Tonsils are two small, oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. Considered to be part of your body’s immune system, they help trap germs before they enter through the mouth or nose, protecting you from infection.
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. It is often recommended for children who:
Tonsillectomy may also help if your child experiences tonsil stones, which aren’t dangerous but can be bothersome. Also called tonsilloliths, tonsil stones are small, hard lumps that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are made up of trapped food particles, mucus, dead cells, and bacteria that harden over time. Tonsil stones are usually white or yellow and can vary in size.
Some children may not notice them at all, while others have symptoms like:
Removing the tonsils can help improve a child’s sleep, reduce infections, and make it easier to swallow or breathe.
There are risks involved with any surgery. Complications from tonsillectomy are uncommon, though. Bleeding during recovery and infection can develop. If a child’s tonsils were severely enlarged, they can experience voice changes. Long-term problems are rare. Most children recover fully after a tonsillectomy.
Parents often notice a major improvement in their child’s overall well-being within a few weeks.
Adenoids are small patches of tissue located high in the throat, behind the nose. And like the tonsils, they help fight germs.
Sometimes doctors recommend removing both the tonsils and the adenoids if they are causing health problems. Generally, there are three surgical approaches:
Doctors may suggest an adenoidectomy as part of your child’s care if they have:
While tonsillectomy often helps with throat infections and sleep-disordered breathing, adenoidectomy more often improves nasal breathing and reduces ear or sinus infections. Both procedures are safe and can greatly improve a child’s quality of life when recommended.
A tonsillectomy is done under general anesthesia, which means your child will be fully asleep and won’t feel pain during the surgery. It’s performed by an ENT (doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat surgery). and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Typically, you’ll be able to stay with your child before the care team is ready to begin the procedure. During the surgery, your child’s tonsils will be removed through the mouth. No cuts will be made on the outside of the neck, so there won’t be any visible scarring. In some cases, doctors may use a laser tonsillectomy technique. This method can help reduce bleeding and pain after surgery, but it isn’t right for everyone. Your care team will help you decide which surgical approach is the safest and most effective option for your child.
Immediately after the procedure, your child will be taken to the recovery room. When they begin to wake up, you’ll be brought back to see them.
Most children go home the same day. Some children may need to stay overnight, especially if they have other health conditions or are younger than 3 years old.
Recovery from a tonsillectomy takes about seven to 10 days, but some children need up to two weeks. Here’s what you may notice during this time:
There will be scabs where the tonsils were removed. These tonsillectomy scabs usually fall off around day seven.
Encourage your child to rest as much as possible as they heal. Elevate your child’s head on pillows to reduce swelling and improve sleep and use a cool-mist humidifier.
Pain after tonsillectomy is often the worst for children between days five and seven after surgery. This is when scabs start to fall off and their throat can feel raw. You can help manage pain with:
Hydration is also key. Make sure your child drinks often, even if it hurts to swallow. Staying hydrated helps prevent bleeding and supports healing.
Some bleeding may occur as the scabs fall off. A small amount of pink saliva is usually okay. If you see bright red blood, or if the bleeding doesn’t stop, get help right away. Parents should also look for more severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration or a fever over 101 degrees. In these cases, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.
Other recommendations from your care team will likely include:
It's important to keep your child eating and drinking, even if it hurts. This helps prevent dehydration and reduces bleeding risk. Liquids like apple juice, broth, ice chips, popsicles and water are a good place to start.
Then, when your child is ready, move on to soft, easy-to-swallow foods. Here’s a list of soft foods to eat after tonsillectomy:
Avoid spicy, hot or crunchy foods until healing is complete as they can irritate your child’s throat and cause bleeding.
Gentle mouth care helps reduce the risk of infection and bad breath. Your child can gently brush their teeth after tonsillectomy. Just avoid the back of the mouth where healing is happening.
Parents are sometimes concerned that removing the tonsils can weaken their child’s ability to fight infections. But fortunately, our bodies have many lines of defense.
Having a tonsillectomy doesn’t mean that your child won’t ever have sore throats or infections in the future. In fact, in some rare cases, tonsils can regrow. For most children with frequent infections or more severe symptoms, though, removing the tonsils can significantly improve their overall well-being and health.
Our ENT specialists are global leaders in the study and treatment of ear, nose, and throat conditions. We’ve performed more than 2,400 airway reconstructions and care for children from around the world. From hearing and speech disorders to complex airway repairs, we provide compassionate, research-driven care tailored to every child.
Last Updated 12/2025
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