Tracheal Shave (aka Adam’s Apple Reduction) – Before After Photos Intraoperative

This patient underwent a tracheal shave (aka Adam’s apple reduction, thyroid cartilage reduction, or chondrolaryngoplasty) as part of facial feminization surgery.

If you would like to see additional before and after photographs by Dr. Mittermiller, please click the link below.

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) Before and After Photographs

These before and after photographs of a tracheal shave demonstrate the effect that can be obtained with Adam’s apple reduction as part of neck feminization.

Women generally have a less prominent Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage). This patient had a pointy, prominent cartilage (aka Adam’s apple) at the middle portion of her neck. As part of her feminizing surgery, a tracheal shave was performed to reduce the prominence of the Adam’s apple.

This procedure can be performed through a variety of incision locations. The incision used for this particular patient was placed at the junction between the area under the chin and the neck. The incision is small and is barely visible after complete healing.

Many patients have two prominent cartilage points on the neck. The higher cartilage prominence correlates with the thyroid cartilage and can be shaved using a tracheal shave. The lower cartilage is part of the cricoid cartilage and is not addressed since this is not a distinguishing characteristic between men and women.

Dr. Mittermiller’s approach to a tracheal shave is to minimize the visibility of the thyroid cartilage while not affecting the voice. In rare cases, a tracheal shave can result in hoarseness or deepening of the voice. This is one reason to see a surgeon who performs this procedure routinely.

These before after photos of a tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction before after) allow people to see what type of results can be obtained from this procedure. Every person’s nose and goals are different, so it is important to discuss your specific situation and expectations with your surgeon.