Tracheal shave: under the chin or on the neck?

[Mary81]

Hi everyone,
So I need a little help. In the Czech Republic tracheal shaves are covered under our state insurance plan. I have had a few consultations with ENTs who do the operation here; however, they all seem to make the incision directly over the Adam's apple and none do a pre-op CT. Additionally, all of the doctors looked at me like I was crazy when I asked to see some before and after pictures. I received a quote from Dr. Bart in Belgium, who makes the incision under the chin, but the price was high - 3340 euros including a CT scan. I will meet Dr. Bart for a consultation in early february for general FFS and maybe the cost of the tracheal shave would come down a bit if combined with some other procedures, but I don't know.
Anyhow, my question is about scarring when the incision is made on the front of the neck. Does any one have any experience with this? Is it worth the money to have the incision placed under the chin? I am very tempted to go for the free option, but I must say I am pretty worried about ending up with a horrible scar     
Thank you,
Mary

[bingunginter]

my incision is directly over the adam apple, scar is noticeable only if you carefully look for it, my surgeon did not do CT.

[VickyMI]

Mine is under the chin from dr spiegel. The scar is like a line in the skin but if you are looking for it you can tell.  Btw. Dr Z said Dr S does it to low so I would ask exactly where the incision will be.

[Jennygirl]

Dr. O did mine, the scar is about 1.5" back from the tip of my chin. It's perfect. Even when I point it out to people they can't see it until they get within 8", not a single person has ever noticed.

Dr. O told me that under the chin is a lot better, because the surgeon has a much clearer view of the vocal cords (as to not harm them while removing the excess cartilage).

[vivalagiselle]

Under the chin deff! I did mine under the chin about 9 months ago and the scar is still visible. It doesn't bother me because since its under the chin 1). people cant see it and 2). if they do they wouldn't think its a trachea shave. Pay the extra money and go under the chin. Having a scar on your neck is going to draw even more attention than having an adams apple.

[Mary81]

Hello all,

Sorry for my long absence – a lot of things have happened in my life since posting this question, most notably I came out at work and am now living full time. I also got stuck in the horrible snow/cold of eastern Canada while visiting my family for the holidays.

Anyway. Thank you all for your input. Jennygirl, you are right. This was specifically one of my major concerns as I am also planning to get the Yeson surgery later this year. So, after reading all your comments and giving it some careful consideration, I have decided to go with the more expensive option. Better safe than disfigured.  I am just waiting to find a date for the surgery. I will let you all know how it goes.

Thank you again
Mary

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

Welcome back and the best of luck.

[Jennygirl]

I'm glad you feel confident about it! That's all that matters!

[Mary81]

Hello again,
So, I just booked a date for the tracheal shave with Dr Bart on 30 January. I'm excited, though quite nervous too. I'll be sure to post some before and after photos once I'm back home.
Mary

[Jennygirl]

Woo congrats! That's like less than two weeks away! Awesome!!!