Possible to Reduce the Size of an Adam's Apple?

Question

Thyroid cartilage reduction? I am a male with a large adam's apple (see picture). I would like it reduced in size, while necessarily maintaining protrusion. Is this a particularly risky procedure? Can it be performed without making an incision directly over the adam's apple (maybe above it instead)? Would you do it?

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hi,
This can certainly be reduced and is commonly performed for transgender patients. It sounds as though you would desire a reduction rather than attempted removal of the prominence altogether. An incision can certainly be made higher up (above the region of the Adam's Apple) and this is common practice for that surgery. 
I recommend finding a plastic surgeon familiar with chondrolaryngoplasty or "Adam's Apple Reduction."
All the best,
Dr. Blagg
Austin, TX

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

Yes, this is a relatively quick surgery that can done under local anesthesia (don't have to go to sleep) through a small incision at the top of your neck. To make sure it is as safe as possible I would use a small camera in your throat to watch your vocal cords through the surgery.

Bryan Rolfes, MD

Bryan Rolfes, MD

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

For more than 35 years I have done this procedure hundreds of times without any complication in both males, females and transgender patients. It is safe and the incision is placed in a crease above the Adam's apple. It can be done under local anesthesia without pain.

Narendra Kaushik, MCh, MS, MBBS · Answer

Adams Apple is one of the important symbol in marking gender, Adams apple reduction is most commonly performed as Facial Feminization Sugery in MTF SRS. It can be done with excellent results with tracheal shave also known as thyroid cartilage reduction surgery .
The main aim is to make the facial feature more feminine, although normal male can also go for this procedure.

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The procedure you are describing can be done with minimal risk if you go the right person. The main risk is damage to the attachment of the vocal cords on the inside of the cartilage. I use a technique where I identify that attachment point with a camera during the procedure. Any cartilage above that can be removed safely. I usually make my incision in the skin crease where your chin transitions to your neck, and it heals very nicely. 
Best of luck to you!
Sarah Saxon, MD

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and your question. Absolutely I would do it!  This procedure can be done easily and safely.  The reduction of the Adam's apple can be to make it smaller, but still visible as you request or remove all of it for other patients.  I have training in ear,nose and throat surgery as well as facial plastic surgery, so I am very familiar with surgery on the voice box (thyroid cartilage).  It is important to find a doctor comfortable with this procedure, but those who are can do a great job with minimal risk.I do not make the incision directly over the Adam's apple, but rather in a crease in the neck so the scar is hidden. 
Best of luck, 
Dr Rodman

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

The adam's apple prominence can be reduced by shaving down the cartilage. Historically this was done via an incision in the skin right over the cartilage. It is now done via a longer but less visible skin incision higher up along the natural neck skin crease that is easily visible in the photo that you submitted. It is not a commonly performed procedure.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Adam's Apple Reduction requires careful thinning of the voice box cartilages. It is not commonly done in most males but is extremely commonly done in sex change (gender reassignment) surgery. You may want to consult a surgeon who specializes in these procedures.

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.The Adam’s apple can be reduced by having it shaved down which is why it is also known as “tracheal shaving”. This procedure is done by making a small incision in a crease in the neck and shaving the thyroid cartilage down to give a smoother, more feminine appearance and will result in minimal scarring. I would recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to have a physical examination done. Best of luck in your endeavors!

Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

Possible to Reduce the Size of an Adam's Apple?

Answers (9)

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