Thyroid Cartilage Contouring (Tracheal Shave)
Refines the neck profile through thyroid cartilage reduction or reconstruction so appearance better aligns with gender identity and overall contour balance.
This procedure is not only a common facial-feminization option for transfeminine patients. In transmasculine gender-affirming care, reconstruction of the laryngeal prominence can also create a stronger and more masculine neck contour.
The core principle of thyroid cartilage contouring is to balance aesthetic change with functional safety. Regardless of technique, intraoperative vocal-cord protection is used to identify the vocal-cord attachment and safe resection range, helping avoid injury and voice change.
A subtle change in detail can represent more than appearance. It can complete how a person is seen in relation to their identity.
Transfeminine (MTF) Tracheal Shave
Thyroid cartilage contouring, also called tracheal shave surgery, is designed to reduce laryngeal prominence and create a softer, more natural neck line while preserving voice function and overall aesthetic proportion.
Endoscopic Thyroid Cartilage Contouring
Endoscopic assistance provides a clearer operative view and more refined instrumentation, helping control the amount and extent of cartilage reduction with greater precision.
The incision is placed inside the mouth, so there is no obvious external neck scar. Patients are usually observed in the hospital overnight to monitor the airway and postoperative swelling.
This approach is often better suited to patients with milder prominence who want a lower-profile recovery and a more subtle, natural refinement.
Hidden-Scar Thyroid Cartilage Contouring
The incision is about 1.5 cm and is usually hidden within a natural neck crease. This approach preserves scar concealment while allowing more complete cartilage reshaping and contour adjustment.
It is often more suitable for patients with a more prominent Adam's apple who want a stronger visible change.
Transmasculine (FTM) Adam's Apple Reconstruction
Some transmasculine patients have relatively subtle thyroid cartilage anatomy, and even after hormone therapy the neck may still lack a distinct laryngeal prominence.
Adam's apple reconstruction can use carved autologous rib cartilage fixed over the anterior thyroid cartilage to simulate the contour and angle of a typical male laryngeal prominence, creating a more masculine neck appearance.
Because the reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue, rejection and infection risk can be reduced. Shape and projection can also be customized to create a natural and proportionate result.