LARYNGOLOGY AND VOICE FEMINIZATION SURGERY
Laryngology is a branch in medicine that focuses on issues of the larynx, also called the voice box. The voice box is situated in front of the neck. It consists of the vocal cords and is responsible for producing sound and aids in swallowing. The voice box is also the entrance to the windpipe (trachea) and plays a critical role in the airways.
Voice feminizing surgery is a surgical procedure that involves helping transgender patients adapt to their voices, resulting in communication patterns that match their gender identity. A female's voice has a higher pitch compared to a male's voice. Therefore, voice pitch determines whether the voice is perceived to be masculine or feminine. Voice feminizing surgery changes vocal characteristics like pitch, intonation and nonverbal communication patterns like gestures and facial expressions.
Procedure
Voice feminizing surgery is achieved by changing the pitch of the vocal cords. There are different types of voice feminizing surgeries aimed at either shortening the vocal cords or increasing the tension of the vocal cords. These surgeries are:
- Glottoplasty:
This is a procedure done to increase the vocal cords pitch by tightening, shortening or thinning the vocal folds in the larynx. This leads to an increased vibration frequency of the vocal folds. Glottoplasty is done under general anaesthesia. Dr Vanlierde will insert a laryngoscope, a metal tube, inside the mouth to lift the tongue in order to visualize the vocal cords.
The ENT surgeon will then use a microscope to help guide him throughout the procedure. - Cricothyroid approximation (CTA):
This is a procedure done to increase the tension of the vocal cords in order to increase the pitch. The ENT surgeon will use a laryngoscope and microscope to view the voice box and make permanent tightening sutures between the 2 enclosing cartilages of the voice box. This procedure is done under general anaesthesia. - Laryngeal shave, also called the Adam's Apple reduction:
This is a procedure done to contour the neck to be more feminine. During this procedure, the ENT surgeon will make a small incision under the chin or jaw. He will insert a small camera through the incision to help locate the vocal cords and guide him throughout the procedure. He will then shave off the Adam's Apple from the voice box. After the procedure, the incision will be sutured close.
It is important to understand that voice feminizing surgery isn't suitable for all transgender patients. Therefore, a consultation with an ENT surgeon is essential to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for it.