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Everyone possesses an Adam’s apple, so a woman can indeed have one. The Adam’s apple is a feature of human anatomy that appears in all genders. However, it tends to be more prominent in those with higher levels of testosterone, typically cisgender males.
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The Adam’s apple is formed by the thyroid cartilage, which creates a small protrusion in the throat that safeguards the vocal cords. During puberty, testosterone influences the growth of this cartilage, causing it to enlarge and become more noticeable. This process leads to a larger notch that protrudes outward, which is why the Adam’s apple is often more visible in males. However, since everyone has thyroid cartilage, anyone can have a noticeable Adam’s apple regardless of their gender.
In females, the Adam’s apple usually remains less conspicuous due to lower testosterone levels. Yet, it’s not uncommon for some women to have a more visible Adam’s apple. This can be attributed to individual hormonal balances or genetic factors that affect cartilage size. The prominence of the Adam’s apple is largely determined during fetal development in the womb and continues to be influenced by hormone levels throughout puberty.
At Centre for Surgery, we frequently receive enquiries from individuals across the UK and beyond regarding their Adam’s apple. Some people are interested in reducing its size to achieve a more streamlined neck appearance, while others wish to enhance its prominence for personal or aesthetic reasons. We offer the tracheal shave procedure tailored to these needs, helping individuals attain their desired look.
Understanding that the Adam’s apple varies in size and visibility among different people can provide reassurance and promote body confidence. It’s a normal aspect of human anatomy that is important in protecting the vocal cords. Whether someone chooses to modify its appearance or simply seeks to understand it better, it’s important to acknowledge that having an Adam’s apple is entirely natural for everyone.
Why Do Women Have Adam’s Apples?
It’s a common misconception that only men have Adam’s apples, but in truth, everyone possesses this anatomical feature. The Adam’s apple is formed by the thyroid cartilage that surrounds the larynx, or voice box, in the throat. While it is typically more prominent in men due to higher testosterone levels, women also have an Adam’s apple, though it usually appears less noticeable.
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The prominence of the Adam’s apple is largely influenced by the hormone testosterone. During puberty, testosterone stimulates the growth of the larynx and the surrounding cartilage, causing the Adam’s apple to become more pronounced. Although women generally have lower levels of testosterone compared to men, the hormone is still present in varying amounts in all individuals. This means that some women may have higher testosterone levels naturally, leading to a more noticeable Adam’s apple.
In both cisgender and transgender women, elevated testosterone levels can cause the thyroid cartilage to enlarge, making the Adam’s apple more prominent. For transgender women who have undergone male puberty before transitioning, the effects of testosterone may have already deepened the voice and increased the size of the Adam’s apple. Cisgender women with higher testosterone levels, whether due to genetics or medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), might also exhibit this trait.
It’s important to recognise that hormonal balances differ from person to person, directly affecting physical characteristics such as the size of the Adam’s apple. Everyone produces testosterone, and these natural variations contribute to the diversity of human anatomy. A prominent Adam’s apple in women is perfectly normal and simply reflects these individual differences.
What Is a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the prominence of the Adam’s apple in the neck. Despite its name, the operation doesn’t actually involve shaving the trachea itself. Instead, it focuses on the thyroid cartilage—the structure that forms the visible bump known as the Adam’s apple. The more precise medical term for this procedure is chondrolaryngoplasty, although it’s quite a mouthful and not commonly used outside medical circles.
During the surgery, the surgeon carefully reduces the size of the thyroid cartilage by shaving down the excess cartilage at the top of the notch. This helps to create a smoother contour in the neck area, making the Adam’s apple less noticeable. There are several techniques to achieve this, but the primary goal is to minimise the protrusion of the cartilage that is visible when the neck is at rest, during talking, or while swallowing.
Before proceeding with the reduction, the surgeon may use a specialised endoscope to visualise the vocal cords. This step is crucial to ensure that the vocal cords are completely safe during the operation. Since the vocal cords are located just behind the thyroid cartilage, it’s essential to protect them while reducing the cartilage above. Using an endoscope allows the surgeon to accurately assess the anatomy and avoid any damage to these vital structures.
A tracheal shave can significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of the neck for individuals with a slender neck and prominent thyroid cartilage. However, it’s imperative to choose a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon who has extensive knowledge of the intricate neck anatomy and substantial experience performing tracheal shaves. The thyroid cartilage plays a vital role in safeguarding the vocal cords, and any mishandling during surgery could adversely affect one’s speaking voice or ability to breathe properly.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Tracheal Shave Surgery?
At the Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on providing world-class expertise, a compassionate approach, and state-of-the-art facilities for tracheal shave surgery. Our highly experienced surgeons, specialising in facial and neck surgeries, ensure that each patient receives personalised care. They use the most advanced techniques to achieve a smooth and natural neck profile while safeguarding vocal health.
Our Baker Street clinic offers a discreet, comfortable setting for all consultations and procedures. We understand that every patient’s journey is unique, which is why our approach is tailored to meet each individual’s aesthetic goals and functional needs.
Here’s what our patients have to say about their experience with us:
- “The staff at Centre for Surgery made me feel completely at ease from day one. The surgery was seamless, and the results were exactly what I hoped for.” — Claire S.
- “I was nervous about undergoing a tracheal shave, but the team was incredibly supportive and professional. My surgeon explained everything in detail, and the outcome has given me so much confidence.” — Martin T.
- “Choosing Centre for Surgery was the best decision I made. The entire experience, from the initial consultation to aftercare, was top-notch.” — Sarah W.
Consultation Bookings and Finance Options
To book a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons, please contact us at 0207 993 4849. Please see our Team Members page for more information on our medical team. We also offer flexible finance options, allowing you to spread the cost of your procedure in a way that suits you best.
For further reading, explore our Plastic Surgery Blog or check our Clinic FAQs for answers to common questions. We invite you to experience the Centre for Surgery difference, where expertise and patient care come together at the highest standard.
