Community Conversation => Transitioning => Voice Therapy and Surgery => Topic started by: asi on April 24, 2019, 03:13:33 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Alternative for feminization, else from training & voice surgery?
Post by: asi on April 24, 2019, 03:13:33 PM
Post by: asi on April 24, 2019, 03:13:33 PM
Hi All.
I am on hormones for a few years and also doing for a few months ,voice training with an instructor experienced with trans women.
I have a very deep and masculine voice, maybe because of the Acromegaly (excess growth hormone ), that can effect the vocal cords.
I already tried voice training a few times in the past but it was not helpful.
Also thought of Voice surgery but the cost, the recovery time & the fact that i would have to go abroad,
is keeping me out of this option for now. Any other alternatives that i can check?
I have been told by other trans that for some of us voice training can be effective after years of daily training, but i don't think i can take this so long while it hurting my life & work.
Also i am not able to reach the feminine pitch range, even after an extensive training
I am on hormones for a few years and also doing for a few months ,voice training with an instructor experienced with trans women.
I have a very deep and masculine voice, maybe because of the Acromegaly (excess growth hormone ), that can effect the vocal cords.
I already tried voice training a few times in the past but it was not helpful.
Also thought of Voice surgery but the cost, the recovery time & the fact that i would have to go abroad,
is keeping me out of this option for now. Any other alternatives that i can check?
I have been told by other trans that for some of us voice training can be effective after years of daily training, but i don't think i can take this so long while it hurting my life & work.
Also i am not able to reach the feminine pitch range, even after an extensive training
Title: Re: Alternative for feminization, else from training & voice surgery?
Post by: Dena on April 24, 2019, 09:36:21 PM
Post by: Dena on April 24, 2019, 09:36:21 PM
If you're still in California, there are several voice surgeons located in the United States. I had mine in New York with Dr Haben. Cost would be around 5K to 7K depending on a few factors. The trip took 4 days with two travel days and two day dealing with the doctor. Full voice recovery can take up to a year however your voice is somewhat usable in a few weeks. Let me know if you have additional questions.
Title: Re: Alternative for feminization, else from training & voice surgery?
Post by: asi on April 25, 2019, 02:27:01 AM
Post by: asi on April 25, 2019, 02:27:01 AM
Thanks Dena, what i would really like to know is if there are any other feminization options,
else from surgery or voice training?
else from surgery or voice training?
Title: Re: Alternative for feminization, else from training & voice surgery?
Post by: Cindy on April 25, 2019, 03:24:59 AM
Post by: Cindy on April 25, 2019, 03:24:59 AM
Hi asi,
I would be very careful with acromegaly to see people experienced in the treatment of acromegaly effects of the larynx. My understanding is that there can be thickening of cartilage, excessive cartilage, thickening of vocal cords and changes in vocal cord folds. I would be cautious to get a full and proper review and explanation of what can be accomplished.
I have no larynx due to cancer and so I know very well the effect of having no voice on lifestyle and I would encourage you to not be downhearted too much by having a deep and masculine voice. It is true that my voice does not misgender me but I am not sure that not having a voice is worth it.
Cindy
I would be very careful with acromegaly to see people experienced in the treatment of acromegaly effects of the larynx. My understanding is that there can be thickening of cartilage, excessive cartilage, thickening of vocal cords and changes in vocal cord folds. I would be cautious to get a full and proper review and explanation of what can be accomplished.
I have no larynx due to cancer and so I know very well the effect of having no voice on lifestyle and I would encourage you to not be downhearted too much by having a deep and masculine voice. It is true that my voice does not misgender me but I am not sure that not having a voice is worth it.
Cindy
Title: Re: Alternative for feminization, else from training & voice surgery?
Post by: asi on April 25, 2019, 02:29:55 PM
Post by: asi on April 25, 2019, 02:29:55 PM
Thank you Cindy
I am aware of the symptoms & the effect of acromegaly on the Larynx & and vocal cords.
Are there any specialists worth to check with regarding a solution?
Any other procedures that i should check?
I am aware of the symptoms & the effect of acromegaly on the Larynx & and vocal cords.
Are there any specialists worth to check with regarding a solution?
Any other procedures that i should check?
Title: Re: Alternative for feminization, else from training & voice surgery?
Post by: OU812 on May 01, 2019, 06:30:56 AM
Post by: OU812 on May 01, 2019, 06:30:56 AM
The reason voice training on its own is often not considered sufficient is exactly like what asi describes - too much effort, can't keep it sounding good all the time, etc. So if her low pitch keeps her from even reaching the female range at all, surgery of some kind is about the only option if improvement is needed (goal being, treat the psychological impact of gender dysphoria).
There are two surgeons in the U.S. who are considered pretty good at voice feminization. Dr. Haben was already mentioned, I had a procedure with him that went well. He made his mark by pioneering laser technology for treating throat cancer without radiation, and he offers a few different types of relatively minimally invasive voice surgery, so he might be able to come up with something for you.
The other is Dr. Thomas. His personalized procedure is to completely deconstruct and reconstruct the larynx, changing its size and dimensions, so if you feel a more drastic approach is warranted, this would be the man to consult. He also does less invasive glottoplasty, laser tuning, and even revisions of other surgeons' work. If I were in your position I'd definitely get in touch with him.
There are two surgeons in the U.S. who are considered pretty good at voice feminization. Dr. Haben was already mentioned, I had a procedure with him that went well. He made his mark by pioneering laser technology for treating throat cancer without radiation, and he offers a few different types of relatively minimally invasive voice surgery, so he might be able to come up with something for you.
The other is Dr. Thomas. His personalized procedure is to completely deconstruct and reconstruct the larynx, changing its size and dimensions, so if you feel a more drastic approach is warranted, this would be the man to consult. He also does less invasive glottoplasty, laser tuning, and even revisions of other surgeons' work. If I were in your position I'd definitely get in touch with him.