Chondrolaryngoplasty in transgender women: Prospective analysis of voice
and aesthetic satisfaction of 15 patients
Abstract
Key points: Chondrolaryngoplasty or “tracheal shaving” is cosmetic
surgery to reduce the laryngeal prominence in transgender women.
Chondrolaryngoplasty represents a challenge in seeking a balance between
aesthetics and function: a very conservative resection of the thyroid
cartilage may lead to aesthetic dissatisfaction, while excessive
resection may destabilize the anterior commissure tendon, causing
permanent vocal damage. This was the first study to assess fundamental
frequency and GRBAS scale before and after the surgery and there was no
permanent vocal change in any of the patients. The midpoint of the
height of the thyroid cartilage was a simple, easy to perform and safe
parameter to locate and preserve the anterior commissure. Smoothing the
edges and flattening the residual laryngeal prominence with a 4 mm
diamond burr enabled major remodeling without a temerarious resection.
All 15 patients presented a positive variation in the visual analogue
score for aesthetic satisfaction, with a mean improvement of 8.6 ± 1.9
out of 10. Chondrolaryngoplasty led to significant aesthetic
satisfaction in transgender women. The surgery caused no vocal change.