Tracheal Shave
For a delicately feminine neck
Reducing the Adam’s Apple
A large Adam’s apple can disrupt the contours of your neck and make it difficult to pass for female. Fortunately, there is a simple yet delicate surgical procedure to reduce this noticeable feature and reshape your neck.
What is the Trachea (Adam’s Apple)?
The trachea/larynx is commonly called the “voicebox” – it’s the cartilage that surrounds and protects the vocal cords. For genetic males, the Adam’s apple increases in size during puberty and becomes a visible bump on the neck. A large, noticeable Adam’s apple is a typical male feature. It seems to get bigger with age as the neck muscle thins out in the center. The Adam’s apple of genetic females remains small and generally isn’t visible from the outside.
What is a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave (chondrolaryngoplasty), also known as an Adam’s apple reduction surgery, is part of the facial feminization process. It is a simple operation that reduces the size of the Adam’s apple by shaving down the anterior surface and wings of the cartilage surrounding the larynx. While all people have some cartilage in the throat to protect the voice box, genetic males have a significantly larger amount. Due to this, the Adam’s apple is seen as a typically masculine feature. A tracheal shave decreases the size of the Adam’s apple and feminizes the neck and throat.
Why Is It Done?
A tracheal shave is performed to reduce the size of the Adam’s apple in order to make it less noticeable. This may be because someone simply feels that their Adam’s apple is too prominent, or it may be because the patient is undergoing facial feminization surgery and wants to feminize their neck.
Does It Affect the Voice?
A tracheal shave can affect the voice in rare cases. Generally, you may experience some temporary voice weakness, but there are typically no long term effects. If done poorly, a tracheal shave could damage the voice box, but this is not a normal side effect of the procedure.
How is Surgery Performed?
Many cosmetic surgeons perform this surgery through an incision over or above the trachea, but this carries a greater risk and does not achieve an ideal appearance. Dr. Zukowski uses advanced endoscopic techniques to perform tracheal shaves through a small incision under the chin. This allows him to perform the procedure using the smallest incision possible. He then shaves down the triangular shape of the cartilage, reducing the fullness and being very careful not to damage the vocal cords. After shaving the Adam’s apple, he covers it with muscles from the neck to achieve a smooth contour.
What to Expect After a Tracheal Shave (Scarring and Recovery)
Because Dr. Zukowski is skilled enough to shave the trachea using only a small incision under the chin, the scar is not very visible to begin with and quickly fades. Tracheal shave recovery is minimal, with only slight discomfort. Immediately after the surgery you can expect some bruising and swelling, as well as a sore throat. Most patients are completely recovered within a few weeks.
Dr. Zukowski is a board-certified plastic surgeon with the skill and finesse to give you a beautifully feminine neck. Trust him to deliver the results you’re looking for!
If you have any concerns or questions about a tracheal shave, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Chicago to learn more.
Visit the patient gallery to see before and after transformations.