The Transgender Dictionary
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Voice Masculinization Surgery

Table of Contents

Introduction

Not having a deep voice can be a major source of gender dysphoria for transgender men, and some nonbinary transmasculine people. While most transgender men are able to obtain the deeper voices that they seek through GAHT, some transgender men are uninterested in hormone therapy, or are unsatisfied with the degree to which that testosterone deepens the voice. Even after attempting to voice train, there are still some trans guys who seek out voice masculinzation surgery.

Having a higher pitched voice can make it difficult to be seen as male, which is why transgender men typically desire deeper voices.

General Information

Unfortunately, due to the rarity of the desire for voice masculinzation surgery (especially compared to that of voice feminization surgery) there are not a lot of options when it comes to voice masculinization surgery.

Stroboscopy

A stroboscopy is a medical examination of the vocal cords. This is a simple assesment done in a doctor's office. The physician sprays the patient's throat and nose with a numbing spray. The patient then leans forward and holds his tongue with gauze. The doctor inserts an endoscope into the patient's mouth. The endoscope is equipped with not only a camera, but a strobe light that helps the doctor view the movement of the vocal cords in slow motion. The patient is prompted to make certain vocal sounds, so that the doctor can observe how the patient's vocal cords function.

Please note that a strobe light is a very bright light that flashes very quickly. If you have the option at looking at the monitor during this exam, and you have photosensitive epilepsy, I would advise that you do not look at the screen. Make sure that your physician is aware of your condition, and please keep yourself safe at all stages of seeking out gender affirming care. Prioritize your own health and happiness.

Thyroplasty Type III

Thyroplasty type iii is a rare surgery performed by a small number of laryngologists. This surgery reduces the top end of the patient's voice range.

A small incision is made in the front of the neck in a natural crease (so that the scar will not be obvious). The surgeon relaxes the muscle that contracts the vocal cords so that the pitch of the voice cannot be raised. Changing the position of the voice box cartilage relaxes and shortens the cords and makes them vibrate at a lower frequency.