Reduction of the Adam’s apple

Neck feminization and reduction of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx (Adam’s apple) are an important part of the overall MtF transit process. They are also some of the most common surgical procedures performed as part of facial feminization. As practice shows, most transgender women consider neck procedures when deciding to feminize their bodies.

Adam’s apple reduction surgery is a relatively simple, quick and minimally invasive procedure. It involves reducing the size of the laryngeal thyroid cartilage, commonly referred to as the Adam’s apple. The goal of the procedure is to soften the neckline and reduce the laryngeal protrusion so characteristic of men to give them a more delicate and feminine appearance.

Adam’s apple as a sex-determining feature of the neck

The male jaw and chin usually have a characteristic well-defined shape. But it is the strongly accentuated laryngeal protuberance (Adam’s apple) that is clearly responsible for the perception of this area of the body as male-specific. The thyroid cartilage, so specific to genetic males, is difficult to hide under clothing. This raises a number of issues regarding the perceived gender of the neck in transgender women, as people unconsciously associate this feature with masculinity. Mitigating the protrusion and meticulously sculpting this area quickly results in a more feminine neck profile.

How is the laryngeal thyroid cartilage reduction procedure performed?

Reducing the size of the thyroid cartilage is a relatively simple procedure that has an immediate impact on a more feminine appearance. However, it is important that it is performed by an experienced surgeon who, based on his knowledge and experience, knows how to minimize the size of the cartilage as much as possible without risking damage to the structures that support voice formation.

Adam’s apple reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. It may be combined with other facial feminization procedures, but it is also performed as a stand-alone procedure.

A small incision – about 2 cm – is made in the fold under the chin. The surgeon does this relatively far from the cartilage itself, usually in the neck-chin region. This procedure is designed to minimize the risk of visible scarring and to prevent the appearance of adhesions in the thyroid cartilage area.

In the next step, the surgeon removes the excess tissue with a scalpel or diamond drill. This requires a lot of precision, experience and anatomical knowledge to avoid damaging the adjacent soft tissues and vocal cords. After reducing the Adam’s apple bulge, the specialist fuses the muscles along and over the cartilage to give the neck the right look.

Reduction that is too aggressive can weaken the structure of the larynx and alter voice quality. Improper suturing and closure of the cartilage area can, in turn, result in adhesions and visible scarring that cause unnatural movement of the neck skin in that area. Our specialists know how to avoid this. That’s why, when choosing a facility to perform Adam’s apple reduction and the entire FFS process, you should rely first and foremost on the knowledge and experience of the specialists who comprehensively and individually treat each patient.

At the end of the procedure in this procedure, we use a single layer of suture to close access to the thyroid cartilage for great aesthetic results.

Recuperation after the procedure does not require a stay in our clinic, the sutures are removed after about 9 days. Laryngeal thyroid cartilage reduction is one of the least invasive procedures in FFS surgery, which allows for a quick recovery. Some bruising in the operated area will still be visible for a few weeks, but it does not interfere with normal functioning. It is only advisable to wait about 8 weeks before exercising strenuously.

The appearance and arrangement of the neck and thyroid cartilage structures will continue to change for about 12 months. After this time, the final result will be visible.

Experience the effects of Adam’s apple correction even before surgery

At Timeless plastic surgery clinic, we know how to achieve feminization results naturally. Our team of specialists tailors the procedure individually for each patient to ensure a discreetly hidden incision and minimize the risk of adhesions. We take special precautions to protect the area responsible for voice formation and modulation.

We realize that the better planned the procedure, the better results we can achieve. Therefore, each facial feminization procedure is preceded by a series of consultations with specialists. Meeting each patient’s needs for a more feminine appearance and expression of the face and neck are key to satisfaction with the results of the procedure. Therefore, the successive steps that make up the MtF surgical transition process are based on a detailed diagnosis and visualization of the results of the modifications made.

Our surgeons use the modern VECTRA XT system, which creates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s face and figure. Specialized software allows to create an infinite number of visualizations of the surgical effects. This way the patient knows even before the procedure how the planned modifications will affect her appearance.

Full and comprehensive care from specialists throughout the entire feminization process makes patients feel confident and safe at every stage of surgical gender correction.