Tracheal shave in Beverly Hills
Chondrolaryngoplasty to reduce the thyroid cartilage. A small incision, a careful reduction, and a plan that protects the voice.
Reducing the cartilage without gambling the folds
A tracheal shave (chondrolaryngoplasty) reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage, the structure people call an Adam's apple. The incision is typically hidden in a natural neck crease. The work itself is about how much cartilage can come down without destabilising the vocal folds or the airway.
That is why we treat it as laryngeal surgery, not a quick add-on. If you are also considering voice feminization or FFS, the order matters. Doing a shave and a glottoplasty without a shared plan is how voices get hurt.
Dr. Toby Mayer and the facial team perform this often as part of a broader feminizing plan, and as a standalone when the neck is the only remaining landmark. Medi-Cal, LA Care, IEHP, and many private plans cover it when it is medically necessary. Pre-authorization is the usual next step.
How it is planned
Standalone chondrolaryngoplasty
For patients whose remaining concern is the neck contour, without a full FFS day.
Combined with FFS
Often the same anesthetic when forehead, nose, and jaw work are already planned, if the laryngeal timing is safe.
Sequenced with voice surgery
When glottoplasty is also indicated, we set dates so the folds and the cartilage are not healing against each other.
Scar placement
A crease incision and a reduction that is conservative enough to protect function. Over-reduction is not a favour.
What to expect.
Exam
We look at cartilage prominence, skin, and any voice history, including prior laryngeal surgery.
Timing against other procedures
FFS, voice surgery, and travel dates are laid on one calendar before anything is booked.
Surgery day
Typically outpatient. You leave with wound care, voice-use guidance, and a follow-up time.
Frequently asked questions
Will a tracheal shave change my voice?
It should not, when the reduction stays off the folds. Over-reduction can. We would rather leave a little prominence than injure the voice.
How visible is the scar?
Usually a short line in a neck crease. Healing varies with skin and how you sleep and sun-protect in the first months.
Can this be done with FFS in one day?
Often yes, when the rest of the facial plan allows it. If voice surgery is also planned, we may stage. Your consult will say which.
Is a tracheal shave covered by insurance?
Frequently, as medically necessary gender-affirming care. Confirm your plan at /insurance and start pre-authorization if required.
Ask about a tracheal shave
Standalone or with FFS. We will protect the voice first.