Voice Feminization Surgery in Thailand (Glottoplasty / Wendler Glottoplasty)

Your voice is one of the most personal and immediate expressions of who you are. For many transfeminine individuals, voice dysphoria can be a daily source of distress, and even after successful voice therapy, the fundamental pitch may remain lower than desired. Voice feminization surgery permanently raises the resting pitch of your voice, helping it align with your identity every time you speak, laugh, or sing.

Procedure 1–2 hours

Hospital Stay 1 night

Recovery 2–4 weeks

Minimum Stay 10–14 days

What Is Voice Feminization Surgery?

Voice feminization surgery is a group of procedures designed to permanently raise the fundamental frequency (pitch) of the voice. The most widely performed technique is Wendler glottoplasty, which shortens the vibrating length of the vocal folds by creating an anterior web, resulting in a higher speaking pitch. Unlike voice therapy alone, surgery produces a structural change that raises the baseline pitch without conscious effort.

These procedures are performed by specialist laryngologists through the mouth using a microlaryngoscopy approach, meaning there are no external incisions or visible scars. For the best possible outcome, most surgeons recommend combining surgery with pre- and post-operative voice therapy to refine resonance, intonation, and speech patterns alongside the pitch change.

Common Concerns Voice Feminization Surgery Can Address

Speaking pitch that feels too low despite voice therapy
Voice dysphoria that affects confidence in daily interactions
Difficulty maintaining a higher pitch throughout the day
Being misgendered on the phone or in voice-only situations

Are You a Good Candidate?

Transgender women or non-binary individuals seeking a higher vocal pitch
In good general health with no active laryngeal conditions
Ideally completed a course of voice therapy prior to surgery
Realistic expectations about outcomes and committed to post-operative voice rest

Techniques & Options

Several surgical approaches exist to raise vocal pitch, and your laryngologist will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your vocal anatomy, current pitch range, and goals. A pre-operative laryngoscopy and voice assessment are always performed to evaluate the vocal folds and plan the procedure.

The main surgical options include:

Wendler Glottoplasty (Anterior Web Formation)

The surgeon uses a microlaryngoscope inserted through the mouth to access the vocal folds. The anterior third of both vocal folds is de-epithelialised and then sutured together, creating a small web (synechia) that shortens the vibrating portion of the folds. A shorter vibrating length produces a higher fundamental frequency.

Most widely studied and commonly performed voice feminization technique
Performed entirely through the mouth with no external incisions
Reliable pitch elevation of 40–80 Hz on average
Relatively short procedure with predictable recovery

Cricothyroid Approximation (CTA)

This external approach involves a small incision in the neck through which the cricoid and thyroid cartilages are sutured closer together, mimicking the action of the cricothyroid muscle and increasing vocal fold tension. This elongation and thinning of the folds raises the pitch.

Performed through a small neck incision hidden in a natural skin crease
Can be combined with a tracheal shave for simultaneous Adam's apple reduction
Historically the first surgical pitch-elevation technique described
Results may diminish over time as sutures loosen in some patients

Laser Vocal Fold Thinning

A CO2 or KTP laser is used via microlaryngoscopy to thin the vocal fold tissue, reducing its mass. Lighter, thinner folds vibrate at a higher frequency. This technique is sometimes used as a supplement to glottoplasty or CTA rather than a standalone procedure.

Minimally invasive endoscopic approach with no external incision
Can fine-tune pitch when used alongside other techniques
Shorter operative time compared to open approaches

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3

Absolute voice rest is essential, meaning no talking, whispering, coughing, or throat clearing. You'll communicate using a notepad or phone app. Mild throat discomfort is managed with pain medication and staying well hydrated. A soft diet is recommended.

Days 4–7

Strict voice rest continues. A follow-up laryngoscopy is performed around this time to check healing of the anterior web. Throat soreness and a feeling of tightness in the voice box are typical at this stage and ease steadily.

Weeks 2–4

Gradual, gentle voice use begins under clinical guidance and with input from a speech therapist. Start with short, soft-spoken conversations and avoid shouting, singing, or prolonged talking. Your elevated pitch starts to become noticeable during this phase.

Months 2–6

Progressive return to full voice use. Post-operative voice therapy is strongly recommended during this period to refine resonance, intonation, and vocal habits around your raised baseline pitch. Vocal quality continues to mature and stabilise over these months.

What to Expect

Higher Pitch Average rise of 40–80 Hz

Permanent Structural change to vocal folds

Effortless No conscious pitch control needed

Safety & Risks

Voice feminization surgery is a specialised procedure with a well-documented safety profile when performed by an experienced laryngologist. As with any surgery, it carries certain risks that are covered thoroughly during your consultation.

Temporary sore throat and difficulty swallowing
Breathiness or a thin vocal quality in the early weeks
Pitch elevation less than expected

Web dehiscence (the anterior web partially separates)
Reduced vocal range or volume
Vocal fold scarring affecting voice quality

Strict adherence to post-operative voice rest is the single most important factor in achieving a successful outcome. Your surgical team will provide clear, detailed guidance on voice rest protocols and when to resume speaking. Most complications are minor and resolve as the vocal folds heal.

How Much Does Voice Feminization Surgery Cost in Thailand?

Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, and your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.

Voice Feminization Surgery

All-inclusive surgical package

From $3,000

Board-certified surgeon fee
Anaesthesia & operating theatre
Hospital stay & nursing care

Post-operative medications
Follow-up appointments
Dedicated care coordinator

Choose Your Recovery Hotel

Comfortable accommodation with breakfast, transfers & round-the-clock care team access

From $89 / night

Spacious suites on Sukhumvit Soi 23 with kitchenette, daily breakfast, pool and gym access. Well-placed for hospital visits and ideal for longer recovery stays — private, comfortable, and easy on the budget.

Serviced apartments in central Sukhumvit with full kitchen, in-unit laundry, pool and fitness centre. A genuine home-away-from-home for patients recovering over several weeks — popular with those planning multi-stage procedures.

Five-star luxury near Bangkok's medical quarter, renowned for flawless Japanese-inspired hospitality. Generous rooms, a full-service spa, and 24-hour in-room dining — for patients who want an exceptional recovery experience.

Common Questions About Voice Feminization Surgery

Everything you need to know before your procedure

Wendler glottoplasty typically raises the fundamental frequency by 40–80 Hz. Most patients achieve a speaking pitch within the typical female range of 180–220 Hz. The exact result depends on your starting pitch, vocal fold anatomy, and adherence to voice rest protocols.

Yes, the goal is a natural-sounding feminine voice, not an artificially high one. Surgery raises the baseline pitch, and post-operative voice therapy helps refine resonance, intonation, and speech patterns so that the overall quality sounds authentically feminine.

Pre-operative voice therapy is recommended to develop good vocal habits and maximise your results. Post-operative voice therapy is strongly encouraged to help you adapt to your new pitch and train resonance and intonation. Surgery changes the pitch; therapy refines the full vocal presentation.

Complete voice rest (no talking, whispering, or throat clearing) is typically required for 7–14 days, depending on the protocol. This is critical for healing of the anterior web. A gradual return to speaking is guided through follow-up appointments as the tissue matures.

Vocal range and singing ability may be affected by surgery. While your speaking voice will be higher, some patients experience a reduced lower range and changes to their singing voice. If singing is particularly important to you, discuss this in detail with your surgeon before proceeding.

Wendler glottoplasty involves creating a permanent web between the vocal folds. It is technically possible to divide the web surgically, but this is rarely requested and may not fully restore the original voice. The procedure should be considered permanent.

We recommend a minimum stay of 10–14 days. This allows time for your pre-operative assessment, the surgery, critical voice rest period, and at least one post-operative laryngoscopy to confirm healing before you travel home.

Wendler glottoplasty is performed entirely through the mouth using a microlaryngoscope, so there are no external incisions and no visible scars. Cricothyroid approximation is performed through a small incision in the neck, hidden in a natural skin crease.

Voice feminization surgery requires an extended period of strict voice rest, so it is usually performed as a standalone procedure. However, it can be scheduled during the same trip as other procedures if timing allows for adequate recovery between surgeries. Your care coordinator can help plan the sequence.

You'll receive a pre-operative vocal assessment including laryngoscopy to evaluate your vocal fold anatomy. Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery, as smoking impairs healing of the delicate laryngeal tissues. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior. If you haven't already, beginning voice therapy before surgery will help you get the most from your results.

Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Gender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok

Last reviewed: February 24, 2026

Medical References

Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.

What's Included

Board-certified surgeon fee
Anaesthesia & operating theatre
Hospital stay & nursing care
Post-operative medications
Follow-up appointments
Dedicated care coordinator

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Voice Feminization Surgery in Thailand

What Is Voice Feminization Surgery?