The Adam’s apple, formally known as the laryngeal prominence, is the visible protrusion created by the thyroid cartilage in the front of the neck. The term “shave” refers to two distinct actions: routine hair removal from the neck area, and a permanent surgical procedure to reduce the cartilage’s size. This article clarifies both concepts, providing guidance on safe hair removal techniques and explaining the elective surgical option.
The Anatomy of the Adam’s Apple
The Adam’s apple is a feature of the thyroid cartilage, the largest of the nine cartilages forming the larynx, or voice box. This cartilage is made of hyaline cartilage, a tough yet flexible connective tissue. Its primary function is to serve as a protective shield for the vocal cords and the delicate structures of the larynx, supporting voice production and breathing.
The prominence itself is formed where the two plates of the thyroid cartilage, called laminae, meet at an angle in the front of the neck. This angle is generally more acute in individuals assigned male at birth due to the influence of testosterone during puberty, which causes the larynx to enlarge and the prominence to become more noticeable. In males, this angle is about 90 degrees, while in females, it is typically about 120 degrees, which makes the structure less pronounced. Damage to the cartilage itself could compromise the airway or affect the vocal cords located immediately behind it.
Safe Shaving Techniques for Hair Removal
Removing hair from the skin covering the Adam’s apple requires specialized attention due to the uneven contour of the surface. Proper preparation is the first step toward a safe shave, involving hot water or a warm towel to hydrate and soften the hair and skin. Applying a generous layer of shaving cream or soap helps the razor glide smoothly over the skin and reduces friction. When navigating the prominent curvature of the laryngeal prominence, applying minimal pressure to the razor is essential to prevent nicks and cuts.
One of the most effective techniques is to use your free hand to stretch the skin away from the cartilage. Pulling the skin taut to one side creates a flatter surface to shave, which minimizes the risk of the blade catching on the bump. Another technique involves changing the position of the neck to naturally flatten the area, such as tilting the head back slightly or leaning forward. For a momentary flat surface, some individuals find that swallowing and briefly holding the swallow pulls the Adam’s apple in, allowing for one quick, careful stroke.
Always shave with the grain of the hair growth first, as the hair on the neck often grows in multiple, sometimes unpredictable, directions. After the initial pass with the grain, a second pass across the grain can be performed for a closer shave, but shaving directly against the grain on this sensitive area is not recommended. Using shorter, lighter strokes and avoiding repetitive passes over the same spot helps prevent irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. After shaving, rinsing the area with cool water helps to close the pores, and applying a post-shave balm soothes the skin.
Understanding the Surgical Procedure
The other meaning of “shaving the Adam’s apple” refers to a permanent medical operation known as a tracheal shave or chondrolaryngoplasty. This procedure is a surgical reduction of the thyroid cartilage prominence, typically sought by individuals who wish to create a smoother, more feminine neck contour. It is a common component of facial feminization surgery, often performed for transgender women or non-binary individuals experiencing gender dysphoria related to this secondary sex characteristic.
The surgery involves a specialist—such as a plastic surgeon or an otolaryngologist with fellowship training—making a small incision to access the thyroid cartilage. The surgeon then carefully shaves down the protruding cartilage while taking caution not to damage the vocal cords or compromise the structural integrity of the larynx. This is an invasive, elective procedure, not a simple cosmetic treatment, and requires consultation to assess candidacy and discuss the risks involved.
While traditional methods involve an incision in a neck crease, newer techniques may use a transoral approach. The transoral approach allows the incision to be made inside the mouth to avoid a visible external scar. The goal is to reduce the prominence permanently.