Gender-Affirming Surgery

Tracheal Shave

Reduction of the thyroid cartilage to soften the prominence of the Adam's apple for a smoother neck line.

What it is

A tracheal shave, also called chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage, known as the Adam's apple, to create a smoother, softer neck contour. It is a focused procedure carried out through a small, discreetly placed incision.

Cartilage is reduced carefully and conservatively. The area near where the vocal cords attach is protected to safeguard the voice, so the reduction is planned to soften the prominence rather than remove cartilage aggressively.

What it can improve

  • Prominence of the Adam's apple
  • Smoothness of the front neck contour
  • Profile of the neck in photographs and daily life
  • Confidence in how the neck looks

It cannot change the voice and is not a voice procedure. It cannot remove all cartilage, since a conservative reduction protects the vocal cords.

Quick facts

  • Procedure time: About 1 hour
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia or sedation
  • Clinic stay: Same-day
  • Recovery: Around 1 week before social activity
  • Exercise: Strenuous activity from about 2–4 weeks
  • Final result: Settles over 2–3 months as swelling resolves

Before the procedure

You will receive individualized instructions covering medication, supplements, smoking, alcohol, and fasting. The degree of reduction and incision placement are planned together, and realistic outcomes are explained.

During the procedure

Through a small incision, usually placed in a natural neck crease, the prominent part of the thyroid cartilage is reduced. The reduction is conservative and the region near the vocal cord attachment is preserved to protect the voice.

After the procedure

Mild swelling and bruising are normal and settle within weeks. Talking is usually comfortable soon after, though strain is avoided early. The neck contour continues to settle over a few months.

Results: what it can and cannot achieve

A smoother, softer front neck contour is achievable. The procedure cannot change the voice and conservative technique means a balance is struck between reduction and protecting the vocal cords. Your surgeon explains the realistic degree of change.

Possible risks and complications

A tracheal shave is generally safe in experienced hands, but all surgery carries risks. Possible risks include:

  • Bruising, swelling, or temporary discomfort when swallowing
  • Temporary voice changes, which usually settle
  • Rare lasting voice change if cartilage near the vocal cords is affected
  • Visible scar, though placed in a natural crease
  • Asymmetry or residual prominence
  • Bleeding or infection

Smoking and impaired circulation raise the risk of healing problems and wound complications, so honest assessment and smoking cessation are essential.

Why Skulpturkliniken

Gender-affirming surgery by Dr. Matteo Amoroso

Gender-affirming surgery at Skulpturkliniken is performed by Dr. Matteo Amoroso, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon experienced in both masculinizing and feminizing procedures (MTF and FTM).

Individually tailored, respectful results

Dr. Amoroso plans every procedure around your anatomy and goals, with respect for the fact that gender-affirming care is deeply personal. The aim is a result that feels like you.

Reconstructive precision meets aesthetic judgment

From the first consultation, Dr. Amoroso helps you understand what is realistic, and how the procedure fits into your broader care, with particular care for vocal cord function.

Individualized assessment

Every procedure begins with a thorough, respectful assessment. We evaluate:

  • The size and shape of the thyroid cartilage
  • Whether the procedure best suits alone or combined with other surgery
  • General health and healing factors
  • Your broader gender-affirming care plan
  • Your goals and realistic expectations

Safety, precision, and long-term care

Safety is central to every step of the surgical journey. Your treatment includes:

  1. ✓ Specialist consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso
  2. ✓ Detailed assessment and individualized surgical planning
  3. ✓ Careful evaluation of whether surgery is the right option
  4. ✓ Preoperative preparation guidance
  5. ✓ Surgery in a safe and controlled surgical environment
  6. ✓ Scheduled postoperative follow-up visits
  7. ✓ Direct access to the surgeon and nursing team
  8. ✓ Digital medical records through Adoreal®
  9. ✓ Patient insurance through Folksam
  10. ✓ Long-term postoperative support

Trust The Adoreal Experience

The Adoreal platform gives you complete control of your aesthetic journey. You will be guided throughout your entire process, from consultation to recovery, ensuring an exceptional experience for each of our patients.

The Adoreal app on a phone showing your care journey

You are in Control

Complete access to your information, health records and previous journeys.

The Adoreal app – feature view

Unmatched Predictability

Manage your expectations with our questionnare Silhouette, and visualise your ideal outcomes with 3D simulation.

Trusted step-by-step guide

From bookings to payments, logistics and after care, Adoreal will be your companion.

The Adoreal app – feature view

Enhanced Safety Measures

Complimentary health check, conscious monitoring, and meticulous preparation.

In their words

Patients trust Skulpturkliniken for care.

Our patient trust is our greater achievement.

Jun 17, 2026

The best surgeon

I had a circumferential abdominoplasty with Matteo Amoroso, and I can honestly say I couldn't have wished for a better surgeon. From the moment I met Matteo, I felt the sense of security I was looking for. He was kind, attentive, and professional from the very beginning. He took the time to explain everything in detail and answered all my questions, which made me feel well-informed before the surgery. I never had to go home and wonder about anything because he was so thorough in his explanations. It's now been three weeks since my surgery, and even though the healing process is still ongoing, I'm already incredibly happy with the result. The change is greater than I had dared to hope for, and I feel so grateful that I chose Matteo. I have more surgeries I want to undergo in the future, and there's no doubt that Matteo will be my first choice then too. I warmly recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery!

May 18, 2026

A pro

I've had two surgeries with Matteo. The first was liposuction on my stomach, and most recently, my eyes – specifically, my lower eyelids and eyebrows. Matteo suggested a unique technique for my eyebrows that no other surgeon had proposed. This allowed me to remove excess skin under my eyebrows without needing an eyebrow or forehead lift, which I wasn't interested in. I'm extremely happy with the results of both my procedures. Matteo is a true professional; he loves his work, and you're always met with kindness and genuine care. He's an excellent communicator, explaining everything clearly and answering all questions and concerns. You feel completely confident in his knowledge and experience. Matteo also has a wonderful ability to make you feel understood; he listens carefully and is just as dedicated and invested as you are in achieving a successful procedure and outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Matteo. I've had surgery 6 times in total, with the last two being with him. Whatever my next procedure may be, I will undoubtedly choose Matteo first again.

May 10, 2026

The best surgeon

Matteo is an incredibly skilled surgeon whom I highly recommend. I underwent a major tummy tuck, and from the very first consultation, Matteo was professional, calm, and very accessible. He took the time to answer all my questions and made me feel secure, involved, and well-informed throughout the entire process. He thoroughly explained the procedure, recovery, and what results I could expect, which gave me great confidence going into the surgery. Everything went very well without any complications, and I am very happy with the result. I would undoubtedly choose Matteo again if I were to have more procedures in the future.

Apr 6, 2026

The best choice for a plastic surgeon!

Dr. Amoroso has performed several operations on me, including a neck and facelift with fat grafting, a lip lift, eyelid surgery, breast and tummy tucks, and liposuction on my knees. All operations have been successful and exceeded my expectations. I have worked with doctors for 50 years and am very impressed by Dr. Amoroso's artistry and skill. He is truly an asset to this profession and to patients who desire excellent results and the peace of mind that comes from being cared for in a responsible and professional manner.

Mar 13, 2026

Successful 360 lipo

Matteo is the best surgeon I could ever imagine. I am beyond satisfied. Both the care I received and the results of the 360 liposuction Matteo performed on me have been absolutely fantastic. It couldn't have been better! Everything has exceeded my expectations. Matteo is professional, skilled, competent, caring, reassuring, and experienced. Thank you, Matteo!

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