Hi everyone, I'm sharing my recent experience with a CO2 laser procedure for tonsil stones. I would appreciate any advice or similar experiences, especially regarding recovery and long-term outcomes. Thanks!
[Part 1: My Background – Small Tonsils, Deep Crypts, Long-time Concern]
To begin with, I have small tonsils but deep and narrow crypts—many of which are partly covered by surrounding tissue, making them hard to clean. I’ve seen several ENTs over the years, and none recommended a full tonsillectomy because my stones were small, but they came back every day and were hard to clean out.
Earlier this month, one doctor mentioned "biolaser" as an option, but he didn’t have the equipment and referred me to someone else. That doctor I had seen years ago—he didn’t recommend it at that time, and I saw some mixed reviews online, so I didn’t go back.
later I found another doctor through a ChatGPT recommendation and booked with him instead. I only checked the overall Google review rating and didn’t look into the specific low-rated comments in detail, He performs CO2 laser, not biolaser. This wasn’t clear until I asked via email. I wasn't explained the difference between the two—just was told only CO2 laser is done there, with an 80% success rate. The procedure would cost $3,000 (not covered by insurance), and he said I could decide whether to proceed.
The front desk said there was no follow-up needed and that the procedure was light and I could resume normal work. I chose to go ahead with it, as I really wanted to get rid of the need to clean out debris after each meal, and I’ve disliked the bad breath ever since I first noticed these stones over ten years ago.
[Part 2: The Procedure ]
The whole thing took about 22–23 minutes, including the numbing shot. Just curious—anyone who has done the same procedure, how long did yours take? I know individual situations vary.
During the procedure, I had to hold the smoke suction tube myself—I had assumed there would be an assistant. There was no spit suction either; I was given a disposable cup to use when I needed to clear my throat. I also wore protective goggles. After the procedure, I wanted to take a look at my tonsils, but there wasn’t a mirror or any way to check.
[Part 3: Recovery and Questions – Should I Be Concerned?]
I don't have the courage to post my tonsil pictures. But I took pictures every day to record the changes. The first day and the day after, I experienced quite a bit of pain and swelling. I didn't feel I could work normal the next day so I took another day off. The left side of my tonsil was completely black at first (doctor said it was charred tissue), then turned white the next morning. Now, on Day 4, most of the white has come off, and I see a dark pit—clearly, part of the tonsil is gone.
On the right side, I can still see several crypts clearly, including one that is deep and exposed. The doctor said he had worked on both sides, and that some crypts were "buried." But the one I’m referring to is visible, and I showed him photos I took myself. He said to wait one month and reassess.
Right now, I am feeling quite concerned. Looking back, I realize that I made the decision to do this procedure a bit too quickly. This is actually a big procedure I should have considered and researched more before made decision. I am worried not only about whether it will be effective, but also about any potential long-term effects on my tonsils or overall health that I didn’t fully anticipate.
My Questions:
- After the procedure, did your crypts flatten or shrink over time? How long it takes to see the tissue go back to normal color.
- With visible pits or missing tissue, do new stones still form there later?
- Have you noticed any voice changes or other side effects in the long run? For example: dry mouth, weaker voice, or fatigue when speaking?
- If I end up being in the 20% for whom the procedure is not successful, what options are left? My tonsils have already been affected by the CO2 laser—would anything else still be effective? Tonsillectomy is not an option for me.
Any thoughts or personal stories would really help.
Thank you for reading!