8 October, 2025
Our team has performed more than 100 glottoplasties, confirming its leadership in voice feminization
The Otorhinolaryngology Department at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, whose professionals are part of the barnaclínic+ team specialized in voice feminization, has reached the milestone of more than 100 glottoplasties performed. This achievement consolidates the group as one of the leading references in voice feminization surgery in Spain, thanks to its extensive experience with the Wendler glottoplasty technique, a minimally invasive procedure that raises the pitch of the voice and gives it characteristics associated with the female gender, achieving natural and stable results.
“Glottoplasty is a surgical technique used to feminize the voice in trans women. It consists of reducing the size of the larynx by joining the anterior part of the vocal folds and reducing their muscular mass, so that the larynx becomes smaller and more similar to that of a female.”
Dr. Isabel Vilaseca, ENT specialist at barnaclínic+ and Director of the Surgical Area at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
“Glottoplasty is a surgical technique used to feminize the voice in trans women. It consists of reducing the size of the larynx by joining the anterior part of the vocal folds and reducing their muscular mass, so that the larynx becomes smaller and more similar to that of a female.”What is Wendler glottoplasty and how does it help feminize the voice?
Wendler glottoplasty involves shortening the vocal folds by creating a small anterior scar and increasing their tension with a laser. This modification allows the voice to vibrate at higher frequencies, producing a higher pitch that is associated with the female voice.
Dr. Eduardo Lehrer, ENT specialist at barnaclínic+
“In this surgery, we shorten the length of the vocal fold, create an anterior scar, and, using a laser, tighten the cords. In 95% of cases, we achieve successful outcomes.”The procedure is performed through a transoral approach, without external incisions, under general anesthesia, and requires a hospital stay of less than 24 hours. The glottoplasty postoperative period involves absolute voice rest for approximately 10 days. “Pain is minimal, and discomfort beyond the voice rest period is very mild,” adds Dr. Vilaseca, emphasizing that “it is a minimally invasive surgery that offers highly satisfactory results when combined with proper speech therapy follow-up.”
The essential role of speech therapy and exercises to feminize the voice
Voice feminization is a process that goes far beyond surgery. Pre- and postoperative speech therapy are key to achieving a natural, expressive, and stable result.
Dr. Vilaseca explains that “preoperative speech therapy teaches patients to adopt more feminine voice habits—such as softening speech, improving rhythm, adding inflections, or even adjusting vocabulary—while postoperative therapy focuses on recovering the natural tone of the voice after healing.”
Meanwhile, speech therapist Ada Cabero explains that vocal training focuses on “flexibility of the vocal folds, intonation, resonance, and facial expressivity,” using reading, singing, and breathing exercises that help consolidate the new vocal pattern.
Ada Cabero, speech therapist at barnaclínic+
“Vocal work focuses on the flexibility of the vocal folds, intonation, resonance, and facial expression, through reading, singing, or breathing exercises.”A comprehensive and personalized approach
The voice feminization program at barnaclínic+ combines specialized phoniatric and speech therapy assessment, high-precision laser surgery, and individualized postoperative follow-up. Each case is carefully evaluated to adapt the tone, timbre, and expressivity of the voice to the patient’s gender identity and communication needs.
In addition to Wendler glottoplasty, barnaclínic+ also offers non-surgical complementary treatments for those who wish to feminize their voice through vocal re-education, breath control, or resonance and articulation training. The ultimate goal is to achieve a natural, stable voice consistent with each person’s identity, enhancing confidence and overall well-being.
barnaclínic+, a reference in voice feminization and comprehensive care for transgender people
Within its Gender Identity Unit, barnaclínic+ provides global, coordinated care that includes hormonal treatments, gender-affirming surgery, and facial and body feminization, as well as the voice feminization treatment as an essential part of the process. This comprehensive approach accompanies each person throughout all phases of their transition, combining medical excellence, technological innovation, and human support.
barnaclínic+ is committed to providing care based on excellence, safety, and respect for each patient’s identity, positioning itself as a benchmark in transgender healthcare in Barcelona and internationally.