San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
A tracheal shave—also called an Adam’s apple reduction or chondrolaryngoplasty—reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage at the front of the neck. Many patients choose this gender-affirming procedure for a smoother neck contour and greater comfort in their appearance. At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, we plan tracheal shave surgery with a careful emphasis on vocal safety and natural-looking contour.
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What Is a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave is a gender-affirming surgery that softens the neck contour by reshaping the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple) at the front of the neck. Since the vocal cords are positioned just behind the cartilage, our surgeons take extra care to protect the voice-related structures.
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We lead with your goals and make decisions—together.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
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We give honest recommendations.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
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We treat the whole person.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
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We prioritize privacy, dignity, and emotionally safe care.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
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We're built for gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
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We evolve with the community.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
Who Might Consider a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave supports patients who:
- Want a smoother neck contour
- Want the Adam’s apple to look less prominent in profile or in photos
- Are considering facial feminizing surgery (FFS)
- Understand that voice-related safety limits can influence how much cartilage can be reduced
Whether this is a standalone step or part of a larger feminizing plan, Align supports patients of all gender identities in achieving their unique embodiment goals.
How Is a Tracheal Shave Performed?
A tracheal shave is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. Your board-certified plastic surgeon makes a small incision, usually under the chin or along the upper neck, to minimize visible scarring.
They then meticulously reduce the thyroid cartilage, avoiding injury to the vocal cords and nearby structures. Most patients go home the same day.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
What Is Recovery Like After a Tracheal Shave?
In the first days after tracheal shave surgery, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness. We’ll walk you through incision care and the factors that best support healing, including voice-rest recommendations that typically last about 2 weeks, depending on your surgical plan. Many patients are back to lighter routines within 1 to 2 weeks, gradually resuming more strenuous activity as healing allows.
How Much Does a Tracheal Shave Cost in San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Gender affirming care, including tracheal shave surgery, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through what is typically needed for authorization and what the process looks like. For patients who prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on the details of your surgical plan, including whether our tracheal shave is performed on its own or combined with other facial procedures.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, a tracheal shave carries certain risks, such as scarring, infection, and changes in sensation. While the procedure is generally safe when performed by experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons, it’s important to acknowledge the potential for complications, even when they are uncommon.
Common Risks Include:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness around the incision area, which usually improves with time
- Minor scarring, typically hidden under the chin
Less Common Risks Include:
- Infection and excessive bleeding
- Voice changes or hoarseness, which may occur when the cartilage is reduced too aggressively
During your consultation, we’ll walk through what these risks mean for your anatomy and goals—along with the specific steps we take to reduce them. Our goal is to help you make a confident, informed decision, whether that means moving forward, adjusting the plan, or taking more time to consider your options.
Tracheal Shave FAQ
Does a tracheal shave change your voice?
The goal is to enhance contour while protecting your voice structures; careful technique helps minimize risk.
Where will the incision be?
Our surgeons typically make the incision under the chin or along the upper neck, locations selected to reduce visible scarring.
Can a tracheal shave be combined with FFS?
Yes, many patients combine it with other feminizing facial procedures when appropriate, including mandible contouring, lip lift surgery, and frontal sinus setback (forehead reduction).
When To See a Tracheal Shave Specialist in San Francisco and Los Angeles
We recommend booking a consult when you want individualized guidance on how much reduction is realistic for your anatomy, what scar placement options are available, and whether it makes sense to combine tracheal shave with other facial procedures.
Explore Your Tracheal Shave Options
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer tracheal shave surgery for Los Angeles and San Francisco patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
Reviewed for medical accuracy by Paul Mittermiller, MD
Further reading:
- Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). (August 1, 2024). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/facial-feminization-surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Facial feminization surgery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/facial-feminization-surgery
- Whelan, C. (November 24, 2020). What is a tracheal shave? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/tracheal-shave