Male to female vocal surgery - Feminization laryngoplasty: Case 42

Brief History: 50 year old female.

These recordings are set to a fairly low resolution for the internet but do demonstrate the general sound and function of the vocal cords before and after this case of laryngeal reduction surgery. Much more detail is actually visible in the office. The videos when shown are oriented with the front down and the left vocal fold is on the right of the video. Orientation is discussed here. Please note: These examples of possible results should not be construed to represent what will be acheived in any other patient. Thus there are several examples of patients on the site There are many components to a voice exam. I have selected ones here that I feel change the most with this type of surgery.

Pre Surgery

6 months

12 months

Laryngoscopy

Stroboscopy

The surgeon’s comments: I removed about 9 mm of each side of the thyroid cartilage. In addition to the feminzation laryngoplasty, I performed a thryohyoid elevation.

The patient’s comments: Comment 6 months post op: "I'm seldom mistaken for a male on the telephone anymore, especially if I make a similar effort.
My voice still weakens and hoarsens in extended conversation, and I cannot get much speaking volume while maintaining quality. Given the steady improvement over time so far, however, I'm optimistic about the future."