Achieve a softer, more proportional silhouette with clavicle shortening—an advanced surgical option for transfeminine and gender-diverse individuals seeking shoulder width reduction. At Transitions, Dr. Leif Rogers and Dr. Walter J. Joseph specialize in this rare, technically demanding procedure to help you align your physical form with your authentic self.
Achieve a more delicate upper body silhouette
Clavicle shortening is a surgical procedure that reduces shoulder width by removing a small segment of the clavicle—commonly known as the collarbone. This bone extends horizontally across the upper chest, connecting the sternum to the shoulder blade. By shortening the clavicle, the outer shoulder is brought inward, resulting in a narrower upper body frame.
This procedure is valuable for transfeminine and gender-diverse individuals seeking a more traditionally feminine shoulder contour. Because the clavicle is crucial in shoulder alignment and arm mobility, clavicle shortening requires precise surgical planning to preserve function while achieving aesthetic goals. Our surgeons at Transitions—Dr. Rogers and Dr. Joseph—are among the few specialists trained to perform this highly technical surgery.
Clavicle shortening can address these concerns:
- Having shoulders that appear too broad or masculine
- Feeling dysphoria related to upper body proportions
- Difficulty achieving a feminine silhouette in fitted clothing
- Wanting a more balanced and proportional torso shape
- Experiencing self-consciousness in certain tops or dresses
Do I qualify for clavicle shortening?
You may be a good candidate for clavicle shortening if you’re in overall good health, have broad shoulders that feel out of alignment with your identity, and seek a more traditionally feminine or proportional upper body. Many transfeminine and gender-diverse individuals consider this procedure to support their physical transition and boost confidence in their appearance.
During your consultation at Transitions, our surgeons will evaluate your bone structure, review your medical history, and talk with you about your goals. They’ll determine if clavicle shortening is right for you based on your anatomy, expectations, and ability to commit to the recovery. Our team is here to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision.
What are the benefits of clavicle shortening?
Clavicle shortening offers a unique opportunity to permanently refine your upper body proportions by narrowing the shoulders. For many transfeminine and gender-diverse individuals, it can be a life-affirming step toward achieving a silhouette that feels more aligned with their identity. Some of the key advantages of clavicle shortening include:
- Creating a more traditionally feminine shoulder width
- Enhancing the fit and appearance of clothing
- Reducing upper body gender dysphoria
- Achieving a more proportional and harmonious frame
- Producing permanent skeletal changes with long-term results
- Minimizing visible scarring through discreet incision placement
The day of your clavicle shortening surgery
On the day of your clavicle shortening procedure, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort. Once you’re asleep, your surgeon will make small, carefully placed incisions near each clavicle. A precise segment of bone is removed from each side, and the remaining ends are securely fixed together using internal hardware such as plates and screws.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on your anatomy and surgical plan. Your incisions will be closed to minimize scarring, and you’ll be monitored as you wake up in recovery. Before you leave, our team will review your post-op instructions and ensure you have everything you need for a safe recovery at home or in our aftercare facility.
Your recovery experience after clavicle shortening
After clavicle shortening, you can expect to wear a sling for the first two weeks to protect your shoulders and support healing. Mild to moderate discomfort is normal in the early days, but we’ll provide pain management and aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity, especially arm movements, for at least six weeks as your bones heal.
Your full recovery may take up to four months, during which time we’ll schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress. Our team will be available to answer your questions, adjust your recovery plan as needed, and guide you through physical therapy if recommended. As your body heals, you’ll see a beautiful transformation that aligns with your true identity.
Transition into your authentic self...
Transitions is proud to offer advanced procedures like clavicle shortening to help you achieve a body that truly reflects your identity. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Leif Rogers and Dr. Walter J. Joseph, bring technical precision and compassionate care to every step of your journey. If you’re ready to explore shoulder narrowing as part of your gender-affirming goals, schedule a consultation for clavicle shortening in Pasadena or Beverly Hills today.
Redefining
Gender-Affirming
Care & Aesthetics
Transitions: Where Your True Self Emerges
BEVERLY HILLS: 310.860.8915PASADENA: 626.537.3737
