The transition from man to woman is by no means simple.
Some parts have to be added, while others have to be removed.
The Adam's apple is one of the most prominent features that distinguishes man from woman.
Removing it is one of the many steps a man has to go through if he wants to become a woman.
Through a procedure known scientifically as chondrolaryngoplasty, or tracheal shaving as it is more commonly known, the size of the Adam's apple can be drastically reduced, according to plasticsurgery.com.
After a small incision is made at the area under the Adam's apple, the cartilage can be shaved down with a scalpel.
The result? A smoother, less angular and more feminine neck, though some scarring may occur because of the operation.
According to Transgender Roadmap, a website that provides information on transgender surgery procedures, during the initial recovery period of up to 10 days, there may be a burning sensation when swallowing.
It also states that there is a risk that breathing could be affected if too much cartilage is removed from the Adam's apple.
Tracheal shaving is considered a minor surgery and is usually completed within half an hour to an hour. It is usually an outpatient procedure unless coupled with other transgender operations.
Transgender surgery website t-change states that the total number of procedures available to fully transition from male to female is at least 13, with almost half done to the facial area to give the face a less masculine look.
Counselling is also required to gauge the mental readiness of a patient before he or she can be given hormones.
This article was first published in The New Paper.
