The Adam's apple is one of the most identifiable male characteristic on the body and why it is one of the most popular transgender surgeries performed during facial feminization.

The Adam's apple is a prominent thyroid cartilage that enlarges at puberty of males. The Adam's apple reduction surgery reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage by shaving and removing excess cartilage.

Results will be based on the paitent's age, Adam's apple prominence and proximity to the vocal chords. In some individuals the Adam's apple may be too large to completely remove, but a tracheal shave can help angle the cartilage to a more feminine angle.

Best Candidates for Adam's Apple Reduction

Although, the tracheal shave is a common procedure amoung transgender patients who would like to acheive a more feminine throat, women also choose to have this procedures. This procedure is ideal for both male and female paitents who would like to decrease the prominance of their trachea.

Best Candidates for Trachea Shave

• Improve your appearance.
• Emotion stability is one of the most important factors.
• To achieve refreshed look or passable female appearance.
• Women who are not uncomfortable with the girth of their Adam's apple.

Preparing for Adam's Apple Surgery

Some transgender women decide to purchase and bring their own post-op support bra. This sometimes allows for a higher quality, more comfortable, and prettier bra to be worn after surgery.

You will need to register on our site and inform us of any allergies, medication you are currently taking (prescription and non-prescription medicine) and your medical history (hospitalization and illnesses).

Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc), vitamin E or any other medication that may have an anti-coagulant effect on your blood for 2 weeks prior to your surgery date. This may have a slight effect on the speed of your recovery as good blood flow is essential to healing quickly.

If you are a smoker, now is a good time to think about quitting. Quitting is not an easy task, but will result not only for a healthier lifestyle, but also improve the rate of your recovery. However, for most this is not an option, so it is requested you refrain from smoking 3 days before and 3 days after surgery.

You should plan on being in Thailand for 1 week. We can assist with booking your plan and hotel reservation, but you should ensure you do not require a visa to visit Thailand. Most citizens from foreign countries you will not require a visa.

For patients booking a complete medical tour, we will arrange to pick you up at the airport and transport you to your hotel. During the registration process you will be able to submit your flight itinerary.

Adam's Apple Reduction Surgery Overview

Trachea shave is one of the simplest and swiftest procedures of facial feminization surgery, but it must be done by an expert surgeon since a too agresive shave could weaken the larynx structure or voicebox and permanently alter the vocal quality.

The surgery is done through a small incision, that usually coincides with a crease or fold of the neck to conceal the resulting scar. The surgeon cuts and shaves the excess cartilage and smoothens out the surface to prevent the skin to reveal any irregularities.

Anesthesia

Adam's apple removal is done under general anesthesia, with other procedures of facial feminization surgery, or alone.

The Incision

The incision is usually 2 to 3 cm in length, and at the highest crease in the skin on the neck, since in most cases the scar is almost imperceptible. The thyroid cartilage is reduced, usually by carving at the most prominent area and the rim of its superior border. The cartilage carving is a delicate process and needs to be done meticulously.

Hospital Stay

If you are only performing adam's apple reduction surgery and no feminization surgery, you will not be required to stay over-night at the hospital.

Adam's Apple Reduction Results

The appearance a smoother and more feminine neck.

NOTE: Results will be based on the paitent's age, Adam's apple prominence and proximity to the vocal chords.

Recovery After Adams' Apple Reduction

A piece of gauze will cover the incision for the first 2 or 3 days after adam's apple reduction. For about 7 to 10 days you will probably have a burning sensation and some difficulties when swallowing or talking. Patients who underwent Adam's apple removal report that the post op sensation is very similar to a simple sore throat, including a reduction in the ability to speak loudly.

Adam's Apple Reduction Post Operative Care

You should avoid abusing your voice, ie. shouting and singing, for two weeks following treatment.

The application of an ice compress to the neck for twenty-four hours lowers the side effects. Occasional hoarseness may occur but it clears up immediately as the swelling subsides.

You should plan on staying in Bangkok for 5 days after your surgery. However, if you are combining multiple procedures, we will be able to recommend this in our free consultation and price quote. Generally, patients are able to recover 1 to 2 days after the surgery.

Possible Adam's Apple Reduction Risks

Every surgery, no matter how simple it may be, has certain risks, and we should not rule them out. However, it is very unlikely for an Adam's apple reduction to present any complications when performed by a qualified Facial Feminization surgeon or ENT speciallist.

Risks and Complications of Adam's Apple Surgery:

• Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Infections (they are very unusual if you take the prescribed antibiotics).
• Hypertrophic scar due to patient's characteristics.
• Temporary reduction in the ability to reach high frequencies when singing.
• Damage to surrounding areas like the vocal folds or the laryngeal nerve.