ENT · Voice Surgery · Istanbul

Voice Feminisation Surgery (Glottoplasty)

Voice feminisation surgery (also written voice feminization surgery, VFS) raises the pitch of the speaking voice by shortening the vibrating length of the vocal folds. At DrVoice Clinic in Istanbul, Prof. Dr. İsmail Koçak performs it with Laser Reduction Glottoplasty, a technique developed here, through the mouth with no external incision, and combines it with voice therapy so that pitch, resonance and intonation change together.

Voice Feminisation Surgery (Glottoplasty)

Voice Feminisation Surgery

More Than Pitch. Creating an Authentic Feminine Voice.

A feminine voice is not defined by pitch alone.

The way a voice resonates, breathes, moves and expresses emotion all contribute to how it is perceived. Voice feminisation is therefore far more than simply raising the speaking pitch. It is the creation of a voice that feels natural, authentic and truly belongs to the individual.

At DrVoice Clinic, we have dedicated more than two decades to understanding the biomechanics, acoustics and aesthetics of the human voice. Our goal is not merely to create a higher voice, but to help every individual develop a voice that reflects their identity while remaining healthy, expressive and sustainable.Raising vocal pitch to align tone with identity.

Voice Feminisation Is Not Only for Transgender Women

Voice feminisation is most commonly associated with transgender women, and helping transgender individuals achieve a voice that reflects their gender identity remains one of our greatest commitments.

However, voice feminisation extends well beyond transgender care.

Many cisgender women naturally have voices that are perceived as masculine because of a relatively low speaking pitch, heavier vocal quality or resonance characteristics.

Others present with voices that sound unusually high or child-like, making them appear younger than they wish.

These situations are far more common than generally recognized and remain largely underestimated. Nevertheless, they may significantly influence self-confidence, professional communication and social interactions.

Modern voice feminisation surgery and specialised voice rehabilitation can successfully address these conditions by creating a voice that is balanced, natural and appropriate for the individual’s anatomy, age and communication goals.

Every Voice Deserves an Individual Plan

No two voices are alike.

Every patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation before treatment, including:

* Detailed medical and voice history

* High-definition videolaryngostroboscopy

* Acoustic voice analysis

* Fundamental frequency and resonance measurements

* Voice aesthetics assessment

* Professional voice requirements

* Personal expectations and communication goals

Based on this evaluation, we develop an individualized treatment plan.

Surgical decision-making is never based on pitch alone. The choice of procedure is tailored according to each patient’s native language, vocal demands, communication style, age, laryngeal anatomy and long-term expectations.

Some patients benefit primarily from voice therapy.

Others require surgery.

Many achieve the best results through a carefully planned combination of both.

Our Surgical Techniques

DrVoice Clinic offers the complete spectrum of contemporary voice feminisation procedures, including:

* Laser Reduction Glottoplasty (LRG)

* Wendler Glottoplasty

* Cricothyroid Approximation (CTA)

* Revision voice feminisation surgery

* Combined and personalised surgical approaches

Rather than applying a single operation to every patient, we select the technique that best matches the individual’s anatomy, vocal function and aesthetic goals.

The Birthplace of Laser Reduction Glottoplasty

Laser Reduction Glottoplasty (LRG) was developed by Prof. Dr. İsmail Koçak, founder of DrVoice Clinic, and introduced to the international scientific community as an original surgical technique.

Today, LRG has become one of the most widely recognized voice feminisation procedures worldwide and has been adopted by surgeons in many countries.

Its philosophy differs from traditional pitch-elevation procedures by not only increasing vocal frequency but also improving vocal quality, vocal stability and feminine voice characteristics while preserving the natural vibratory properties of the vocal folds.

One of the distinguishing advantages of Laser Reduction Glottoplasty is its ability to preserve vocal flexibility.

Unlike some traditional pitch-elevation procedures, LRG is designed to maintain the physiological vibratory function of the vocal folds while increasing the speaking pitch. As a result, many patients—including professional singers and other voice professionals—are able to retain their singing ability and continue using their voices across a wide dynamic and expressive range following appropriate healing and voice rehabilitation.

For professional voice users, preserving vocal quality, vocal flexibility and artistic expression is just as important as achieving a feminine speaking voice. This principle has been one of the fundamental philosophies behind the development of Laser Reduction Glottoplasty.

Beyond Pitch: Voice Aesthetics

At DrVoice Clinic, our objective is not simply to create a higher voice.

Our goal is to create a voice that is naturally perceived as feminine during everyday human interaction.

This philosophy, which we define as Voice Aesthetics, considers the voice as a multidimensional form of communication. Pitch is only one component. Resonance, vocal weight, breath, flexibility, articulation, emotional expression and communicative intention together shape how a voice is perceived.

Every treatment plan is therefore designed not only to change the sound of the voice, but also to preserve its individuality, expressiveness and authenticity.

Your Journey at DrVoice Clinic

Every patient’s journey is carefully planned from the first consultation through long-term follow-up.

Our process includes:

* Online voice recording review

* Initial voice assessment

* Comprehensive online consultation

* Personalized treatment planning

* Surgery

* Early postoperative monitoring

* Structured voice rehabilitation

* Long-term follow-up

International patients receive dedicated guidance before, during and after their stay in Istanbul.

International Experience

For many years, DrVoice Clinic has welcomed patients from around the world.

Our experience includes professional singers, actors, broadcasters, voice professionals, transgender women and individuals simply wishing to achieve a voice that better reflects who they are.

Every voice tells a different story.

Our mission is to help that story sound authentic.

Send Us Your Voice

Wondering whether voice feminisation surgery may be right for you?

Simply send us a short voice recording.

Our specialists will evaluate your voice characteristics and provide an initial professional opinion regarding the most suitable treatment options.

Your recording may include:

* Reading a short paragraph

* Counting from 1 to 20

* Speaking freely for 30 to 60 seconds

All recordings are treated confidentially and reviewed personally by our team.

Your journey toward a more authentic voice may begin with a single recording.

What to expect

Your treatment journey

A clear, coordinated path from first enquiry to a fully recovered voice — with particular support for patients travelling to Istanbul from abroad.

  1. 01

    Enquiry

    Get in touch and tell us about your voice and your goals.

  2. 02

    Free consultation

    An initial assessment — in person or online — with no obligation.

  3. 03

    Preparation

    Pre-operative checks, planning and clear guidance before your date.

  4. 04

    Treatment

    Your procedure at our fully equipped Istanbul clinic.

  5. 05

    After care

    Voice rest, monitoring and structured post-operative support.

  6. 06

    Recovery

    Guided rehabilitation as your voice settles, typically over weeks.

Prof. Dr. İsmail Koçak at DrVoice Clinic

Your specialist

Prof. Dr. İsmail Koçak

ENT — Head & Neck Surgery · Voice disorders & vocology

Originally a musician, Prof. Koçak has treated the human voice since 1993 and is the originator of several surgical techniques used in vocal aesthetics and tissue preservation — including the laser reduction glottoplasty at the heart of DrVoice's feminisation work. He leads the clinic's team across Istanbul and London.

View full profile

FAQ

Voice Feminisation Surgery (Glottoplasty), answered

  • It raises the fundamental frequency (pitch) of your voice by surgically shortening the vocal folds, so they vibrate faster. Pitch is only one part of a voice being heard as feminine; resonance, intonation and speech patterns are addressed with voice therapy before and after surgery.

    At DrVoice Clinic the procedure is performed with Laser Reduction Glottoplasty, through the mouth, under general anaesthesia.

  • Strict voice rest is required for the first days so the vocal folds can heal, followed by a gradual, therapist-guided return to speaking. A hoarse or weak voice in the early weeks is expected; the voice strengthens over the following weeks and the final pitch is assessed at several months.

    For patients who travel to Istanbul, the first check is done before you fly home, and later follow-ups and voice therapy sessions are held online.

  • In the majority of patients, glottoplasty raises the average speaking pitch into a range that is perceived as more feminine, and the result is stable over time. Outcomes vary with anatomy, technique and how consistently post-operative voice therapy is followed.

    We discuss realistic expectations at your consultation and share recorded voice samples from previous patients. Published research on the technique is listed on our <a href="/literature">literature page</a>.

  • Most patients return to desk-based work within about a week, after an initial period of voice rest. Full vocal recovery and the final pitch take several months, during which voice therapy is important.

  • No external scar. Laser Reduction Glottoplasty is performed entirely through the mouth, so there is no incision on the neck.

  • The cost depends on the technique, anaesthesia, hospital stay, the voice therapy programme and, for international patients, travel and accommodation. We provide a written quotation after an online consultation and voice assessment, before you travel.

  • Yes. Voice recordings made before surgery and several months afterwards are available on request and can be shared during your online consultation. The expected change in pitch is discussed individually, as it depends on your starting pitch and anatomy.

  • Patients from the UK choose Istanbul for shorter waiting times and the chance to have surgery and intensive voice therapy with a single specialist team. The pathway: an online consultation and review of your voice recording; a written plan and quotation; a 5–7 day stay in Istanbul covering examination, surgery and the first follow-up; and online voice therapy and follow-up after you return.

    Istanbul has direct flights of about four hours from London. Consultations and treatment planning can also be arranged at our London office at 22 Harley Street; all surgery takes place in Istanbul.

  • For some people, voice therapy alone achieves a voice they are happy with, particularly when the starting pitch is not very low. When therapy reaches its limit, surgery raises the baseline pitch and therapy then shapes resonance and intonation around it. An assessment with voice recordings tells us which path suits you; see our <a href="/voice-therapy">voice therapy</a> page.

  • DrVoice treats hoarseness, vocal cord lesions (nodules, polyps, cysts), voice disorders after intubation or trauma, and functional voice problems, alongside voice feminisation, deepening and aesthetic procedures.

  • If hoarseness or a voice change lasts longer than two to three weeks, a specialist assessment is recommended. Persistent throat discomfort or vocal fatigue should also be evaluated.
  • All surgical procedures and advanced treatments are performed at our fully equipped Istanbul clinic, while our London office handles consultations and treatment planning.

Ready to talk about your voice?

Book a consultation with Prof. Dr. İsmail Koçak and the DrVoice team. We'll assess your voice and set out the options — with no obligation.