Tracheal shaves rank among the most widespread surgical measures for transsexuals. The thyroid cartilage in the throat is diminished in size by a surgeon in order to attain a more female shape. This procedure is also commonly known as Adam’s apple reduction, chondrolaryngoplasty or thyroid cartilage reduction (TRC).
In this connection, the cosmetic surgeon performs an incision in the gullet through which the cartilage is shaved down. This will not only aid transwomen in accomplishing an acceptable feminine look, but it can also help cisgender (non-transgender) women and men who are embarrassed about the size of their Adam’s apple.

Procedure information
Tracheal shaves can be carried out as an outpatient operation, with a simple procedure requiring only a local anesthetic while general anesthesia may be required for those patients who want to achieve a more dramatic result. A number of patients combine this procedure with other surgical operations.

Several horizontal chondral ridges on the trachea can be felt on the throat, and the V-shaped protrusion of cartilage on the prominent part is what the surgeon trims down. A horizontal incision is made in a fold of skin on the throat, and the vertical throat muscles are detached to lay open the cartilage before the most protruding component of the notch and the top of the V are shaved off.

Recovery time
Swelling and bruising are common after tracheal shaves and usually subside relatively fast (over 1 to 3 weeks). The scar will lighten within 1 to 3 months following surgery and can be concealed with makeup after the removal of any stitches (usually after 1 week). If scarring is severe, flesh-colored tattooing or surgical scar revision are possibilities.

Following surgery, you might be advised to rest your voice as temporary changes in vocal quality are experienced by some patients, including raising or lowering of pitch, hoarseness and raucousness.