Does Tracheal Shave Surgery Cause Voice Damage? Just the Facts!

Tracheal shave is an important surgery closely followed by trans women. Tracheal shave, also known as chondrolaryngoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the prominence of the Adam’s apple. This surgery is mostly known as a safe procedure. However, in rare cases, it may cause changes in the voice if it is not done correctly.

The Relationship Between Tracheal Shave and Vocal Cords

The vocal cords are attached to the thyroid cartilage and require precision in surgical procedures. Careless cartilage removal and sloppy applications can damage the vocal cords. This damage can cause the voice to weaken and the pitch to change. It can also negatively affect the strength of the voice.

However, an expert and skilled surgeon performs the surgery in a way that does not damage the vocal cords during tracheal shave. He carefully removes the necessary cartilage, taking care to preserve vocal function for a more feminine and smooth neck contour. Temporary hoarseness is normal during the postoperative healing process. This will disappear in the later stages of the healing process.
It is important to find an experienced surgeon to reduce potential risks to the vocal cords and for successful results.

The Relationship between Tracheal Shave and Adam’s Apple

Adam’s apple, found in everyone regardless of gender, is more commonly associated with masculinity. The difference in the Adam’s apple in masculine and feminine anatomy occurs during puberty. This enlarges the larynx, resulting in a prominent Adam’s apple appearance and a thicker voice.

For trans women, tracheal shave is an important part of the gender affirmation process. In summary, for trans women, this surgery means removing the masculine appearance in the neck area. It is a very important surgery. What complicates this surgery is the need to achieve aesthetic expectations while preserving the vocal cords. It is necessary to be sensitive during the surgery because removing too much cartilage can damage the larynx and cause permanent hoarseness or weakening of the voice. On the other hand, cartilage that is not removed in sufficient quantity can leave a prominent Adam’s apple appearance.

Choosing an experienced surgeon who understands the delicate anatomy of the larynx is crucial for a very detailed approach and a safe surgical process. It removes only the necessary amount of cartilage while preserving voice function. Tracheal shave can be performed for almost anyone who needs it. It is a functional surgery that offers aesthetic solutions for everyone, regardless of gender.

Tracheal Shave Process and Techniques Used

Tracheal shave is mostly performed under general anesthesia. It is a quick procedure that takes an average of one hour. Before the operation, the surgeon evaluates the general health condition of the person.

It is also recommended that smokers stop smoking for at least one week before surgery to reduce the risk of possible complications. Blood thinners, if any, should also be discontinued. After the surgery, people can return home on the same day.

Tracheal shave involves two different techniques. The difference between the two techniques is due to their effects on the scar. One of these techniques is the direct approach, which is the most preferred. In this approach, a small incision is made on the thyroid cartilage. A significant scar may occur after surgery. However, it is usually a temporary scar that disappears over time. In the indirect approach, which is considered as another technique, it is aimed to hide the scars by placing the incisions in natural skin folds. This method is suitable for people who are concerned about scarring.

Protection of The Vocal Cords During Surgery

Protecting the vocal cords during surgery is one of the most important issues for the surgeon. For this, the surgeon carefully positions the vocal cords before intervening on the cartilages. The procedure is performed using a special scope for accurate positioning. Once the location is determined, the surgeon gradually shaves the Adam’s apple and removes cartilage for the desired appearance. The incision is carefully closed and the operation is terminated.

Protecting The Vocal Cords During The Healing Process

Postoperative recovery is generally comfortable and proceeds smoothly. Swelling and bruising are expected side effects in the early stages of recovery. However, these conditions disappear within the first 6 weeks. Recovery begins in the first weeks. During this period, there may be a feeling of pain in the throat, especially when swallowing or speaking. It is also common to experience temporary hoarseness or a slight decrease in vocal range, which will disappear by the fourth week.

To prevent permanent damage to the vocal cords, talking should be minimized. Activities that strain the vocal cords, such as raising the voice, shouting or singing, should be temporarily avoided.

If you follow the surgeon’s instructions and take care of your self-care after the operation, you can return to work within a week. Light physical activity can be resumed within ten days, avoiding heavy and strenuous exercises. However, remember that the individual process that applies to every surgical procedure applies to this surgery. Although the general outlines of the healing process have been determined, the details may vary from person to person.

Conclusion

Tracheal shave is one of the most preferred surgeries, especially among trans women. This causes increased curiosity about the surgery. Whether the vocal cords will be damaged is also one of the most concerned issues. However, this surgery is quite safe compared to many feminization surgeries. Especially starting with the right surgeon is decisive in protecting your vocal cords and achieving your visual expectations.

In addition, this surgery helps people achieve aesthetic integrity by offering a harmonious neck appearance in harmony with their feminine face.

We hope that this article has provided you with useful information and solutions to your problems, and has inspired you to pursue your dreams and goals. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and to help you in any way we can. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!Follow our blog for more. You can also reach us on our contact page for any questions you may have. Ffs center is an LGBT community friendly organization.