Voice Deepening
Voice Deepening Surgery
At the London Voice and Swallowing Clinic we offer two voice-deepening procedures for those whose tone and projection is not aligned with how they might wish to sound. The procedures enable the individual to achieve a richer, deeper pitch, more in line with how they wish to be perceived.
Extended Window Laryngoplasty
Our preferred technique delivers a reduction of up to 30Hz with low risk of long-term voice and surgical complications. The procedure is performed through open surgery. A three centimeter long incision is made on the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple, so that the voice box can be accessed. Then a diamond shaped section or ‘window’ is cut in the voice box cartilage. This leads to the shortening and relaxing of the vocal folds, which in turn leads to a deeper voice. This procedure is performed under general or local anaesthetic.
Type III Thyroplasty
For those looking for greater pitch reduction, Type III Thyroplasty, is also available. This procedure can result in a reduction of up to 50Hz, but does carry a greater risk of pitch irregularity and long-term hoarseness. Type III Thyroplasty is also performed through open surgery, under general or local anaesthetic and again involves the creation of a three centimeter long cut at the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple. The incision allows access to the thyroid cartilage which is then cut vertically down both sides to allow the edges to overlap, relaxing the vocal cords and deepening the voice as a result.
Your recovery - what to expect
Voice deepening surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and patients are discharged on the same day. The procedure takes about one hour, and 48 hours of relative voice rest is recommended. You can talk, but it should be kept to a minimum. Patients may choose to stay awake during the surgery so that they can monitor the progress of their voice. In this instance the procedure will be carried out under local anaesthetic.
It is natural to want to hear the results as soon as possible but it is also important not to rush your recovery. While it may take several months for the voice to fully adjust, you will get a good indication of the results in the days and weeks following the procedure. Allow yourself plenty of time to rest with a gradual return to normal voice use over one to two weeks after the operation. Avoid straining your voice or raising it excessively.
FAQs
Voice deepening surgery usually takes about 1 hour.
The incision will be made in an existing fold of skin in order to minimise visibility.
48 hours of relative voice rest is recommended, you can talk but it should be kept to a minimum.
Voice deepening surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and patients are discharged on the same day.
Yes. You can choose for the surgery to be carried out under local anaesthetic so that you can monitor the progress of your voice during surgery, if that is your preference.
While those who undergo surgery will get a good indication of the results in the days and weeks following the procedure, it may take several months for the voice to fully adjust.
Due to the slackening of the vocal folds, there is a significant likelihood of a permanently rougher voice.
It is very likely that your ability to speak very loudly will be limited.
No, the results of the surgery are permanent and cannot be reversed.
No, the procedure is managed with the use of painkillers to ensure it is pain free.
Yes, this surgery is suitable for trans men. However, it may not be necessary if you are on gender affirming hormones as one of the side effects of testosterone is a deeper voice.
Yes, with Type III Thyroplasty. The Adam’s apple is not reduced in size, but due to the shortening of the thyroid cartilage, the prominence of the Adam’s apple may be less visible.
Allow yourself plenty of time to rest with a gradual return to normal voice use over one to two weeks after the operation. Avoid straining your voice or raising it excessively.
The main principle of the surgery is the same. Both procedures involve shortening and relaxing the vocal cords. Window laryngoplasty does not affect the structure and stability of the voice box cartilage, minimising the long term risk of voice irregularity which can occur with Type III Thyroplasty.
You will be invited to have two check-ups post operatively. One at four weeks and a second at three months.
At least one follow ups needs to be in person as we will need to perform an endoscopic examination to ensure everything is healing as it should.
No. This is not recommended as it will lead to instability of the laryngeal cartilages and, as a result, the voice.
The procedure is not recommended for actors as it affects pitch control and projection.
No. Unless you experience any unexpected complications, which can arise with any surgical intervention.