Our voice reveals much more about us than we might think. Have you ever imagined someone taller or more robust just by hearing their voice? Numerous studies show that we form a mental image of a person based solely on how they sound. One such study comes from University College London (UK), led by Yi Xu.
Gloria Campos, director of the Postgraduate Course in Audiovisual Voice-Over at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, once said: “Our voice is the raw material of oral communication and can be our best tool or our worst enemy.” This is something we see often. Politicians may have perfectly written speeches but fail to connect with their audience. In contrast, voice actors can move us deeply without us ever seeing their faces.
For transgender women, the voice is often a key part of their identity. When it doesn’t reflect who they are, many consider voice feminization.
What Is Voice Feminization?
For many trans women, a deep voice can be uncomfortable, particularly in social settings. It may not align with how they see themselves and can lead to emotional struggles when interacting with others.
In some cases, voice re-education with a speech therapist can help raise the pitch naturally, without straining the voice. But when that’s not enough, voice feminization surgery offers a more effective solution. The aim is to increase the vocal frequency, allowing a naturally higher-pitched voice without the need to constantly imitate one.
Voice Feminization Surgery
Several surgical techniques exist for voice feminization. Some use an external cervical approach, while others are performed endoscopically through the mouth, leaving no visible scars. These methods generally achieve excellent results with high patient satisfaction and a low risk of complications.
At IM GENDER, we work with Dr Casado, a renowned specialist in voice feminization. Our preferred method is the Wendler Glottoplasty, which shortens the anterior commissure by suturing part of the vocal cords through endoscopy. Dr Casado has over ten years of experience with this technique.
How Voice Feminization Surgery Is Performed
Pre-operative assessment
This involves a joint examination by an ENT specialist and a speech therapist. The ENT assesses the vocal tract via laryngostroboscopy, while the speech therapist analyses vocal habits. Recordings and acoustic/aerodynamic analyses are also made for comparison before and after treatment.
Surgical treatment
Using Wendler Glottoplasty, the vocal cords are shortened through the mouth with no external scarring. The technique is customized to each patient.
Postoperative speech therapy
After 15 days of mandatory voice rest, speech therapy begins. Surgery modifies the vocal tract, while therapy adjusts vocal habits such as intonation, breathing, and modulation. This phase lasts around three months and can be done in person or via video call.
Follow-up appointments
You will have to attend several medical visits after surgery. These are scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment to assess healing and voice quality.
Benefits of Voice Feminization Surgery
This technique shortens the vocal cords and reduces their vibratory mass. While it alters the integrity of the vocal cords, the major advantage is that it leaves no visible scar. With good long-term results, it remains one of the most popular options for raising vocal pitch.
Voice Feminization After Age 50
For trans women over 50, Wendler Glottoplasty may not be suitable due to the loss of vocal cord elasticity. In such cases, Dr Casado recommends the Cricothyroid Approximation (CTA) technique.
This method involves a small cervical incision and permanently suturing the thyroid cartilage to the cricoid cartilage. This mimics the action of the cricothyroid muscle, increasing vocal tension. Vocal therapy is also essential to consolidate the change.
Interested in voice feminization surgery? Book your consultation today at IM GENDER without obligation.