the roof of the mouth. It is often performed at the same time as a tonsillectomy, particularly in children, where enlarged adenoids contribute to breathing problems, recurrent ear infections, or obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Bublik will assess whether adenoidectomy is indicated based on your individual anatomy and symptoms. [LINK TO: Snoring and Sleep Apnea page]
What are the risks of tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a well-established and generally safe procedure. As with any surgery, there are potential risks including bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, and infection. Post-operative bleeding is the most significant risk and can occur in the first 24 hours or around day 5 to 10 when the scabs begin to dissolve. Dr. Bublik will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you in full during your consultation and will provide clear instructions on when to seek immediate medical attention during recovery.
Will removing tonsils affect the immune system?
The tonsils play a role in immune function in early childhood, but their importance decreases significantly as the immune system matures. Studies have not shown a meaningful long-term impact on immune function in people who have had a tonsillectomy, particularly when the procedure is performed after early childhood. The decision to proceed with surgery is always based on a careful evaluation of the clinical benefits against potential risks and considerations.
Is tonsillectomy covered by insurance?
Tonsillectomy is generally covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary, such as for recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, or peritonsillar abscess. Coverage varies by insurance plan and the specific clinical indications. Our team at SCENTAA can assist with the pre-authorization process and help you understand your coverage before any procedure is scheduled.
How do I prepare for a tonsillectomy?
Dr. Bublik will provide specific pre-operative instructions at your consultation. General preparation typically includes fasting from food and drink for a specified period before surgery, arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours, and ensuring any prescribed medications are reviewed. You should inform Dr. Bublik of all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies before surgery.
Where can I get a tonsillectomy in Los Angeles?
Dr. Michael Bublik and the team at SCENTAA perform tonsillectomy using advanced Coblation technology at offices in Los Angeles and Glendale. We treat both children and adults and offer a full evaluation to determine whether surgery is the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
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