Vocal Cord Injection Laryngoplasty

A vocal cord injection is a procedure in which a filling agent such as collagen, or a medication such as a steroid, is injected into the vocal fold. Vocal cord injections most commonly are performed in the office using only local anesthesia

Vocal cord injections with filling agents are most commonly performed for conditions of paralysis and for treatment of the aging voice. To perform this, numbing medication is sprayed into the patient’s throat. A camera is then placed into the mouth to visualize the vocal cords. A needle is then passed through the mouth directed into the vocal fold. The injection is performed and the patient is able to go home immediately afterwards.

From start to finish a vocal fold injection usually takes ten minutes. Patients may be asked to not speak for a few days to allow the material to settle.