Tracheal Shave Cost: What to Expect in 2025

A tracheal shave smooths out the Adam’s apple to create a more feminine neck. With a 98% satisfaction rate, this procedure is a surefire way to help trans and cis women alike feel more at home in their bodies.

In this article, we’ll break down the costs, explain how to estimate your expenses, and answer common questions about recovery, risks, and benefits.

Table of Contents

1. How Much Does a Tracheal Shave Cost?
2. Factors That Influence Tracheal Shave Cost
3. What is Covered by Tracheal Shave Cost?
4. Is Tracheal Shave Covered by Insurance?
5. Is Adam’s Apple Reduction Worth the Cost?
6. How to Choose the Right Surgeon for a Tracheal Shave
7. FAQ

How Much Does a Tracheal Shave Cost?

The cost of a tracheal shave (or Adam’s apple reduction) depends on where you have the procedure. 

📍  In the U.S., prices typically range between $4,000 and $10,000, but be prepared to pay an additional $500 to $1,500 for general anesthesia. 

📍  In the UK, the cost is slightly lower, ranging from $3,500 to $9,000, but it doesn’t include additional expenses as well.

📍  In contrast, countries like Thailand, Turkey, Korea, and Mexico offer savings of 50%-70%, with costs starting as low as $800 in Thailand. What’s more, clinics in these countries often cater to international patients by bundling additional services into the price.

Country	Average Tracheal Shave Cost (USD)
United States	$4,000–$10,000
UK	$3,500–$9,000
Thailand	$800–$2,500
Korea	$3,000–$7,000
Turkey	$2,000–$6,500
Mexico	$2,300–$3,500

💲Find out the cost of other facial feminization procedures.

Factors That Influence Tracheal Shave Cost

1️⃣ Surgeon’s experience

Highly skilled surgeons with a strong track record charge more, but their expertise in tracheal shave surgery can make a big difference in results and safety.

2️⃣ Surgical complexity

Larger or more prominent thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple) may require a more intricate surgical technique. Complex cases may increase the cost.

3️⃣ Clinic location

Prices in countries like the US and UK tend to be higher due to living and overhead costs. The same procedure can cost 70–90% less in countries like Thailand or Turkey.

4️⃣ Included services
In the US and UK, the base price usually excludes extras like anesthesia, follow-ups, or post-op care, which can add $1,000-$2,000 to your total. By contrast, medical tourism hotspots like Turkey and Mexico often include these in package deals.

5️⃣ Additional procedures
If you combine a tracheal shave with other facial feminization procedures, you may get a package deal, but the overall price will still be higher.

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What is Covered by Tracheal Shave Cost?

In the US and UK, the price tag for a tracheal shave typically only covers the procedure itself. It excludes anesthesia, pre-procedure consultations, post-operative care, and medications.

If you opt for a package deal in countries like Turkey, Thailand, or Mexico, the inclusions can be much broader. Such packages often include:

• initial consultation;
• preoperative tests;
• surgeon and facility fees;
• anesthesia fees;
• postoperative care (including follow-up visits to remove stitches and monitor healing);
• medications;
• compression garments to reduce swelling.

Out-of-pocket costs

• Travel costs. If you are undergoing tracheal shave surgery abroad, flight costs and other travel expenses are usually separate.
• Cosmetic touch-ups. Any additional refinement surgeries after the main procedure are not included in the initial cost.
• Non-essential add-ons. Additional services like facial rejuvenation, sightseeing, or companion accommodations might incur extra charges.

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Is Tracheal Shave Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, tracheal shave surgery is not covered by insurance because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if you can provide proof that the surgery is medically necessary to treat gender dysphoria, some insurance providers may offer coverage. This often requires documentation, such as regular visits with a mental health professional or a referral from them.

Unfortunately, coverage remains limited. Studies show that only around 25% of insurance policies provide for facial feminization, including tracheal shaves.

Is Adam’s Apple Reduction Worth the Cost?

Whether Adam’s apple reduction is worth the cost depends on your aesthetic goals, needs, and budget. These potential benefits might help you decide:

✅ Gender affirmation. For transgender women and nonbinary individuals, removing the Adam’s apple can help bring their physical appearance closer to how they see themselves and reduce gender dysphoria.

✅ Enhanced confidence. A less prominent Adam’s apple makes the neckline appear smoother and more feminine, helping patients feel good when they see themselves in pictures or a reflection.

✅ Easier social interactions. If your Adam’s apple draws unwanted attention, reducing it can help you move through conversations and public spaces without feeling scrutinized.

✅ Minimally invasive. This is usually an outpatient procedure that requires a small incision. It has a relatively short recovery time, with most patients ready to return to work 7 days after the surgery.

✅ Discreet results. When done by an experienced surgeon, scarring is minimal and hidden in natural creases.

Success rates

The tracheal shave procedure has a proven track record of high satisfaction:

• 87% to 98.4% of patients report being happy with their results.
• 55.5% say the appearance of their neck or Adam’s apple is the “best it could be.”

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How to Choose the Right Surgeon for a Tracheal Shave

Thyroid cartilage reduction is a delicate surgery that requires precision and expertise, so your choice of surgeon will significantly impact your results and recovery. Here’s some advice on how to choose wisely:

1️⃣ Look for specialized experience

Ensure the surgeon specializes in tracheal shave or facial feminization procedures. This isn’t a standard cosmetic surgery, so expertise in delicate thyroid cartilage work is essential.

2️⃣ Verify credentials

Make sure the surgeon is certified by a reputable medical board. Board certification ensures they meet specific training and safety standards.

Memberships in reputable organizations such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) or the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) are also a green flag.

3️⃣ Check before-and-after photos

Request to see before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s previous work. Focus on cases of patients with similar anatomy to yours to get a realistic idea of what to expect.

4️⃣ Ask questions and consider their communication style

A good surgeon will listen to your concerns, explain the procedure clearly, and won’t pressure you into decisions. Trust your instincts during consultations. Be sure to ask such important questions as:

• How often do you perform thyroid cartilage reduction?
• Do you have experience with patients who share my age and physical characteristics?
• Who will my anesthesiologist be, and can I speak with them beforehand?
• What are the potential risks, and how do you manage complications if they arise?
• Do you recommend combining Adam’s apple reduction with other feminization procedures for me?

5️⃣ Review patient feedback

Look for verified reviews from past patients. Focus on detailed feedback about their results, communication style, and overall experience. Avoid clinics with vague or overly polished testimonials.

6️⃣ Compare costs and inclusions

Understand what’s included in the quoted price. A deal that seems cheap at first might lack essential components and lead to unexpected expenses.

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FAQ

Who is a good candidate for a tracheal shave?

Adam’s apple reduction surgery is a good choice for those who feel self-conscious about their thyroid cartilage and want a smoother neckline. This procedure is popular among trans women as part of gender-affirming care but is also suitable for cis women seeking a more feminine neck contour.

What can I expect from the tracheal shave procedure?

• Before the procedure: Your doctor will advise you to stop smoking, vaping, and taking medications like aspirin that affect blood clotting several days before surgery. You’ll also receive instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
• During the procedure: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour. The surgeon makes a small incision, usually under the chin or in a neck crease, and carefully shaves away the thyroid cartilage, avoiding the vocal cords. Once the surgeon completes the procedure, the medical team sutures the incision.
• After surgery: You’ll spend some time in a recovery room before being discharged on the same day. If you combine Adam’s apple reduction surgery with other procedures, you may need an overnight hospital stay.

What is the recovery process after the tracheal shave surgery?

It’s normal to experience discomfort for a few days after surgery, but most swelling will subside within one week. During this time, you should rest your voice as much as possible. Your doctor will advise soft foods or a liquid diet until swallowing feels comfortable. 

Stitches are usually removed 7-10 days after the surgery. Full recovery takes around 4 weeks.

When can I expect to see the results of a tracheal shave surgery?

You will see a change in your appearance immediately after the procedure. However, it will be more noticeable once the swelling subsides, usually within 1 week. The final results can take up to 1 month to settle as the area fully heals.

Does thyroid cartilage reduction have side effects or potential risks?

Adam’s apple reduction is a relatively minor procedure. Most side effects are mild, easily managed with icing or over-the-counter meds, and resolve within 20 days. These may include:

• slight pain;
• swelling;
• bruising;
• sore throat;
• weak voice;
• difficulty swallowing.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia, such as breathing issues or post-operative delirium. Meeting with your anesthesiologist before surgery helps minimize them. Other rare complications include:

• Removing too much cartilage removal, which could lead to permanent voice changes.
• Visible scars, especially if you’re prone to keloid scarring.

The best way to ensure your surgical procedure is safe and complication-free is to choose a reliable, experienced surgeon. Bookimed can connect you with trusted specialists worldwide and help you choose the one you feel most confident in.

Will there be a visible scar after a tracheal shave?

Surgeons place the incision in a discreet location, such as a natural neck crease or under the chin. In most cases, scarring is minimal and fades over time.

Does shaving the Adam's apple change your voice?

No, a well-performed procedure does not affect the vocal cords (voice box) or change your voice. It only reduces the visual prominence of the thyroid cartilage.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, the results are permanent as the removed cartilage does not grow back.

Can I combine a tracheal shave with other facial feminization surgeries?

Yes, patients can combine a tracheal shave with other facial feminization surgeries, such as:

• forehead contouring;
• brow lift;
• chin reduction;
• lip augmentation;
• cheek augmentation;
• rhinoplasty.

Combining procedures can lend more harmonious results, streamline recovery, and reduce costs. Speak with your surgeon to determine the best combination for you.

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