What is Reduction Thyroplasty?
Reduction thyroplasty, colloquially known as Adam’s apple reduction, is a surgical procedure intended to reduce the prominence of the thyroid cartilage. This cartilage, which protects the vocal cords, typically develops more in masculine structures, creating a very sharp angle in the neck.
At our unit in Zaragoza, we perform precise shaving of this excess cartilage. The goal is to create a smooth and linear neckline without compromising vocal function or laryngeal protection, achieving a fluid visual transition that harmonizes with the rest of your facial feminization.
The process: Your transformation in detail
Anatomical Assessment
We evaluate the position of your vocal cords through preliminary studies to determine how much cartilage can be safely reduced.
The Procedure
A small horizontal incision is made, usually taking advantage of a natural skin fold. The cartilage is then carefully shaved down.
Recovery Phase
During the first week, you will wear a small protective splint. Although initial swelling subsides quickly, the nose is the tissue that takes the longest to show its final shape.
Personalized Follow-up
We conduct periodic reviews to monitor internal healing and ensure that respiratory function is impeccable alongside the aesthetic change.
Impact on your
Personal Comfort and Confidence
- Smoothed Profile: Elimination of the prominent angle in the neck for a more delicate appearance.
- Aesthetic Freedom: Forget the need to use scarves, turtlenecks, or grow your hair long to hide this area.
- Dysphoria Reduction: Align your anatomy with your identity, removing a feature that often causes self-consciousness in social situations.
- Strategic Scarring: We use suturing techniques that allow the mark to be hidden within the natural folds of the neck.
- Fast Recovery: As it is a short surgery, the return to your daily life is almost immediate.
Frequently asked questions
At our clinic in Zaragoza, we not only address your medical concerns, but we also support you emotionally at every stage. Your safety and your identity are our priority.
Will my vocal tone change after surgery?
This is the greatest concern for our patients. The technical answer is NO. The surgery acts on the external part of the cartilage and not on the vocal cords or their attachments. We perform preliminary marking to ensure the reduction is maximized but always remains above the vocal cord insertion point.
Will the scar be very noticeable?
We place the incision strategically in a natural skin fold or just under the chin, depending on your anatomy. With the use of silicone sheets and sun protection during the first few months, the mark usually becomes an almost invisible white line.
How long will I be off work?
It is a very rewarding recovery. Most of our patients in Zaragoza return to office work in 3 or 4 days. We only recommend avoiding intense physical exertion or heavy lifting during the first two weeks.
Is the recovery painful?
Pain is rated as mild by most patients. It is perfectly managed with common analgesics. The most frequent sensation is a slight tightness when stretching the neck or speaking a lot during the first few days.
Let us support you
