Yes, FTM individuals can undergo voice masculinization surgery. This surgery is called type III thyroplasty, or reduction/retrusion thyroplasty. It is a surgical procedure that is used to lower the pitch of the voice by shortening the vocal cords.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 1-2 hours. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck and then uses a scalpel to shorten the vocal cords. The incision is then closed with stitches.
The recovery from voice masculinization surgery is usually relatively quick. Most people are able to go home the day of surgery. There may be some pain and swelling, but this usually resolves within a few days.
The results of voice masculinization surgery are usually permanent. However, there is a small risk of complications, such as scarring or voice loss.
It is important to note that voice masculinization surgery is not always necessary for FTM individuals. Some FTM individuals are able to achieve a deeper voice through voice therapy. However, for those who are not satisfied with their voice, voice masculinization surgery can be a helpful option.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The National Center for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org/
- The Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
- The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
- Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/
Yes, FTM (female-to-male) individuals can undergo voice masculinization surgery as part of their transition. Voice masculinization surgery, also known as voice masculinization procedures or procedures, aims to lower the pitch of the voice and create a more masculine vocal quality.
There are different surgical techniques that can be employed for voice masculinization, including:
- Thyroid Cartilage Reduction (Chondrolaryngoplasty): This surgical procedure involves reducing the size or shape of the thyroid cartilage, commonly referred to as the Adam’s apple. By altering the prominence of the thyroid cartilage, the vocal folds may be affected, leading to a lower voice pitch.
- Cricothyroid Approximation (Vocal Fold Shortening): In this procedure, the cricothyroid space is narrowed by bringing the thyroid cartilage closer to the cricoid cartilage. This adjustment increases the tension on the vocal folds, resulting in a lower voice pitch.
- Vocal Fold Injection: This technique involves injecting a substance, such as silicone or hyaluronic acid, into the vocal folds to thicken and elongate them. By increasing the mass of the vocal folds, the pitch of the voice can be lowered.
It’s important to note that voice masculinization surgery is a specialized procedure that requires the expertise of a skilled laryngologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) experienced in working with transgender patients. These professionals can assess your individual vocal characteristics, discuss surgical options, and provide recommendations based on your desired vocal outcomes.
It’s worth mentioning that voice masculinization surgery is just one aspect of voice transition for FTM individuals. Voice therapy, which involves working with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in transgender voice training, is often an important component of achieving desired vocal changes and learning techniques to develop a masculine voice.
Voice surgery is not suitable or necessary for every FTM individual. Some individuals may achieve satisfactory voice changes through voice therapy alone. It’s essential to have a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific goals, vocal characteristics, and individual circumstances.