Adam's apple reduction.
A refined, precise approach to thyroid chondroplasty — creating a smooth, feminine neck contour with minimal scarring and rapid recovery.
- 15+Years of experience
- 1,200+Procedures performed
- 10Provinces & territories served
A subtle yet powerful step in facial feminization
Tracheal shave reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage to create a smoother, more feminine neck contour.
For many transfeminine patients, a visible Adam's apple is a significant source of dysphoria. The tracheal shave carefully sculpts the thyroid cartilage to reduce its forward projection, creating a neck profile that aligns with your gender identity.
The procedure is performed through a small, strategically placed incision that heals discreetly. Every plan is personalized to your anatomy and goals, following internationally recognized, WPATH-aligned standards to ensure safe, natural-looking outcomes.
What a tracheal shave can mean for you
More than a subtle refinement — a meaningful step toward comfort, confidence, and self-recognition.
Feminine neck contour
A smoother, more elegant neck profile that aligns your outward appearance with your gender identity.
Minimal scarring
The incision is discreetly placed to ensure scars are well-hidden and fade significantly over time.
Improved confidence
Patients consistently report feeling more at ease in social and intimate settings after the procedure.
Voice preservation
The procedure carefully spares the vocal cords and surrounding structures, ensuring your voice remains unchanged.
Quick recovery
Most patients resume normal activities within one to two weeks, making it one of the fastest-healing FFS procedures.
Outpatient procedure
Performed as a same-day surgery, allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home.
Approaches to thyroid chondroplasty
Your surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to your cartilage prominence, anatomy, and overall FFS plan.
Open Approach
- Indications
- Patients needing significant cartilage reduction or combined with other neck procedures.
- Advantages
- Direct visualization of the cartilage allows for precise, controlled sculpting.
- Ideal candidates
- Patients seeking maximum precision and those combining with other FFS procedures.
Endoscopic Approach
- Indications
- Patients preferring the smallest possible incision with less soft-tissue disruption.
- Advantages
- A smaller incision and reduced soft-tissue trauma lead to even faster healing.
- Ideal candidates
- Patients with smaller thyroid prominences seeking minimal intervention.
Combined FFS Approach
- Indications
- Patients undergoing multiple facial feminization procedures simultaneously.
- Advantages
- Single anesthesia session and consolidated recovery across multiple enhancements.
- Ideal candidates
- Patients planning comprehensive FFS who wish to combine the tracheal shave with other procedures.
Conservative Sculpting
- Indications
- Patients with subtle thyroid prominence seeking a natural, understated result.
- Advantages
- Preserves structural integrity while gently reducing the visible prominence.
- Ideal candidates
- Patients who want a softer profile without dramatic changes to neck anatomy.
Comparing the approaches
A quick reference to help you understand the trade-offs between incision type, candidacy, and anesthesia.
| Technique | Scar placement | Best candidate | Anesthesia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Approach | Small submental | Moderate–large prominence | General or local |
| Endoscopic | Minimal | Small–moderate prominence | General or local |
| Combined FFS | Integrated with FFS plan | Full FFS patients | General |
| Conservative | Minimal | Subtle prominence | Local |
What to expect at a glance
Your healing roadmap
A clear, week-by-week picture of what recovery looks like — so you always know what comes next.
- 1Days 1–3
Rest and ice
Apply cold compresses and keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. A light compression dressing may be worn. Stick to soft foods and avoid talking excessively.
- 2Week 1
Suture removal & early healing
Sutures are typically removed around day 5–7. Swelling begins to subside and you can gradually return to light daily activities and desk work.
- 3Week 2
Return to normal activity
Most patients resume normal routines, including light exercise and social activities. The neck contour becomes increasingly visible as swelling resolves.
- 4Months 1–3
Final contour settlement
Any residual swelling disappears and the final smooth neck contour becomes apparent. Scars continue to fade and flatten with proper care.
What your results will look like
Understanding scars, sensation, and long-term outcomes helps you set clear, realistic expectations.
Expected scars
A small, discreet incision placed under the chin or in a natural neck crease, designed to become virtually invisible over time.
Scar evolution
Scars start as fine lines and progressively fade over 6–12 months with silicone gel and sun protection.
Sensation
Neck sensation is typically preserved. Temporary numbness near the incision usually resolves within a few weeks.
Neck contour
The thyroid cartilage is carefully sculpted to create a smooth, feminine neck profile without visible protrusion.
Long-term results
Once healed, results are permanent — the reduced cartilage does not regrow, providing a lasting feminine neck contour.
Emotional impact
Many patients describe a profound sense of relief and increased confidence in their daily interactions and self-expression.
Surgical Excellence, with Care That Listens.
Every patient deserves compassionate, individualized care throughout their gender-affirming journey. Our team combines advanced surgical expertise with a deeply patient-centered approach to deliver safe, natural, and affirming outcomes tailored to your goals.
“Trusted by patients across Canada seeking compassionate, expert gender-affirming care.”
Fellowship-Trained Surgeons
Our procedures are performed by highly specialized surgeons with advanced training in gender-affirming and reconstructive surgery.
Advanced Microsurgical Care
We utilize modern surgical techniques and precision-focused care to support optimal healing, functionality, and long-term results.
WPATH-Aligned Protocols
Our approach follows internationally recognized standards of care to ensure ethical, safe, and evidence-based treatment.
Patient-Led Decision Making
Every treatment plan is built collaboratively, respecting your identity, goals, comfort level, and personal transition journey.
Aesthetic-Focused Outcomes
We prioritize natural-looking, harmonious results designed to align with each patient's vision and anatomy.
Multidisciplinary Support
From consultation to recovery, our team provides coordinated medical, surgical, and emotional support at every stage.
Meet Dr. Alexis Laungani
A vision of self-affirmation for all
Dr. Alexis Laungani is a plastic surgeon who offers meticulously crafted reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, artfully blending medical practice with personal well-being. With over 20 years of training across Belgium, the United States, and Canada, he harnesses globally recognized techniques to minimize downtime and scarring while achieving naturally beautiful results.
- Over 20 years of training across three continents
- Transparency at the cornerstone of care
- Holistic pre- and post-operative care
- Naturally beautiful, patient-centered results
From First Conversation to Long-Term Follow-Up.
We guide every patient through a personalized and supportive experience designed to prioritize comfort, clarity, safety, and confidence at every stage of the surgical journey.
“Every transition journey deserves thoughtful guidance, clarity, and compassionate support.”
- 1Step 1
Initial Consultation
Meet with our surgical team to discuss your goals, medical history, expectations, and personalized treatment options in a safe and affirming environment.
- 2Step 2
Surgical Planning
Your procedure plan is carefully tailored to your anatomy, transition goals, recovery needs, and desired aesthetic outcomes.
- 3Step 3
Surgery & Inpatient Care
Our team provides expert surgical care with attentive postoperative monitoring, ensuring comfort, safety, and individualized support during recovery.
- 4Step 4
Recovery & Follow-Up
We remain closely involved throughout healing with follow-up appointments, recovery guidance, and long-term support focused on optimal results and well-being.
Patients travel from across Canada
We welcome patients nationwide for gender-affirming care, with coordinated travel and follow-up support.
Trusted by patients across every province and territory in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
More facial feminization options
Forehead Contouring
Reshaping of the forehead and brow to create a softer, more feminine upper-face contour.
Brow Bone Reduction
Reduction of the brow bone to soften the upper face and open the eye area.
Rhinoplasty
Refined nasal reshaping designed to enhance facial balance and feminine aesthetics.
Plan your tracheal shave.
Begin with a private, confidential consultation. Our team will guide you through every step with clarity and care.
Confidential consultations available across Canada.
Dedicated patient coordinators available for Canadian and international patients.
Serving patients across Canada
- WPATH-aligned care
- Fellowship-trained surgeons
- Patients across Canada
