A tracheal shave, also called chondrolaryngoplasty or Adam’s apple reduction, reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage at the front of the neck. It may be chosen as part of facial or neck feminization, or for other personal aesthetic goals.
What does the procedure do?
The aim is to reduce visible thyroid-cartilage prominence while protecting nearby laryngeal structures. The amount of cartilage that can be safely reduced varies between patients because the vocal cords attach within the larynx.
How is a tracheal shave performed?
The surgeon typically accesses the thyroid cartilage through an incision placed in a neck crease or another planned approach. The prominent cartilage is carefully reduced. Surgical technique and the use of endoscopic or other methods to identify the vocal-cord level vary by surgeon and patient.
Can it change the voice?
Tracheal shave is not designed as a voice-feminization operation. Temporary hoarseness or voice change can occur after surgery because of swelling or irritation. Injury to structures involved in voice production is an important potential complication, so the relationship of the cartilage reduction to the vocal cords must be considered carefully. No surgeon can guarantee that voice quality will remain completely unchanged.
Possible risks
Risks can include bleeding, infection, swelling, visible or raised scarring, contour irregularity, under- or over-reduction, voice change, swallowing discomfort, anaesthesia complications and the possibility of revision surgery.
Recovery
Swelling, tenderness and temporary throat or voice symptoms may occur during early recovery. Final neck contour can take time to settle as swelling resolves. Activity restrictions and wound care should follow the treating surgeon’s instructions.
What affects the cost?
There is no single universal price. Cost can vary according to country and city, surgeon and facility fees, anaesthesia, investigations, whether the procedure is combined with other facial surgery, hospital or day-care charges and follow-up. Patients should request an itemized estimate rather than relying on a fixed online figure.
Questions to ask at consultation
- How much reduction is realistic for my anatomy?
- How do you identify and protect the vocal-cord attachment level?
- Where will the incision and scar be?
- What voice-related risks should I understand?
- Can this procedure be combined safely with other facial procedures?
- What is included in the total cost?
Learn more about Adam’s apple reduction and facial feminization surgery.
This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.
