What is chondrolaryngoplasty ?
Chondrolaryngoplasty, also known as Adam’s apple reduction, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the prominence of the thyroid cartilage. The surgery is performed through a small incision at the base of the neck, through which a portion of the cartilage is removed.
The goal of this procedure is to soften and feminise the contour of the neck, most often as part of a gender transition.
Chondrolaryngoplasty requires great precision to avoid damage to adjacent vocal structures and to minimise the risk of complications such as voice changes.
How is a chondrolaryngoplastyp performed ?
Before the procedure, the preoperative consultation is essential. It allows for a full medical evaluation, a discussion of the patient’s expectations, and an explanation by the surgeon of the possible outcomes. In most cases, surgery is scheduled after a minimum reflection period of 15 days.
On the day of surgery, chondrolaryngoplasty is generally performed under general anaesthesia. A small horizontal incision is made in a natural skin crease to minimise scar visibility.
The soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the thyroid cartilage. The prominent portion of the cartilage is then resected. Once a satisfactory result is achieved, the incision is meticulously closed.
Postoperative swelling and pain are usually minimal, and the result is generally visible within a few days.
Why have the Adam’s apple reduced ?
The main indications for Adam’s apple reduction are related to aesthetic concerns and personal comfort:
Gender dysphoria during transition
Adam’s apple reduction is frequently sought by transgender and non-binary individuals as part of facial feminisation. A prominent Adam’s apple is typically perceived as a masculine feature, and reducing its size helps align physical appearance with gender identity.
Aesthetic concerns
Some individuals, regardless of gender identity, may feel uncomfortable with a prominent Adam’s apple and wish to reduce it for purely aesthetic reasons.
Discomfort caused by prominence
A very prominent Adam’s apple may cause physical discomfort, particularly when rubbing against clothing or accessories such as shirt collars or scarves.
At what stage of feminisation surgery is chondrolaryngoplasty recommended ?
Adam’s apple reduction can be integrated into facial feminisation surgery at various stages, depending on the patient’s goals, preferences, and the surgeon’s recommendations. During the initial consultation, the surgeon evaluates all facial features and discusses feminisation objectives with the patient.
It may be beneficial to include Adam’s apple reduction as part of a global facial feminisation plan, allowing different procedures to be coordinated for harmonious results.
For some patients, combining chondrolaryngoplasty with other facial feminisation procedures may be advisable. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and costs; however, careful planning is required to avoid excessive surgical stress on the body.
The decision may also depend on the patient’s personal priorities and comfort. Some patients may wish to address the Adam’s apple first if they consider it a particularly masculine feature.
In certain cases, it may be preferable to separate chondrolaryngoplasty from other facial feminisation procedures, due to medical considerations, procedural complexity, or a desire for a gradual approach.
The optimal timing for Adam’s apple reduction as part of facial feminisation depends on several factors, including patient preferences, the complexity of planned procedures, and the surgeon’s medical opinion.
