Voice surgery, also known as voice feminization or masculinization surgery, aims to change the pitch and quality of an individual’s voice. These surgeries are often sought by transgender individuals as part of their transition process. The primary goal is usually to make the voice sound more typically feminine or masculine.
- Types of Voice Surgery:
- Cricothyroid Approximation (CTA): This surgery increases tension on the vocal cords by suturing the cricoid and thyroid cartilages together, leading to a higher pitch. This procedure is often used for voice feminization.
- Glottoplasty: A portion of the anterior (front) part of the vocal cords is removed or sutured together. This shortens the vibrating length of the vocal cords and raises the pitch. Various methods exist, including the Wendler glottoplasty.
- Laryngoplasty: The larynx or voice box is physically raised to shorten the vocal tract, producing a brighter resonance often associated with female voices.
- Tracheal Shave: While not a voice surgery per se, this procedure reduces the size of the Adam’s apple, making the neck appear more typically feminine. Some individuals undergo this surgery in conjunction with voice surgery.
- Testosterone Therapy: For transgender men (female-to-male individuals), taking testosterone often results in voice deepening, eliminating the need for surgical intervention in many cases.
- Recovery and Risks:
- Following surgery, patients are typically advised not to speak for a certain period to allow the vocal cords to heal.
- As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including the potential for an unsatisfactory result, infection, and scarring. In the context of voice surgery, there’s also a risk of chronic hoarseness or voice weakness.
- Voice Therapy:
- Many individuals benefit from voice therapy either as an alternative to surgery or in conjunction with it. Speech-language pathologists can provide exercises and training to help individuals achieve a more desired pitch and resonance, as well as adopt speech patterns more typical of their identified gender.
- Voice therapy can also be crucial post-surgery to optimize the surgical results and achieve the best possible voice quality.
- Effectiveness:
- While voice surgeries can be effective in altering pitch, achieving a voice that’s perceived as typically male or female also depends on resonance, speech patterns, and intonation. Surgery alone might not fully address these aspects.
- Cost and Insurance:
- Voice surgeries can be costly, and not all insurance plans cover them. If considering surgery, it’s essential to consult with your insurance provider about potential coverage.
If you’re considering voice change surgery, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified ENT surgeon with experience in this field and to seek voice therapy with a trained speech-language pathologist.