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Evolve Your Life FFS Areas of the Face - Neck
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Neck Feminization

A smoother neckline—designed with voice safety and natural contours in mind

For many people, the neck can carry a strong gender cue—especially the prominence of the Adam’s apple. If that feature feels out of alignment with how you see yourself, neck feminization can be a meaningful step toward a softer, smoother profile.

Neck

At Evolve Your Life, Dr. Amir Dorafshar approaches neck feminization the same way he approaches facial feminization: with precision, empathy, and a deep respect for function. This is delicate anatomy—closely related to the structures that support your voice—so thoughtful planning and careful technique matter.

What Is Neck Feminization?

In the context of gender-affirming facial care, neck feminization commonly refers to Adam’s apple reduction, also known as chondrolaryngoplasty. The goal is to reduce the visible prominence of the thyroid cartilage and create a smoother neck contour that aligns more closely with feminine aesthetics.

It’s a focused procedure—but for many patients, the impact can feel big: a neckline that looks calmer, softer, and more in sync with your identity.

Who Can Benefit

Neck feminization is most commonly pursued by transgender women, since the Adam’s apple is often perceived as a masculine feature. It may also be an option for anyone who feels their neck contour doesn’t reflect how they want to be seen.

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A Surgeon’s Eye: Anatomy That Matters

This procedure lives at the intersection of aesthetics and function. Dr. Dorafshar’s approach emphasizes not only contour, but protecting the structures involved in voice production.

Key anatomy includes:

  • Thyroid cartilage: the largest cartilage of the voice box (larynx). The Adam’s apple is the forward projection created where the two halves meet in the midline.
  • Hyoid bone: sits above the thyroid cartilage and supports swallowing and laryngeal structure.
  • Cricoid cartilage: below the thyroid cartilage; provides support and is the only cartilage that encircles the trachea.
  • Vocal cords: bands of tissue just behind the thyroid cartilage that vibrate to produce sound.

Neck Contours

While anatomy varies widely and doesn’t define gender, there are common patterns that explain why the Adam’s apple can be more visible in some people:

  • Male-pattern anatomy: the thyroid cartilage often joins at a more acute angle (about 90°) and may be thicker or more ossified, creating a stronger projection.
  • Female-pattern anatomy: the cartilage angle is often more obtuse (about 120°), creating a smoother contour with less projection.

Your consultation is where Dr. Dorafshar connects these anatomical details to your goals—so the plan is realistic, safe, and aligned.

Procedure Details

Timing, Anesthesia & Length

Neck feminization may be performed as a stand-alone procedure or combined with other facial feminization procedures.

  • Typical length: about 1–1.5 hours
  • Anesthesia: often performed under local anesthesia or slight sedation
  • Discharge: many patients go home the same day when it’s performed alone; an overnight stay may be recommended when combined with other procedures

Approach 1: Transcervical Approach

This is the classic approach using a small incision on the neck.

 

Incision location

A small 2–3 cm transverse incision is placed in a natural crease under the chin (typically marked before surgery to optimize concealment).

 

How it’s performed

  • The skin and underlying tissue are carefully dissected while maintaining the midline
  • The thyroid cartilage is exposed
  • The prominent portion is precisely shaved down
  • The tissue and skin are closed with absorbable sutures

Why some patients prefer this approach

  • Provides direct, wide exposure for precise contouring
  • Designed to reduce risk to the vocal cords by enabling controlled visibility and access

Considerations

  • Even though the incision is placed in a crease, some patients can develop a more visible scar due to hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation

Approach 2: Transoral “Scarless” Approach

This approach avoids an external neck scar by working through the mouth.

 

Incision location

Inside the mouth, between the gum and the lower lip.

 

How it’s performed

  • A tunnel is created downward into the neck
  • An endoscope and specialized retractors are used to continue the dissection
  • The thyroid cartilage is exposed and contoured (shaved) to the desired shape
  • Instruments are removed and the oral incision is closed with absorbable sutures

Why some patients prefer this approach

  • No visible incision on the neck

Considerations

  • Technically more challenging, with limited working space and no direct visualization
  • Limited visibility can increase the risk of contour irregularities
  • May increase risk of vocal cord injury if visualization is poor
  • Requires specialized instruments

Risks & Possible Complications

It’s important to go into surgery with clarity—not fear. Dr. Dorafshar will walk you through what’s most relevant for your anatomy and health history.

Short-term experiences that can be normal

  • Mild pain, swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first week (often improving over the next few weeks)
  • Temporary voice changes such as hoarseness due to swelling (typically improves as swelling resolves)

Possible complications

  • Wound infection
  • Hematoma
  • Hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation
  • Contour irregularities
  • Cartilage regrowth that may require revision surgery
  • Rare but possible: permanent vocal cord damage
  • Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result

Recovery & Aftercare

Your recovery plan is individualized, but these are common guidelines:

  • You may be discharged the same day or stay one night, depending on whether the procedure is combined with other surgeries
  • Expect pain, swelling, and discomfort for the first few days; medications are typically prescribed to help
  • Ice-cold soaks may help reduce swelling
  • Avoid strenuous activity that strains the neck for the first few weeks
  • You may be asked to avoid smoking and/or follow specific dietary guidance while your incision heals

Questions to Ask at Your Consultation

If you like to feel prepared, these questions can help guide a thoughtful conversation:

  • Which approach is best for my anatomy and goals—transcervical or transoral?
  • How do you prioritize voice safety during this procedure?
  • Where would my incision be placed, and what is my risk for visible scarring?
  • What level of contour change is realistically achievable for me?
  • What does recovery look like if this is combined with other procedures?
  • What risks are most relevant in my case?

Ready to begin?

A smoother neckline can be a powerful form of alignment. Dr. Dorafshar will help you understand your options with honesty and care—so you can choose the approach that fits your goals, your anatomy, and your comfort level.

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About Dr. Dorafshar

Dr. Amir Dorafshar is a board-certified plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon, renowned worldwide for his pioneering work in aesthetic surgery, craniofacial and microsurgical reconstruction, facial gender-affirming surgeries, and computer-assisted surgical techniques.

With over three decades of professional experience, Dr. Dorafshar’s commitment to medical innovation and his passion for advancing surgical practices have established him as a leading expert, respected author, and authoritative figure in the field.

MORE ABOUT DR. DORAFSHAR

From Our Patients

At Evolve Your Life, we’re committed to delivering a world-class experience through attentive, responsive, and compassionate care. How are we doing?

See what some of our patients have to say:

Kiersten Obermayer

Dr. Dorafshar is absolutely amazing. He truly cares about the results as well as the patient. He checked up on me multiple times through my recovery and my results are amazing already after 10 days! Can’t wait to see them when I’m fully healed!

Khyla Tatak

Talk about a great experience overall. Dr. Dorafshar made me feel at ease, answered all of my questions and set realistic expectations on recovery. Constantly checked in to make sure I was doing ok during the first week post surgery. His team set the bar high. I’m so incredibly happy with my results.

“Anyone seeking out a great surgeon who will work with your needs and help you feel like the best version of yourself, I highly recommend Dr. Amir Dorafshar.”

—Iliana Diana

See yourself. Be yourself.

At Evolve Your Life, we know how important it is to look in the mirror every day and see a reflection that feels like your own.

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