Can I Still Get My Adam’s Apple Reduced At Age 42?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 42 year old male and I am interested in a Chondrolaryngoplasty. (adam’s apple reduction) I am just very self conscious about my large adam’s apple and I am just tired of being harassed about it. I have heard that the cartilage turns to bone at a certain age so at 42 can I still have this procedure done?

A: While it is true that many cartilage areas in the body get partially calcified as one ages, and the thyroid cartilage is no exception, this is not a concern for you at age 42. At this age the thyroid cartilage is still mainly cartilage and it does not change the ability to shave it down. The reality is that even if you were older and the thyroid cartilage was more calcified, it could still be reduced and would be burred down by a machine-driven rotary drill as opposed to shaving. Thus, you should feel completely comfortable being able to have a successful adam’s apple reduction (chondrothyroplasty) at any age regardless of whether the cartilage is uncalcified, partially calcified or even completely calcified.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana