Trachea shave surgery
(Adam's apple shaving)

    Prominent thyroid cartilage is frequently a constant embarrassment to a male transsexual.  The results of this operation are effective, satisfying and long-lasting.
    Chondolaryngoplasty, or Adam's Apple Shaving, is an adjunctive procedure to remove the lump in the anterior portion of the the void cartilage which is a physical trait associated with the male gender. This relatively simple procedure will leave a small horizontal scar on the throat and can be performed at the same time as the vaginoplasty requiring an additional 45 minutes of total surgery.

    Pre-Operative Care

    Criteria of Approval

    The Operation

• The procedure can be done under general anesthesia.
• The mini-incision (2-2.5 cm ) is normally placed on upper crease of neck skin below submental (chin) area, since in most cases the scar is almost imperceptible.
• The thyroid cartilage is exposed and marked with cautarization.
• The thyroid cartilage is reduced, usually by shaving at the most prominent area and the rim of its upper border. The thyroid cartilage contouring is a delicate process and need to be done meticulously especially for those who have calcified (hard) cartilage due to the aging process.
• All bleeding points are carefully checked and stopped.
• It takes about 3/4 hour to complete the surgery.

    Post-Operative Care

    Recovery Time
    The recovery takes at least 3 to seven days. Most people are back to work within a week.
    Ice pack applied to the treated area for a couple of day is always recommended.