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

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. 

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

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!

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