Laryngoplasty or Adam's apple reduction surgery

The aim of this procedure is to reduce the visibility of the thyroid cartilage at the top of the neck. The extent of the reduction is limited, however, by the level of the vocal cords, which must not be affected by this procedure (it is a purely aesthetic procedure that in no way alters the voice). A pre-operative CT scan is used to study the level of the vocal cords.

It can easily be combined with other procedures, such as fronto-orbital plasty or rhinoplasty, to limit the number of operations required.

Surgical technique :

- under general anaesthetic, as swallowing makes the larynx mobile and local anaesthetic is too uncomfortable

- the skin incision is located as high and offset as possible in the cervical-chin angle, making it barely visible

- the upper part of the cartilage is reduced to a variable extent 

Operative sequences :

- a 24-hour hospital stay is required

- an overjet thread is removed after one week, no post-operative pain

- massage of the scar for one month and use of a silicone dressing are recommended

Operating risks :

- hematoma and local superinfection

- adhesion of the scar to the larynx visible during swallowing

Laryngoplasty results:

preoperative aspect

post-operative aspect, note that the high position of the scar makes it completely invisible from the front unless the head is raised

preoperative aspect

post-operative appearance

preoperative aspect

post-operative appearance