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- $Unique_ID{BRK02498}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Can the Vocal Pitch be Surgically Raised?}
- $Subject{raise pitch voice surgical operation cords quavery special procedure
- procedures operations vocal cord throat box larynx lifestyle lifestyles
- raising pitches voiced high higher surgery}
- $Volume{P-6,P-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Can the Vocal Pitch be Surgically Raised?
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-
- QUESTION: Recent events in my personal life have made the answer to this
- question very important to me. Is it possible to raise the pitch of the voice
- by a surgical operation? If it does exist, is it a dangerous operation? I
- hope you will be able to find this answer for me.
-
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-
- ANSWER: Yes, an operation to raise the pitch of the voice does exist, and it
- can raise the voice by as much as two notes. While the operation is not
- dangerous, and may be carried out under local anesthesia, it is technically
- difficult. Essentially, it stretches the vocal cords by changing the position
- of their point of attachment in the voice box. This additional tension causes
- the elevation in pitch.
- The operation was developed to deal with the changes in the voice that
- sometimes comes with aging. The voice cords can become flabby, and the voice
- becomes quavery. This tightening procedure restores a normal, strong voice.
- However it was discovered that the same operation also raised the pitch of the
- voice. This effect made it most useful in individuals who were undergoing sex
- change procedures. Although both their external appearance and sexual organs
- presented the appearance of femininity, their voices often destroyed the
- desired effect. Since maintaining a high pitched sound is difficult over long
- periods of time, the operation offered a permanent solution to their problem.
- The operation has been successful, but long term results extending beyond 5
- years are not yet available.
-
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-