Adam’s apple reduction—known in Korean as 울대뼈 축소술 and commonly called a tracheal shave—reduces the visible prominence of the thyroid cartilage.
01 / Definition
Neck contour, not the windpipe
The medical name is chondrolaryngoplasty, also described as laryngeal prominence reduction. A surgeon contours part of the thyroid cartilage at the front of the larynx to create a smoother neck profile. The goal and safe amount of reduction depend on the cartilage and the position of the vocal-cord attachment.
02 / Important distinction
It is not voice-feminization surgery
Adam’s apple reduction changes external contour. It does not directly raise vocal pitch. Hoarseness or voice change can occur, and excessive cartilage removal can injure structures related to the vocal cords. Voice goals deserve a separate assessment by clinicians experienced in transgender voice care.
03 / Technique
Ask where the incision is and why
Traditional surgery uses an external neck incision placed with scar visibility in mind. Some centers describe a transoral approach through the mouth for selected patients. “Scarless” describes the absence of an external neck scar; it does not mean risk-free.
Potential issues include swelling, bruising, swallowing discomfort, scarring, residual prominence, hoarseness and voice injury.
04 / Consultation
Questions worth writing down
- Who performs the operation and what is their experience with the larynx?
- How will you identify and protect the vocal-cord attachment?
- What amount of reduction is safely possible for my anatomy?
- Where will the incision be and how is scar care handled?
- What voice or swallowing symptoms require urgent review?
- Do I need a pre-operative voice or laryngeal examination?
Professional references
Read the source material
General education only. A qualified clinician must assess your anatomy, voice and surgical risk.