A man can have the prominence known as the Adam’s Apple reduced through a specialized cosmetic surgical procedure. This operation is medically termed Chondrolaryngoplasty, but is widely recognized by the name “tracheal shave.” The goal of the surgery is to reduce the visible protrusion on the neck for aesthetic purposes.
What is the Adam’s Apple?
The Adam’s Apple is the common term for the laryngeal prominence, which is the most visible portion of the thyroid cartilage. This cartilage is the largest of the nine cartilages that make up the larynx, or voice box. Its primary biological function is to shield and protect the vocal cords, which are located directly behind it. Every person possesses this thyroid cartilage, but its size and outward visibility differ significantly between sexes.
The prominence is typically more noticeable in males because of hormonal changes during puberty. Testosterone causes the larynx to enlarge, and the angle where the two plates of thyroid cartilage meet becomes sharper, creating a visible outward protrusion. In contrast, the angle of the thyroid cartilage in females remains broader, leading to a much smaller or non-visible prominence.
The Procedure: Tracheal Shave Surgery
The procedure to reduce the laryngeal prominence, Chondrolaryngoplasty, is a delicate operation focused on contouring the thyroid cartilage. Surgeons typically perform the procedure under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia with sedation is sometimes used. The surgeon begins by making a small, horizontal incision, often strategically placed within a natural neck crease to minimize the appearance of a scar.
Once the thyroid cartilage is exposed, the surgeon carefully shaves or reduces the excess cartilage that forms the outward protrusion. This process requires extreme precision because the vocal cords attach to the interior of the cartilage at a point called the anterior commissure. To prevent damage to this attachment point and avoid irreversible voice alteration, many surgeons use a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope during the procedure.
The objective is solely to reduce the size of the prominence and create a smoother neck contour. The entire structure cannot be removed, as this would compromise the structural integrity of the larynx and the function of the vocal cords. After the reduction is complete, the incision is closed with sutures. The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, typically taking between one to two hours to complete.
Who Seeks This Procedure and Why?
The main patient demographic seeking Chondrolaryngoplasty is transgender women and non-binary individuals who desire a more feminine neck contour. This procedure is a common component of gender-affirming care, as the Adam’s Apple is a prominent physical marker associated with male puberty. Reducing the size of the laryngeal prominence can significantly help to alleviate gender dysphoria.
The procedure is also sought by cisgender men who feel their laryngeal prominence is disproportionately large or distracting. In these cases, the motivation is purely cosmetic, as they wish to soften the contour of their neck. A smoother neck profile is important for psychological comfort and confidence in social situations for many patients.
Post-Operative Care and Potential Complications
Following the tracheal shave procedure, patients can expect some temporary side effects, including soreness, bruising, and swelling in the neck area. Pain medication is usually prescribed to manage discomfort during the initial recovery period. Most patients can resume light daily activities within a week, but strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks to ensure proper healing.
The final cosmetic result will not be fully apparent until the swelling completely subsides, which can take three to six months. The primary potential complications include infection, bleeding, and the formation of visible scarring at the incision site. Surgeons often place the incision in a natural skin fold to make the resulting scar as inconspicuous as possible.
A more serious, though rare, risk is a permanent change in vocal quality or pitch. This can occur if the reduction is too aggressive and inadvertently damages the vocal cord attachment point. Temporary hoarseness or a slightly weak voice is common immediately after the operation due to swelling around the voice box, but this typically resolves as the area heals.