Thyroid Surgery in Dallas
Minimally invasive thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, large nodules, goiter, and Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease — usually with same-day discharge and a small, cosmetically favorable incision.
Named every year since 2008
Dr. Dresel has been selected by her peers for D Magazine’s Best Doctors list every year since 2008, with the exception of 2017 — a selection made by physicians across Dallas. See her listing →
An experienced thyroid surgeon in North Texas
Dr. Alexandra Dresel is a board certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons who performs roughly 100 to 125 thyroidectomies a year. She has earned the Focused Practice Designation in Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery from the American Board of Surgery — a distinction held by only a handful of surgeons in the North Texas region.
Dr. Dresel serves as Chair of the Department of Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and performs the majority of her operations at the Women’s Specialty Surgery Center. Patients are referred to her by primary care physicians and specialists across North Texas for her skill with advanced, minimally invasive techniques — and for the time she spends explaining every option to patients and their families. She is fluent in Spanish.
What the thyroid gland does
The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormone, which regulates your metabolism and acts as the body’s thermostat. Hormone levels are regulated in response to signals from the pituitary gland in the brain (TSH).
The thyroid gland and the structures around it in the neck.
Thyroid conditions we treat
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Dry skin and hair
Depression
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Weight loss
Feeling hot
Rapid heartbeat
Hair loss
Thyroid nodules
A visible thyroid nodule on one of Dr. Dresel’s patients, alongside an illustration of the underlying anatomy.
When a nodule raises suspicion for cancer
Rapid growth
A firm or hard nodule
Hoarseness
Enlarged lymph nodes
Men
History of irradiation
Large size
Compressive symptoms
Surgical treatment
1.5–2 hours
“Day Surgery”
Risks:
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Parathyroid glands
Medications: Thyroid supplement, calcium supplement, and additional treatment as needed.
Thyroidectomy “after” photos
Real healed incisions from Dr. Dresel’s patients, showing the small, cosmetically favorable scar typical of her minimally invasive technique.
Common questions about thyroid surgery
How long does thyroid surgery take?
Thyroid surgery typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours and is performed as day surgery, so most patients go home the same day.
How large is the incision, and will I have a visible scar?
The incision is typically 1.5 to 2 inches. Dr. Dresel uses a minimally invasive approach that leaves a small, cosmetically favorable scar. The “after” photos above show healed incisions from her own patients.
What are the risks of thyroid surgery?
The main risks are injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which affects the voice, and injury to the parathyroid glands, which affects calcium levels. Serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands. Dr. Dresel will review the risks specific to your situation before surgery.
Will I need to take medication after thyroid surgery?
Many patients take a thyroid hormone supplement after surgery, and a calcium supplement may also be prescribed. Additional treatment is given as needed, depending on how much of the gland was removed and the underlying diagnosis.
How long is recovery after thyroid surgery?
Most patients have minimal discomfort and return to work and normal activities rapidly.
Are most thyroid nodules cancerous?
No. Thyroid nodules are very common and usually benign. Between 4 and 7 percent of adults in the United States have a nodule that can be felt, and more than 50 percent have a nodule detectable on ultrasound. Certain features raise suspicion for cancer — those are listed above — and are evaluated with a physical exam, lab work and imaging.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Dr. Dresel performs the majority of her operations at the Women’s Specialty Surgery Center at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, 8230 Walnut Hill Ln, Suite 101.
Every patient is different. This page is for educational purposes. Dr. Dresel will provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Dresel, MD, FACS, board certified general surgeon. Last reviewed September 8, 2026.