Does Shoulder Narrowing Surgery Change The Angle Of The Clavicle To A More Feminine One?

Q: Dr. Eppley, In the shoulders, I’d like to have a shoulder reduction with scapular filing. I’d also like to know if you file down the acromion? And if you can change the angle of the clavicle to a more feminine one, since the angle between men and women is different.

A:For shoulder reduction the typical clavicle reduction osteotomy’s are done. Whether that changes the angle of the clavicle to what you call feminine is not an element of the surgery in which we have any control. The change in the clavicular angle will be whatever the osteotomy creates. One can reduce the height of the scapular spine on the back but this will require a separate incision to do so. When you refer to reducing the acromion process most likely you are referring to the upper end of the distal clavicle before it becomes part of the AC joint. That superior clavicular knob can be reduced.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon