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The Skinny
Average Recovery
2 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$3500 - $6000
The Specifics
What is an Adam’s apple enhancement?
An Adam’s apple enhancement surgery (a.k.a. thyroid cartilage enhancement) increases the protuberance, contouring, and size of the Adam’s apple. This procedure is a common facial masculinization surgery (FMS) for female to male (FTM) transgender individuals. Most candidates feel hormone therapy (testosterone) alone does not typically create the desired augmentation of the Adam’s apple.New approaches to this surgery allow plastic surgeons to utilize a patient’s own rib cartilage to create the implant that is then placed over the thyroid cartilage. This technique eliminates the possibility of rejection, and allows transgender patients to achieve their ideal neck and facial features.
What cosmetic concerns does an Adam’s apple enhancement procedure treat?
1. Adam’s Apple Prominence: The thyroid cartilage is responsible for the noticeable appearance of the Adam’s apple in men. For FTM candidates seeking facial masculinization, augmenting this cartilage creates the visible protuberance seen in males.Who is the ideal candidate for an Adam’s apple enhancement procedure?
The ideal candidate for an Adam’s apple enhancement is a female to male (FTM) transgender individual seeking to create their ideal aesthetic through a gender confirmation facial masculinization procedure. An Adam’s apple enhancement is not recommended for those with certain chronic medical conditions, pre-existing head and neck pathologies, or uncontrolled active illness.What is the average recovery associated with an Adam’s apple enhancement procedure?
Most patients experience about two weeks of recovery time following an Adam’s apple enhancement. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness typically resolves within this timeframe. There may be some impacts on speech and swallowing for a few weeks following the procedure and the duration of this varies by individual.What are the potential side effects of an Adam’s apple enhancement procedure?
Possible side effects following an Adam’s apple enhancement include bruising, swelling, tenderness, bleeding, sore throat, voice changes if the vocal cords (voice box) or larynx are affected, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty with speech (dysarthria), and altered sensation.What can someone expect from the results of an Adam’s apple enhancement procedure?
The results of an Adam’s apple enhancement are permanent increases in the protuberance and appearance of the Adam’s apple. This procedure is designed to assist FTM transgender individuals in their gender confirmation transition.What is the average cost of an Adam’s apple enhancement procedure?
An Adam’s apple enhancement is a permanent surgical procedure that can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, surgeon, and length and involvement of the surgery.Pros
- No Possibility Of Rejection
Cons
- Invasiveness
Invasiveness Score
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
An Adam’s apple enhancement increases the prominence of the Adam’s apple. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after an Adam’s apple enhancement:
Before Surgery
- Prophylactic antibiotics or antivirals may be prescribed
- Stop taking blood thinning medications two weeks prior to surgery. Blood thinners may include, Advil, - Tylenol, Aspirin, and prescription anticoagulants
- Stop smoking four weeks prior to the procedure and continue cessation for four weeks post op
- No alcohol two days prior to the procedure
- Do not eat or drink six hours before
During Surgery
- General anesthesia
- Small incision over the thyroid cartilage on the front of the neck
- Cartilage is harvested from the rib and placed over the existing thyroid cartilage
- Sutures to close
Immediately After Surgery
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
1 - 14 Days After Treatment & Beyond
- Resume most activities after a few days
- Swelling typically resolves within two weeks
- Avoid strenuous activity for one to two weeks
- Progress from soft to regular diet as tolerated
- Limit excessive facial movement
Result Notes
- Results are immediate and permanent
- Proper aftercare will create less scarring
- The noticeability of scarring will vary by the approach
The Takeaway
An Adam's apple enhancement, or thyroid cartilage enhancement, is a common surgical procedure for transgender men as part of a facial masculinization surgery (FMS). This procedure is designed to create a more masculine appearance by augmenting the thyroid cartilage and increasing the prominence of the Adam's apple.
