Tracheal shave - how long does swelling take to go down?

Question

I had a tracheal shave a week ago, the dressing has now come off but I believe there are still buried stitches which will dissolve over time. Whilst I can clearly see and feel that the Adam’s apple is no longer there, my trachea itself feels very large and hard. I understand that there will be swelling but does the cartilage swell too and is that why it feels so strange at the moment? How long will it take for this swelling to go down so that my throat is back to normal (other than the scar)

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Post laryngeal shave swelling can takes weeks to approximately a month to settle. There are inherent  limitations as to how much thyroid cartilage can be removed...  The area of most prominence can be significantly reduced as its above the vocal cords.  The lower area of larynx should not be significantly shaved as it can lead to damage to a patients voice box.

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

The cartilage of the trachea itself shouldn't swell.  It depends on your surgeon's technique, but there can be some mild swelling in the surrounding soft tissue.  Most experienced tracheal shave surgeons will make an incisions up under your chin, not over the adam's apple itself, and the area they need to tunnel though to get to the adam's apple is where you can expect to see some swelling.  Within a couple weeks this should be 90% resolved.  The last little bit of swelling can take a couple months.  I would guess what you are feeling is some tightness in the muscles right around the trachea.-Dr. Rolfes

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  I have found that swelling after this surgery can last 2-3 weeks, which is slightly longer than some other facial cosmetic procedures.  I think this is because the larynx is always moving, as it elevates every time you swallow and also has muscle movement when you talk.  After the swelling comes down, the incision itself can become a little "knotty" or "ropey", as weeks 3-8 are marked by building up of scar tissue, and then remodeling of it.  Hope this helps!

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

It is common to see some swelling after Adam's Apple reduction which can last a few weeks. It will take longer if there is any fluid accumulation in the soft tissue of the neck but is very uncommon. If you have seen your surgeon who does not think that is the case, then I would just give it some time. The trachea itself is made of cartilage that doesn't swell; however, the surrounding tissues can feel firm. 
Best,
Sarah Saxon, MD

Tracheal shave - how long does swelling take to go down?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling After Adam's Apple Reduction

Answer: Swelling After Adam's Apple Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Adam's Apple Reduction

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Tracheal shave - how long does swelling take to go down?

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling After Adam's Apple Reduction

Answer: Swelling After Adam's Apple Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Adam's Apple Reduction

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