Person looking out over the city from a bright room – gender-affirming surgery at SkulpturklinikenPerson looking out over the city from a bright room – gender-affirming surgery at Skulpturkliniken

Gender-Affirming Care

Tracheal shave

Reduction of the thyroid cartilage to soften the prominence of the Adam's apple for a smoother neck line.

Quick Facts

  • Procedure time: About 1 hour
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia or sedation
  • Clinic stay: Same-day
  • Recovery: Around 1 week before social activity
  • Exercise: Strenuous activity from about 2–4 weeks
  • Final result: Settles over 2–3 months as swelling resolves
  • Minimum age: From 18 years

What it is

A tracheal shave, also called chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage, known as the Adam's apple, to create a smoother, softer neck contour. It is a focused procedure carried out through a small, discreetly placed incision.

Cartilage is reduced carefully and conservatively. The area near where the vocal cords attach is protected to safeguard the voice, so the reduction is planned to soften the prominence rather than remove cartilage aggressively.

What it can improve

  • Prominence of the Adam's apple
  • Smoothness of the front neck contour
  • Profile of the neck in photographs and daily life
  • Confidence in how the neck looks

It cannot change the voice and is not a voice procedure. It cannot remove all cartilage, since a conservative reduction protects the vocal cords.

Before the procedure

Before the procedure: Tracheal shave

You will receive individualized instructions covering medication, supplements, smoking, alcohol, and fasting. The degree of reduction and incision placement are planned together, and realistic outcomes are explained.

During the procedure

During the procedure: Tracheal shave

Through a small incision, usually placed in a natural neck crease, the prominent part of the thyroid cartilage is reduced. The reduction is conservative and the region near the vocal cord attachment is preserved to protect the voice.

After the procedure

After the procedure: Tracheal shave

Mild swelling and bruising are normal and settle within weeks. Talking is usually comfortable soon after, though strain is avoided early. The neck contour continues to settle over a few months.

Results: what it can and cannot achieve

A smoother, softer front neck contour is achievable. The procedure cannot change the voice and conservative technique means a balance is struck between reduction and protecting the vocal cords. Your surgeon explains the realistic degree of change.

Possible risks and complications

A tracheal shave is generally safe in experienced hands, but all surgery carries risks. Possible risks include:

  • Bruising, swelling, or temporary discomfort when swallowing
  • Temporary voice changes, which usually settle
  • Rare lasting voice change if cartilage near the vocal cords is affected
  • Visible scar, though placed in a natural crease
  • Asymmetry or residual prominence
  • Bleeding or infection

Smoking and impaired circulation raise the risk of healing problems and wound complications, so honest assessment and smoking cessation are essential.

Who it suits

A tracheal shave may suit individuals who wish to soften the prominence of the Adam's apple. It is especially suitable for those who:

  • Are bothered by a prominent Adam's apple
  • Want a smoother front neck contour
  • Are in good general health with realistic expectations
  • Understand the voice is protected by conservative reduction
  • Do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery

It may not suit those seeking voice change, which is a separate field, or those with health factors that increase surgical risk. Suitability is assessed individually.

Why Skulpturkliniken

Gender-affirming surgery by Dr. Matteo Amoroso

Gender-affirming surgery at Skulpturkliniken is performed by Dr. Matteo Amoroso, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His reconstructive microsurgical background gives him a detailed command of anatomy, blood supply, and tissue handling, which supports safe, refined, and individualized results. Care is delivered with discretion and respect throughout.

Natural, balanced results

The aim is a result that reflects how you see yourself, planned around your anatomy and goals rather than a single template. Dr. Amoroso plans with restraint and precision so the outcome looks natural and balanced and feels like you.

Reconstructive precision meets aesthetic judgment

Choosing a surgeon is personal, and the relationship should rest on open communication and trust. From the first consultation, Dr. Amoroso helps you understand what is realistic, which approach suits you, and how timing fits into your wider care. Eligibility and timing are assessed individually and in line with recognized standards of care.

Individualized assessment

Every procedure begins with a detailed and respectful assessment. We evaluate:

Your goals and how you wish to be seen

Anatomy, tissue quality, and skin elasticity

General health, medication, and any hormone therapy

Readiness and timing within your wider care

Realistic expectations and recovery planning

What Does Surgery Cost?

The costs of treatments are listed in the price section and often don't change. However, the price depends on the extent of the procedure, the technique used, anesthesia, surgical time, and whether additional procedures are combined.

Every operation is individually planned, and the final price is discussed clearly during consultation after Dr. Matteo Amoroso has assessed your anatomy, goals, and surgical needs.

All surgical prices include one of the most extensive, transparent, and safe warranty programs. The price is designed to be comprehensive and includes everything related to the operation, from consultation and surgical planning to the procedure itself, compression garment when applicable, direct access to Dr. Matteo Amoroso and the medical team, and unlimited follow-up controls during the first year.

Safety and Trust

When considering surgery, price should not be the only factor.

Safety is central to every step of the surgical journey. At Skulpturkliniken, safety isn't a luxury, it's the foundation of everything we do. We have created an environment where accessibility, personal connection, and full transparency are not privileges, but standards. Your Surgeon will be your closest point of contact. We understand that aesthetic surgery is a personal journey, sometimes even life-changing. We have built a model where you don't just meet a surgeon, you build a trust-based, continuous relationship with him. From your first consultation to long after your recovery, your surgeon is personally available to you. You will never find yourself speaking to a call center or an automated message. Need guidance, reassurance, or a second opinion, we will be there not as a favor, but as a part of our philosophy.

Everything Is Included - No Hidden Fees Or Additional Charges.

Your Treatment Includes:

Choosing Skulpturkliniken means choosing a complete experience with no compromises.

Our pricing is fully transparent and published openly on our website, what you see is what you pay, with no hidden fees or additional charges.

  • Extensive first consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso
  • Eventual additional preoperative consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso
  • Detailed assessment and individualized surgical planning
  • 3D simulation
  • Careful evaluation of whether surgery is the right option
  • Preoperative preparation guidance
  • Surgery in a safe and controlled surgical environment
  • Anesthesia
  • Compression garments
  • Unlimited postoperative follow-up visits during the first year
  • Direct access to the surgeon and nursing team
  • Digital access to your medical records through Adoreal®
  • Aesthetic care program
  • Patient insurance through Folksam
  • Long-term postoperative support
  • One of the most extensive, transparent, and safe warranty programs.

Frequently asked questions

In their words

Patients trust Skulpturkliniken for care.

★★★★★Reddit

One week post op!!!! with dr. Matteo Amoroso in Sweden

One week post op!!!! with dr. Matteo Amoroso in Sweden I’m incredibly happy with my results, this is exactly what I wanted! Shape & placement of both my nipples and incisions are perfect for me. I had top surgery on august 13th 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. Double incision, no drains. Recovery wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be - pain wasn’t too bad and by day 6 my mobility and energy level was back to normal. (Obviously can’t stretch my arms above my chest or lift anything heavy but other than that I feel normal). Going back to school next week! I’m so grateful that I went with this clinic. 10/10 experience with them. Their whole staff has been incredibly helpful, professional and made me feel safe all the way, and dr. Matteo Amoroso was able to give me the exact chest I wanted! If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer :)

★★★★★Reddit

One year since top surgery

One year since top surgery May 21, I hit a year since my top surgery. As a big person my breast were big, and I was struggling to live as myself. Summers where the hardest for me, jackets and hoodies in 20-30 Celsius wether, in the US and in Sweden. It got harder last year the wait time for Sweden gender clinic is too much. I decided to go privet, yes I know a lot of trans people are not able to go privet. This is why I’m so greatful for my parents, and I am privileged to have gotten top surgery. But back to what I was talking about. Surgery saved me, it really did, I’m not on T. And I didn’t think I could have gotten passed age 18. I’m happier and much more healthier than before. I don’t wear jackets or hoodies as much, I ware clothes that make me look myself and look as I wanted too. I couldn’t have reached this place if it wasn’t for Dr. Matteo Amoroso in Stockholm and the staff. They where all kind, they didn’t just treat you like someone they had to treat but they treated me like a human, they got to know me even if I didn’t speak Swedish, they where kind, respectful, and most of all helpful. I’m happy of my results, it looks like a man’s chest, The precision and thought by Dr. Amoroso eased my anxiety of bad nipples grafts. Seeing my chest for the first time my first thought was ‘woah, I look awesome!’ Though I still had stitching and it was like a week post op. But I loved it. And still to this day I cannot stop smiling looking at my chest and myself seeing how far I’ve come since the day I came out I highly recommend the clinic not just for people who are in Sweden but to everyone who has the opportunity to get the surgery they wish for. I waited so long, so many times I cried and so many times I felt helpless. But now I’m not, I’m happy, though I only have top surgery and no hormones yet, I have the ability to see myself as me. To know myself and love myself for the first time in forever. And I will always be grateful and I will always thank them for what they have given me, more time I have to say, I’m so fucking grateful, I didn’t have mutch hope, I never thought I would pass the age of 18, but now I can. And I really hope other do too. Yes, everything takes time, and sometimes it feels like we have no time. But from one trans person to another - yall can make it, we all can despite our differences in experience. But we all can. So, if anyone who’s a trans man 🏳️‍⚧️, and are interested in top surgery or have any questions. I’d be happy to answer. Or if anyone just needs to talk. 🥰

★★★★★Reddit

Just wanted to share how grateful I am after my surgery with Matteo Amoroso 🇸🇪 ❤️ (FTM Top Surgery)

Just wanted to share how grateful I am after my surgery with Matteo Amoroso 🇸🇪❤️ (FTM Top Surgery) Hey everyone, I don’t post much, but I wanted to take a moment and share something incredibly personal and joyful. I'm a trans man, a woman who transitioned to male (FTM), and I recently underwent top surgery (double mastectomy) with Matteo Amoroso in Sweden—and honestly, I couldn't be happier. From the very first consultation, I felt seen, heard, and deeply respected. Matteo and his team were not only professional but incredibly kind and affirming. The clinic atmosphere was calming, and every step of the process—from pre-op to recovery—was explained so clearly. I never felt like "just another patient." The surgery itself went smoothly, and when I finally saw my chest for the first time post-op, I was overwhelmed. Not just because it looked incredible (which it did), but because I finally recognized myself in the mirror. For the first time, I felt aligned with my body in a way I’ve dreamed of for years. Recovery has had its ups and downs like any surgery, but the emotional relief and sense of joy have far outweighed any discomfort. I can breathe easier. I can stand taller. And I feel so much more at home in myself. If you're on this path and considering surgery in Sweden I can't recommend it enough. This experience has been genuinely life-changing, and I’m so thankful for the care I received. Just wanted to put some light out there for anyone who might need it. You're not alone, and things can get better. Feel free to DM me if you have questions or need support. 💗🏳️‍⚧️

★★★★★Reddit

I am sharing my experience with the hope of helping others who like me felt very nervous about chest/top surgery and super anxious about choosing the right surgeon. I had top surgery with Dr. Matteo Amoroso 6 months ago. Matteo was really kind, he made me feel comfortable and understood ,I felt so much trust in him. Surgery went smooth, pain free, no complications and i felt supported during the whole process. The clinic is very nice as well as all staff working there. My result is truly amazing and I couldn't be happier!!!! It changed my life.... i feel very lucky to have chosen Dr. Matteo Amoroso for my top surgey.

★★★★★Reddit

3 and a half months post-op

I had double incision with Matteo Amoroso in Stockholm on the 10th of June. I've talked more about my experience in older posts, but to put it briefly, it was great. My results are coming along nicely, though the scars are quite pronounced and my nipples healed kind of wonky. I know my results aren't perfect. My chest is pretty uneven, and the nipples are at different heights, but I usually don't really care about it. I love my results, even if they're not picture perfect. Humans aren't picture perfect<3

★★★★★Reddit

I'm incredibly happy with my results, this is exactly what I wanted! Shape & placement of both my nipples and incisions are perfect for me. I had top surgery on august 13th 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. Double incision, no drains. Recovery wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be - pain wasn't too bad and by day 6 my mobility and energy level was back to normal. (Obviously can't stretch my arms above my chest or lift anything heavy but other than that I feel normal). Going back to school next week! I'm so grateful that I went with this clinic. 10/10 experience with them. Their whole staff has been incredibly helpful, professional and made me feel safe all the way, and dr. Matteo Amoroso was able to give me the exact chest I wanted! If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer :)

★★★★★Google

I had top surgery (DI with nipple grafts) with Dr Matteo Amoroso on 10 June and I am so so happy with everything! I first had an online consultation where Matteo explained the process thoroughly and made me feel super safe and secure. Then, a few weeks before my surgery, I came in for an in-person consultation too, and yet again, he went above and beyond in making me feel safe. On the actual surgery day, I was absolutely terrified, but the way I was treated by the amazing staff definitely helped calm me down somewhat. The pain wasn't bad at all. I only had to take paracetamol for a few days. My scars are healing very nicely, and my nipple grafts are looking better than I dared hope. I finally see myself when I look in the mirror.

★★★★★Plastikoperationsforum

FTM Mastectomy

I've been looking into getting the top surgery done across Europe before settling on doing it in Sweden. On Reddit people really recommended Dr Matteo Amoroso and spoke very positively about their experience and results. I was pleased to learn that he was as pleasant and passionate about his work as people said online. The rest was pretty straightforward. My trans friends comment on my very fast recovery (and I didn't need strong painkillers either). Could be individual experience but I'm feeling very happy with the results which drastically improved my quality of life and self image. Thank you <3

Trust The Adoreal Experience

The Adoreal Platform gives you complete control of your aesthetic journey. You will be guided throughout your entire process, from consultation to recovery, ensuring an exceptional experience for you as a patient.

You are in control

You are in control

Complete access to your information, health records and previous journeys.

Unmatched predictability

Unmatched predictability

Manage your expectations with our questionnaire Silhouette, and visualize your ideal outcomes with 3D simulation.

Trusted step-by-step guide

Trusted step-by-step guide

From bookings to payments, logistics and after care, Adoreal will be your companion.

Empowered safety measures

Empowered safety measures

Complimentary health check, careful monitoring, and meticulous preparation.

Start Your Journey

Book your consultation

Discuss whether a tracheal shave is right for you in a private, respectful consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso.

Personalized planning, honest advice, and care delivered with discretion and respect.