If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about the size or shape of your Adam’s apple, you’re not alone. Many people consider a tracheal shave—also called Adam’s Apple Reduction—to create a smoother, more balanced neck profile. This procedure is safe, effective, and commonly performed by experienced facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh. If you’re curious about what the process involves, recovery time, and results, this guide will walk you through what to expect every step of the way.
What is a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave, or Adam’s Apple Reduction, is a surgical procedure that reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage at the front of the neck. The “Adam’s apple” naturally varies in size from person to person. For those who would like a less visible or more refined neck contour, reducing the cartilage can create a smoother, more balanced appearance.
Tracheal shave surgery is often sought as part of gender affirmation, but it is also chosen by people of all genders who feel the prominence of their Adam’s apple doesn’t reflect how they want to look or feel.
How the Procedure is Performed
Tracheal shave surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia for comfort. The procedure typically follows these steps:
- Incision Placement: A small, discreet incision is made under the chin or along a natural crease of the neck to help minimize noticeable scarring.
- Cartilage Reduction: The surgeon gently shaves down the thyroid cartilage while carefully protecting the vocal cords to maintain the natural voice.
- Closure: The incision is closed with fine sutures, and the area is bandaged to support healing.
The surgery usually takes 30–60 minutes, making it a relatively short procedure with long-lasting changes.
Recovery After Adam’s Apple Reduction
Recovery is typically smooth and manageable. Here’s what most people can expect:
- Mild Swelling and Tenderness: Some discomfort in the first few days is normal, along with swelling or bruising near the incision site.
- Return to Normal Activities: Many individuals are able to return to work and daily routines within about a week.
- Vocal Care: Although the vocal cords are protected during surgery, patients are often advised to minimize vocal strain during early healing.
- Minimal Scarring: With careful technique, incisions are placed in areas that fade well and become barely noticeable over time.
Complete healing, where swelling resolves and the final results are visible, usually takes several weeks to a few months.
Results You Can Expect
The outcome of an Adam’s Apple Reduction can be subtle but meaningful, producing:
- A smoother neck contour
- Less visible prominence of the Adam’s apple
- A more balanced facial and neckline profile
Many people find that this procedure supports their gender expression, brings their appearance more in line with their personal identity, or simply helps them feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for Adam’s Apple Reduction if you:
- Feel self-conscious about the size or shape of your Adam’s apple
- Wish for a more balanced or feminine neck contour
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the results
During a consultation, Dr. Hassanzadeh will listen to your goals, answer your questions, and design a treatment plan that’s uniquely right for you.
Why Choose Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh?
When it comes to achieving subtle and natural results, the surgeon you choose matters. Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh is a facial plastic surgeon with advanced training in face and neck procedures. She is committed to helping each patient feel seen, supported, and safe throughout their journey—delivering results that align with individual goals and identities.
Schedule Your Tracheal Shave Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you’ve been considering reshaping your neck profile, affirming your gender expression, or simply reducing the visibility of your Adam’s apple, a tracheal shave could be the right option. Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh offers compassionate, personalized consultations to help you understand whether Adam’s Apple Reduction is right for you.
Take the next step toward feeling more confident in yourself. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hassanzadeh today!
Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh
Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, is a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed rigorous training in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Hassanzadeh then completed dual fellowships in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, gaining expertise in rhinoplasty and facial reconstruction. Known for her warm and empathetic approach, she is dedicated to helping patients restore confidence and natural beauty through both surgical and non-surgical treatments, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, lip lifts, and injectables.