Tracheal Shave

A trachea shave, also called Adam’s apple reduction, is a light surgery that usually is done as a part of facial feminization surgery for men who have done sex reassignment. During trachea shave surgery through cutting off a part of the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx, the size of Adam’s apple is reduced. Trachea shave sometimes occurs at the same time as other operations such as jaw deformity, cheek augmentation, nose surgery, and eyebrow lifting.

Duration of Trachea Shave

Usually, after two to three weeks, the person’s voice will return to normal. Of course, if a person makes a living through his own voice (for example, singing), it may take longer to get his voice back to normal.

Related Paraclinics

The surgeon will need some tests before surgery, so the patient needs to perform these tests and takes them to the doctor. These tests including CT scans will be prescribed by the surgeon.

Preoperative Care Trachea shave

You will probably be advised to avoid taking drugs such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs and avoid smoking and alcohol before surgery.

The Process of Trachea shave

A shear is created in the neck and under Adam’s apple; the surgeon will attempt to create the incision within the neck’s natural wrinkles so that the scar of the wound will not be easily visible. The surgeon can access thyroid cartilage through this incision. Using a clamp, the surgeon pushes the skin and muscle of the neck to a side and reaches the cartilage. Then, using a surgical knife and gently, shaves the surface of the trachea, at this stage, the surgeon tries not to shave much, as this can affect the individual’s voice. Trachea shave may be performed under local anesthesia; the duration of this operation will be 45 to 60 minutes.

Postoperative Care Regarding Trachea Shave

After surgery, it is necessary to keep the throat dressing in its place and follow the doctor’s instructions. Also prescribed drugs should be used.

Important Points about Trachea shave

Trachea shave is not recommended for people suffering from colloidal ulcer because the effect of the remaining scar may be very severe.

Possible risks regarding trachea shave include:

• Bleeding
• Remaining Scar
• Infection
• Negative reaction toward Anesthetic Drug
• Voice change
• Loss of speaking ability
• Damage to the nerves

Trachea shave is usually prescribed for

• Individuals who want to undergo sex-change surgery (male to a female)
• Ladies or gentlemen who are not satisfied with the size of their Adam’s apple

Duration of Admission for Trachea shave

Trachea shave can be done on an outpatient basis and probably there will be no need for hospitalization.