Voice Feminization Surgery, Explained (with
Considering voice surgery? This in-depth conversation with speech-language pathologist Tallulah Breslin covers the most common voice feminization surgeries—what they are, how they work, who they’re for, and what risks to weigh before deciding.
We walk through:
Wendler’s glottoplasty and its modified versions (like VFSRAC)
Less common surgeries like FemLar, CTA, and LAVA
Why tracheal shaves can impact your voice
Complications and long-term outcomes
What every trans person should know before opting for pitch-raising surgery
Tallulah shares insights from clinical experience working with trans clients across the U.S., plus important advice on pre- and post-op care, selecting a reputable surgeon, and why most people still benefit from voice training—even after surgery.
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💬 Have you considered voice surgery? What’s been most surprising or confusing in your research? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your experiences and questions.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Opening
00:41 Intro
01:17 Where do you start researching voice surgery?
02:46 What are modified versions of Wendler’s Glottoplasty?
05:45 Is Botox to cause Vocal Rest common during surgery?
06:51 What are other kinds of Voice Feminization surgeries?
09:21 Let’s talk about risks
15:29 Why are people's accounts so divided on voice surgeries?
16:26 Tracheal Shave vs Voice Surgery?
18:18 Side Effects & Complications of Voice Surgery
20:25 Not speaking, on its own can cause damage
21:50 How do people react after surgery?
23:33 Why should voice surgery be your last surgery?
25:03 Who benefits the most from Voice Feminization Surgery?
27:52 Pitch isn't everything, it is what the surgeries change
28:59 Why might you want to wait to have surgery?
31:34 What extra concerns do singers have with surgery?
32:44 What do you wish people knew before opting for voice feminization surgery?
34:35 Would surgeons suggest you do training first?
35:36 How do you choose a reputable surgeon?
36:32 Any last thoughts?
37:53 Outro
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🔗 Links & Resources:
Tallulah’s Practice: https://harmonicspeech.com
Newsletter with trans voice tips: https://go.reneeyoxon.com/yt-newsletter
Voice Feminization Playlist: https://go.reneeyoxon.com/yt-fem
Mindful Voice Feminization Course: https://go.reneeyoxon.com/yt-mvf
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Find more from Renée:
Renée Yoxon is a gender-affirming voice teacher who helps trans people explore and shape their voices without surgery or hormones (unless they want to!). They’ve helped thousands of students worldwide through self-paced courses, private coaching, and educational content.
Find them at https://reneeyoxon.com
#voicefeminization #transvoice