A tracheal shave in Denver, CO is a procedure that may help reduce the prominence of the thyroid cartilage, commonly referred to as the Adam’s apple, creating a smoother, more feminine neck contour. This procedure is sought by transgender women, non-binary individuals, and cisgender women who feel the appearance of their laryngeal prominence affects their confidence and sense of self. At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, every tracheal shave procedure is personally performed by Dr. Kamran Dastoury, a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon whose surgical background spans complex facial anatomy and gender-affirming care.
What Is a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave, also known as chondrolaryngoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the thyroid cartilage is carefully reduced to soften the visible contour of the neck. The thyroid cartilage naturally enlarges during puberty in those assigned male at birth, and its prominence can remain a source of gender dysphoria or aesthetic discomfort for many patients.
During the procedure, Dr. Dastoury makes a small incision, typically placed in a natural neck crease or beneath the chin to minimize visible scarring. Through this access point, the cartilage is precisely sculpted to achieve a flatter, more refined neck profile. The procedure does not alter the vocal cords themselves, though protecting the voice requires careful anatomical knowledge and surgical precision. Because the laryngeal structures are closely interconnected, this procedure demands a surgeon with an exceptional foundation in facial and neck anatomy. Consulting with your provider is the essential first step in understanding how this procedure may be customized to your goals.
Are You a Candidate for a Tracheal Shave in Denver?
Candidates for a tracheal shave are generally individuals who feel that the prominence of their Adam’s apple causes distress or does not align with their gender identity or aesthetic goals. This may include transgender women undergoing gender-affirming procedures, non-binary patients seeking a more neutral neck profile, or cisgender women with a naturally pronounced thyroid cartilage.
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about outcomes. Patients should understand that the degree of reduction achievable depends on their individual cartilage and anatomy, including its size and proximity to the vocal cords. Individual results may vary.
The consultation is the right starting point for every patient. During your visit, Dr. Dastoury will evaluate your neck anatomy, discuss your goals, review your medical history, and walk you through what the procedure may realistically achieve for your specific anatomy. You will meet the surgeon himself at your first appointment, not a coordinator, which means your questions are answered with clinical accuracy from the very beginning. To schedule a consultation at Modern Surgical Arts, contact our team directly.
The Tracheal Shave Process at Modern Surgical Arts
Understanding each phase of the tracheal shave process can help patients feel more prepared and confident about their decision.
Consultation
Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Dastoury. He will assess your neck anatomy using on-site 3D imaging technology, discuss a realistic range of outcomes, and outline a surgical plan customized to your anatomy and goals.
The Procedure
A tracheal shave is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Dr. Dastoury is anesthesia-certified in Colorado and California, meaning he can administer his own anesthesia, a rare distinction that adds an additional layer of safety and consistency to your care. The procedure generally takes one to two hours. A small incision is placed discreetly in a natural skin fold, and the cartilage is carefully reduced while protecting the structures responsible for voice production.
Recovery
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and soreness in the days following surgery. A soft-food diet and voice rest are typically recommended for the first week. Most patients return to light activity within seven to ten days, though individual recovery timelines vary. Dr. Dastoury and his team are available seven days a week for post-operative questions. Post-operative care at Modern Surgical Arts includes lymphatic drainage massages and recovery support designed to optimize healing. You can learn more about what the surgical recovery process looks like for patients at our practice.
Results
Swelling typically subsides over four to six weeks, with the final contour becoming apparent as healing progresses. Most patients find the refined neck profile to be a meaningful and affirming change. Individual results may vary based on anatomy and healing.
Why Choose Modern Surgical Arts for a Tracheal Shave in Denver, CO?
Dr. Kamran Dastoury brings a surgical background that is exceptionally well-suited to tracheal shave procedures. He holds dual medical degrees from USC and LSU, completed a six-year residency at a Level I Trauma Hospital where he trained on complex facial and craniofacial reconstruction, and completed a cosmetic surgery fellowship in Southern California under Dr. Jacob Haiavy, the past president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Oral and Facial Surgery. In 2022, he served as a Written and Oral Board Examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, meaning he now evaluates other surgeons for the same credential he holds.
Modern Surgical Arts is located in the Denver metro area and serves patients from Aurora, Littleton, Lone Tree, and surrounding communities. The practice operates an AAAHC-accredited on-site surgical center, providing hospital-level safety standards in a private setting. Patients looking for a deeper introduction to the practice and its philosophy can learn more about Modern Surgical Arts of Denver and what sets this practice apart. Those considering additional facial procedures may also find it helpful to explore cosmetic services for the face in Denver offered alongside tracheal shave surgery.
Results and What to Expect
A tracheal shave may produce a noticeably smoother neck profile that feels more consistent with a patient’s gender identity or aesthetic goals. Most patients notice an improvement in the overall contour of the neck and throat area as swelling resolves, typically over four to six weeks. The small incision scar typically fades significantly over several months and is generally placed where it is difficult to detect. Individual results may vary, and the final outcome depends on each patient’s cartilage anatomy, skin laxity, and healing response. Dr. Dastoury will give you an honest, individualized assessment of what you may realistically expect during your consultation. Patients curious about related facial refinement options may also want to review neck lift options in Denver as a complement to their care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tracheal Shave in Denver, CO
How long does a tracheal shave procedure typically take?
Most tracheal shave procedures take approximately one to two hours from start to finish. The exact duration depends on the degree of cartilage reduction needed and the complexity of the individual anatomy. Dr. Dastoury will provide a more specific estimate during your consultation based on your unique anatomy.
Will a tracheal shave affect my voice?
When performed by a surgeon with a strong anatomical foundation in facial and neck structures, a tracheal shave is not intended to alter the voice. However, protecting the vocal cords requires precise technique and thorough knowledge of the surrounding anatomy. Voice rest is typically recommended during the initial recovery period as a precaution.
What factors influence the cost of a tracheal shave in Denver?
Cost varies based on the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care. Modern Surgical Arts provides full cost transparency during the consultation, and financing options may be available. We encourage patients to prioritize surgical expertise and safety when evaluating their options.
Take Your Next Step Toward a Tracheal Shave in Denver, CO
If you are considering a tracheal shave in Denver, CO, Modern Surgical Arts of Denver offers the surgical expertise, individualized care, and facility standards to support your journey with confidence. Dr. Dastoury will meet with you personally to discuss your anatomy, your goals, and what this procedure may realistically achieve for you. Contact us today to get started.
Dr. Kamran Dastoury is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon with advanced training in both maxillofacial and aesthetic surgery, bringing unmatched expertise to every patient he serves. After earning his dental and medical degrees from USC and LSU, he went on to complete over seven years of intensive surgical training, including a fellowship in facial and body cosmetic surgery under the mentorship of world-renowned leaders in the field. His specialties include facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and body contouring—always delivered with a highly personalized approach that prioritizes safety, artistry, and natural-looking results. In 2025, Dr. Dastoury also completed his SSRP peptide therapy certification, expanding his knowledge of innovative approaches to aesthetic and wellness care. Beyond his surgical excellence, Dr. Dastoury is deeply committed to advancing the field through research, teaching, and global mission work, making him a trusted and compassionate choice for patients seeking transformative results.