Reducing the size of the Adam’s apple – Larynx

Image: Here you can see the area of the thyroid cartilage (3) marked in green that is removed during the operation. 1, hyoid bone 2, Adam’s apple 5, cricoid cartilage

The large Adam’s apple is a typical male stigma – hence the name. Compared to a woman’s larynx, it can appear significantly larger in men. Women who have an oversized Adam’s apple often wish to have it reduced in size. However, few people know that this operation exists.

In circles transsexuals this operation is much better known, as many male-to-female transsexuals suffer from being seen as male due to a protruding Adam’s apple. As a rule, the deepest wish of male-to-female transsexuals is to no longer be seen as a genetic male. Reducing the size of the larynx is just one of many steps taken to conform to the desired gender.

How can the Adam’s apple be surgically reduced?

The reduction of the Adam’s apple is not a complex operation. It takes about an hour at our clinic in Düsseldorf. Using a small 2-3 cm incision near the larynx, we expose the thyroid cartilage that forms the Adam’s apple. We then remove the excess cartilage and thus reduce the size of the larynx.

The vocal cords must be particularly protected during this operation. If too little cartilage is removed, the effect of the reduction is not satisfactory.

Our plastic surgeons also take care to place the sutures in such a way that the likelihood of the Adam’s apple growing again is reduced.

Through accurate, multi-layer wound closure, our Yuveo team can avoid scar distortion and unnatural movement of the larynx.

The operation can be performed under twilight sleep (sedation) or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is also possible in principle, but is not recommended.

What is the aftercare after the reduction of the Adam’s apple?

After the operation, we apply a pressure bandage with discreet pressure for a short time to reduce the risk of bleeding. Swelling of the larynx occurs after the operation, which can be treated with decongestant medication and cooling.

After the Adam’s apple has been reduced in size, it is advisable to let it rest for a while, i.e. to restrict speaking and swallowing. The moderate pain can be managed well with mild to moderate painkillers. The voice may be temporarily restricted.

The stitches are removed after 7-14 days, depending on the suturing technique. Scar care is important to ensure that the scars heal as inconspicuously as possible.

The pitch of the voice is not changed during Adam’s apple reduction. However, there are also operations where this is desired. One of the most popular techniques for increasing the pitch of the voice is the surgical approximation of the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage. This imitates the situation when speaking up.

Where is the incision made when reducing the size of the larynx?

The incision is usually made at the level of the larynx. There are also plastic surgeons who place it in the crease from the transition of the neck to the floor of the mouth. The incision can also be placed under the chin to reduce the size.

All incisions have certain advantages and disadvantages, which our Yuveo team in Düsseldorf will explain to you. In the end, the decision is made together with our patients. Overall, the scars are inconspicuous and can be further improved with the right post-scar treatment.

If I have my Adam’s apple reduced, can I lose my voice?

The likelihood of losing your voice during this laryngectomy is extremely low. Of course, the larynx should only be reduced in certain areas and should not be weakened too much overall.

The vocal cords are located in the lower area of the thyroid cartilage on the inward-facing side. This is why the reduction takes place in the upper third. Apart from this, the epiglottis is usually particularly prominent in the upper third, so that this is another reason why the reduction makes sense in this upper part and not in the lower part.

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