Tracheal Shave (Chondrolaryngoplasty) in Washington D.C. / Virginia Area (MtF, Facial Feminization)? (photos)

Question

Looking for an experienced surgeon who has prior experience doing Tracheal Shaves for transgender patients. I have a very small neck and I am quite scared of having a change in voice pitch or having breathing problems for the rest of my life as a result of an inexperienced surgeon. Any help you can offer will be incredibly beneficial to me! I will be in the area until January 4th.

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

You are right that the potential complications of this surgery are significant, but that when done by an experienced surgeon it should be very safe.  Experience is important, and this is not a procedure that most surgeons are trained in.  Most Facial Plastic Surgeons will have a lot of experience with voice box surgery and could at least do the surgery safely, but if you want the most dramatic reduction in the visible adam's apple possible you should go to one of the handful of surgeons who actually do this procedure regularly.  Find a surgeon who at least has the procedure on their website and you can call their office to see how frequently they perform the surgery.  Consider traveling, the cost of a plane ticket and a hotel stay is less than a second procedure for a poor result. Bryan Rolfes, MD

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

You should seek out a surgeon with experience performing  this procedure.  An experienced surgeon would be trained in assessing your larynx and ensuring  that voice alteration is not  a consequence of the operation.  The upper half of the thyroid cartilage can be reduced significantly.  The Vocal cord inserts half way up the adams apple or thyroid cartilage.  A  Facial Plastic Surgeon with Otolaryngology training would often be the most comfortable with laryngeal anatomy and competency in performing this operation.

Michael Eisemann, MD · Answer

Yes you have a prominent laryngeal eminence or Adam's Apple. A larnygeal shave can be performed through  a high transverse cervical incision.Care needs to be taken not to disrupt the anterior commissure of the vocal cords which would result in a change in you voice. This procedure is regularly done by me on transgender patients with gender dysphoria related to the larynx .Michael Eisemann M.D.Ololaryngologist/ Plastic Surgeon/Facial Plastic surgeon

Theodore Nyame, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The American association of plastic surgery website is a useful resource with a listing of many plastic surgeons in your area. That would be the best directory to look for the right surgeon. Best wishes Theodore T. Nyame MD

Tracheal Shave (Chondrolaryngoplasty) in Washington D.C. / Virginia Area (MtF, Facial Feminization)? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tracheal shave

Answer: Tracheal shave

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Everything you need to know about Adam's Apple Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Tracheal Shave (Chondrolaryngoplasty) in Washington D.C. / Virginia Area (MtF, Facial Feminization)? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tracheal shave

Answer: Tracheal shave

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Adam's Apple Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.