A tracheal shave, also known as chondrolaryngoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce the prominence of the Adam’s apple. This procedure is typically sought by individuals who wish to achieve a smoother, less pronounced neck contour. Its primary goal is aesthetic.
What a Tracheal Shave Involves
A tracheal shave specifically targets the thyroid cartilage, which forms the Adam’s apple. During the procedure, a small incision is typically made horizontally in a natural skin crease on the neck. This strategic placement helps to minimize the visibility of any resulting scar. The surgeon then carefully shaves down or reduces the most prominent part of the thyroid cartilage.
The amount of cartilage removed is carefully calculated to achieve a less prominent neck profile while maintaining the structural integrity of the larynx. The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. Surgeons use specialized instruments to precisely reshape the cartilage. Care is taken to avoid damaging the underlying structures, particularly the vocal cords, which are located within the larynx.
How Voice is Produced
Voice production is centered in the larynx, often called the voice box. The larynx is a cartilaginous structure located in the neck, just above the trachea. Within the larynx are two bands of muscle tissue known as the vocal cords. These cords vibrate rapidly as air passes over them from the lungs.
The Adam’s apple is a part of the thyroid cartilage, which is the largest cartilage of the larynx. While the thyroid cartilage provides a protective casing for the vocal cords, it does not directly participate in their vibration. The pitch of the voice is determined by the tension, length, and mass of the vocal cords, which are controlled by intrinsic laryngeal muscles.
Sound waves are then resonated and articulated by the pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity to form speech.
Does a Tracheal Shave Alter Voice?
A tracheal shave is primarily a cosmetic procedure focused on reshaping the external cartilage of the larynx. These delicate structures are located deeper within the larynx and are not directly manipulated during a standard tracheal shave. Because the vocal cords themselves are not altered, the procedure generally does not intentionally or significantly change a person’s voice pitch or quality.
Surgeons remove only the superficial cartilage that contributes to the visible prominence. Great care is taken to avoid the anterior commissure, where the vocal cords attach to the thyroid cartilage internally. Damage to this area could potentially affect voice quality. While the risk of permanent voice change is considered low with a skilled surgeon, temporary voice alterations can occur due to post-operative factors.
Voice Changes During Recovery
Following a tracheal shave, patients may experience temporary voice changes as part of the normal healing process. These changes include mild hoarseness, a slight change in vocal quality, or discomfort when speaking. These temporary effects are usually due to swelling in the neck tissues around the larynx, which can slightly affect vocal cord vibration or resonance.
The intubation during surgery can also cause temporary irritation to the vocal cords, contributing to hoarseness. Most temporary voice changes resolve within a few days to a few weeks as the swelling subsides. Patients are advised to rest their voice and avoid strenuous vocal activities, such as yelling or prolonged talking, during the initial recovery period. Complete vocal recovery typically occurs within one to three months. While a rare complication, persistent voice changes may indicate an issue requiring further medical evaluation.