Neck
Tracheal Shave (Chondrolaryngoplasty)
A feminine neck is thought of as being smooth and without an Adam’s apple projection. This prominence of the cartilage that shields the vocal cords (the laryngeal cartilage) typically develops in men during puberty. Chondrolaryngoplasty is the medical name for the procedure to reduce the projection of an Adam’s apple. It is commonly referred to as a “tracheal shave.” In our practice, this procedure is performed in conjunction with our fellowship trained voice surgeon, Dr. Rima DeFatta, who hold specialty training in the field of laryngology and routinely performs surgery on the laryngeal cartilages and voice box for all types of voice disorders.
Before Surgery
Dr. Robert DeFatta will discuss with you the changes you would like to see related to your neck. If you are over the age of 40, this is often a good time to also discuss any concerns you may have about your chin, jaw or aging lower face and neck. Targeting the overall facial aesthetic of these areas simultaneously may be advantageous to decrease the number of incisions, limit the number of anesthesia exposures and combine recovery time. Digital photographs and computer imaging allow Dr. DeFatta to evaluate and consult with you regarding the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results.
Method of Surgery
Chondrolaryngoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 30-45 minutes. When combined with other facial feminization procedures, the surgical time will increase. The procedure often involves utilizing the same small incision made under the chin or placed in a natural skin crease in the neck for other lower face feminization procedures. Through this incision, the cartilage that contributes to the Adam’s apple is simultaneously reduced and flattened to give the neck a smoother and more feminine aesthetic.
What to Expect
A patient usually experiences swelling and mild bruising following this surgery, which disappears on its own in a few weeks, depending on which other procedures are performed simultaneously. Sleeping with the head elevated as much as possible will help control swelling. It generally takes about seven days for the incision to heal. At about twi weeks, the patient can usually return to normal activities.
Dr. DeFatta will provide post-operative instructions for you to follow during your recovery. The instructions will explain how you should care for the surgical site and list any medications that should be taken during the recovery period.
Dr. DeFatta will follow your progress throughout the recovery period to make the experience as easy as possible. He performs periodic evaluations to ensure a full and speedy recovery while avoiding post-treatment complications. Dr. DeFatta is always available to respond to your questions during the recovery period.
Neck Lift
Facial feminization neck lift can enhance your facial and neck balance and aesthetic, especially if you are over the age of 40 and after other facial reshaping procedures may have left behind some excess skin that creates unwanted sagging. To help with some of these signs associated not only with aging but also to complete your facial feminization transformation, Dr. DeFatta performs face and/or neck lifts, to enhance your appearance and correct these conditions.
A neck lift can eliminate sagging jowls, loose skin and accumulated fat. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with additional FFS or may also be recommended to be performed at a later stage, depending on the age of the patient or when planning for specific types of FFS.
Before Surgery
Dr. DeFatta will discuss with you the changes you would like to see related to your jowls and neck or will alert you to some changes that may result in the face and neck based on the other facial reshaping procedures you desire. Digital photographs and computer imaging allow Dr. DeFatta to evaluate and consult with you regarding the appropriate procedure to achieve your desired results. His objective is to create a natural appearance that is pleasing to you.
Method of Surgery
These procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made running around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. The loose skin is separated, and excess skin is removed using the technique determined to be most appropriate for your particular needs as determined in your pre-surgical consultation. Sagging muscles and connective tissues are tightened and fat is often removed to give a more angled and youthful angle beneath the jaw in many cases as well. Small sutures are used to close the incisions.
What to Expect
Bandages are applied to the area of surgery and are removed within one to three days. Pain is moderate and controlled with oral medications prescribed by Dr. DeFatta. Your sutures are removed within about a week. In order to minimize scarring, you may be recommended a scar cream to use during healing after the sutures are removed. When present, swelling and discoloration will fade over the following weeks. Tightness in your face will be present for several weeks, and slight changes in your hair pattern may occur around the incision and are often temporary. It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure for several weeks after surgery, so elective timing of the procedure is important. Healing is gradual so you will not notice final results for up to six months after the procedure, and Dr. DeFatta will closely follow up on your progress. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results and most patients who have had face and neck lifts are pleased with their new, more youthful appearance.
