Female Adam’s apple - new presentation! Why? What can I do? Other options beyond trachea shave? (Photo)

Question

Within the last couple years, my Adam’s apple has begun to bulge! Why? Bad posture? Aging? It’s terribly embarrassing as I am a woman. I’m hiding my neck constantly, even in warm weather. What can I do? Is trachea shave the only option?

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

We all have a thyroid cartilage.  Testosterone tends to make this cartilage more prominent and visible,   Hence it is seen as a masculine feature.  The most common reason for an Adams apples to become more visible is weight loss.  More significant health concerns, like tumors or other growth in the area, are quite rare.  Still, with a new growth in your neck I would strongly recommend an exam by a physician.  If  there are no concerns after that visit you had several options.  First, you could leave it alone.  Many runway models with long standing necks have prominent thyroid cartilage.  Unless someone is questioning your gender it is unlikely they will look for an adam's apple.    If it still bothers you could either have filler or fat injections around the prominence to blend it in,  or the ultimate solution would indeed be a tracheal shave.    This is a simple, safe procedure when done by an experienced surgeon that leaves a small hidden scar.  -Dr. Rolfes

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I see women in my office quite often who have a noticeable Adam's Apple. This can be from a number of different things including hormonal changes or simply being thin enough to see a bump. It can be quite bothersome. Unfortunately, the best option is to have a trach shave. Be sure you go to a surgeon who is experienced in this procedure since the main risk is damage to the voice. I use a technique where I look at the vocal cords during surgery with a camera to ensure no damage is done to the vocal cords themselves and their attachment to the cartilage. The incision heals nicely and is hidden in a skin crease right about where your neck bends. 
Best of luck to you,
Sarah Saxon, MD

Female Adam’s apple - new presentation! Why? What can I do? Other options beyond trachea shave? (Photo)

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