Tonsillectomy in Istanbul
Removing tonsils that have become a source of illness rather than a defence against it.
When tonsils should come out
Tonsils are part of the immune system: from childhood they produce antibodies against microbes entering through the throat. But when infections keep returning, the tissue itself becomes chronically inflamed and stops doing its job. From that point the tonsils harm more than they help.
Chronic tonsillitis means repeated fevers and sore throats, antibiotics taken round after round, and daily life constantly interrupted. Enlarged, inflamed tonsils can also drive snoring and sleep apnea, and long-neglected infections can affect the heart valves, joints and kidneys. When medical treatment no longer controls the picture, removing the tonsils, the operation called tonsillectomy, is considered.
How the operation goes
Tonsillectomy is performed under general anesthesia, through the mouth: there is no external incision and nothing to stitch on the skin. The operation takes about an hour, and patients usually go home after one night. Healing takes around ten days. A white coating forms where the tonsils were; it is part of normal healing, not an infection. Cold, soft food with plenty of fluids makes the first days easier.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing the tonsils weaken the immune system?
This is a common worry, and the honest answer is no. By the time removal is considered, chronically inflamed tonsils are no longer defending the body. They have become the source of illness themselves.
How long does recovery take?
About ten days. The white coating that appears in the throat during this time is healing tissue, not inflammation, and can persist for up to two or three weeks. Persistent pain or any bleeding should be reported to your doctor.
Will the operation change my voice?
A temporary change in resonance can occur while the throat heals, and it settles within a few weeks. The vocal cords themselves are not touched by a tonsillectomy.
Is tonsillectomy only for children?
No. It is one of the most frequently performed operations worldwide, in adults as well as children. Whether it is right in your case is decided at the examination.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Cenk Teker, ENT Specialist · July 2026
Ready when you are
Consultations are held at Dr. Cenk Teker Clinic in Bakırköy, weekdays 9:00–17:00 and Saturdays until 15:00.