Mayor of Marbella – María Ángeles Muñoz Uriol
Director of Hospital Quirón Marbella – José Carlos Mellado
Dean of the Faculty of Psychology – Serafina Castro
Dean of the Official College of Speech Therapy of Andalusia - Adela Corrales

Opening Address on Advancements and the Future of Trans Voice Surgery.

Exploring Historical Advances and the Evolution of Gender-Affirming Surgery.

WPATH Guidelines Update: TBA / Stay updated with the latest revisions in the WPATH Standards of Care. This session will provide an in- depth review of the newest guidelines, emphasizing their implications for gender-affirming voice surgery and how they aim to improve care and outcomes for transgender patients.

Join Dr. Marc Remacle as he traces the pivotal contributions of transsexualism to the field of voice surgery. This session offers a historical perspective, illustrating how shifts in understanding and treatment of transgender individuals have shaped current surgical practices and therapeutic approaches.

Explore the transformative role of phonosurgery in advancing health justice. Diving into how equitable treatment practices and vocal modifications can significantly enhance the quality of life for transgender individuals, highlighting the intersection of medical innovation and social equity.

Explore how words build bridges for equity in healthcare.

Discover the origins and aspirations of the IATVS with Dr. Markus Hess. This session provides insights into the founding principles of the International Association of Trans Voice Surgeons, its impactful journey thus far, and its visionary goals for shaping the future of transgender healthcare and voice surgery.

In this insightful presentation, Dr. Hyung-Tae Kim explores the essential aspects of feminizing voice surgery, a pivotal component in gender-affirming care. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the surgical techniques and approaches that are crucial for achieving a more feminine voice quality. Dr. Kim will discuss the preoperative considerations, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative care that optimize patient outcomes. This session is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge to support their patients’ journey towards voice congruence with their gender identity.

Exploring the Physiology of Transcendent Voices

Dive deep into the anatomical nuances with Dr. Roberto Fernández as he elucidates the critical role of vocal fold anatomy in gender- affirming surgeries. Understand the intricate details that guide surgical decisions and influence successful outcomes.

Join Dr. Paul Paddle and Dr. Peter Tomassen as they explore the science of sound in transgender voice surgery. This presentation focuses on how acoustic measurements can predict surgical success and help tailor interventions to individual vocal needs.

Dr. Roberto Fernández presents his innovative biomechanical analysis, developed as part of his doctoral thesis and successfully applied in Spain to optimize voice surgery outcomes, enhancing surgical planning and postoperative results in both vocal feminization and masculinization.

Innovative Techniques in Vocal Feminization

Explore the comprehensive evaluation process for trans women prior to vocal feminization surgery. This talk delves into the assessment techniques that determine eligibility for surgical procedures, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs and expectations.

Discover the diversity of surgical techniques available worldwide for vocal feminization. Engaging overview of various procedures, comparing their effectiveness and suitability for different patient profiles, highlighting the tailored approach required in voice transformation surgeries.

Personal Approaches to Voice Surgery

Top surgeons share their personal techniques, explaining their unique approaches and intraoperative decision-making. This interactive session invites attendees to engage in open debate, compare methods, and explore the reasoning behind different surgical choices. A must-attend for those looking to gain deeper insights into voice feminization surgery. Dr. Hyung- Tae Kim, Dr. Juan Carlos Casado, Dr. James Thomas, Dr. Chadwan Al Yaghci, Dr. Kursat Yeken, Dr. Hakan Birkent, Dra. Nupur Kapoor Nerukar, Dr. Markus Hess, Dr. Antonio Ballesta, Dr. Ahmed Geneid and Dr. Marc Remacle

Personal Contributions to Optimize Techniques and Enhance Outcomes

Although it might seem easy to accurately determine the midpoint (or any proportion) between the anterior commissure and the tip of the vocal process during surgery, some variables can significantly distract the surgeon from locating the exact new anterior comissure point for shortening. Variables are discussed, and tips and tricks on how to deal with this situation are demonstrated.

Dr. Juan Carlos Casado presents the prototype of IVCSM (International Vocal Cord Suturing Marbella), an innovative instrument designed to optimize suturing in voice feminization surgery. This new tool enhances surgical precision, facilitates vocal fold handling, and reduces surgery time, improving procedural stability and safety.

Dr. Antonio Ballesta presents his innovative approach to voice feminization surgery, replacing the traditional microscope with a rigid endoscope. This method enhances vocal fold visualization, providing greater precision, flexibility, and surgical control to optimize outcomes.

In this session, we will analyze the main challenges associated with vocal fold shortening and tensioning techniques, addressing strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and managing postoperative complications. Clinical cases, corrective techniques, and approaches to minimize risks and enhance long-term outcomes will be discussed.

Dr. Hyung- Tae Kim will discuss innovative approaches to enhance precision, optimize surgical access, and improve patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Vocal Care Management

Explores the key differences in access, treatment approaches, and outcomes, providing insights into the advantages and challenges of each model in delivering quality voice care.

Groundbreaking research shaping the future of vocal surgery. This session delves into the latest findings, their clinical implications, and how they translate into improved surgical techniques and patient care.

Integrating Chondrolaryngoplasty and Facial Feminization

Chondrolaryngoplasty is a key procedure in facial feminization, designed to reduce the prominence of the thyroid cartilage and refine the contour of the neck. In this session, we will explore the traditional technique, its indications, and benefits for achieving optimal aesthetic and functional results.

Transvestibular chondrolaryngoplasty offers an advanced alternative to reduce thyroid cartilage prominence through a minimally invasive approach. In this session, we will explore its procedure, advantages, and outcomes in laryngeal feminization.

The latest advancements in facial feminization surgery (FFS), focusing on innovative techniques, surgical precision, and patient-centered approaches. Experts from Facial Team will share insights into how cutting-edge procedures are enhancing facial harmony and affirming gender identity, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the evolution of FFS and its impact on patient outcomes.

This session examines the realities of voice therapy, its effectiveness, limitations, and role in voice modification. Experts will discuss evidence-based approaches and clarify common misconceptions about its impact on voice feminization and masculinization.

This session will focus on how voice influences gender perception in trans women, covering key acoustic and speech characteristics that shape vocal identity and the challenges in achieving a voice that aligns with gender identity.

This session will focus on the effectiveness of voice training in achieving vocal feminization, examining its limitations, success rates, and how it compares to surgical approaches in delivering lasting results.

This session explores efficient voice therapy techniques for feminization, focusing on optimizing session length, frequency, and methods to achieve effective results in less time.

Patient-centered approach to transgender voice and communication therapy. Covering key principles of vocal adaptation, nonverbal communication, and identity expression, evidence-based strategies that support trans and nonbinary individuals in achieving authentic and sustainable vocal outcomes.

This session will delve into a holistic framework for gender-affirming voice therapy by integrating somatic practices and nervous system techniques. It will highlight how embodiment and body awareness contribute to achieving a more authentic vocal expression, providing participants with practical strategies to enhance voice transformation and overall well-being.

Surgery or Speech Therapy? The Ultimate Debate on Vocal Feminization

This presentation highlights the essential collaboration between ENT surgeons and speech and language therapists (SLTs) in voice feminization surgery. This session will focus on explore how a multidisciplinary approach enhances surgical outcomes, optimizes voice therapy, and ensures long-term vocal satisfaction for patients.

This session will explore the challenges in maintaining a cohesive collaboration between ENT surgeons and speech and language therapists (SLTs) in voice feminization. It will examine differences in clinical approaches, communication gaps, and strategies to create a more unified and effective patient care pathway.

This session will focus on the key therapeutic principles that guide speech and language therapists (SLTs) in supporting trans feminine patients undergoing surgical voice interventions. It will cover best practices, pre- and post-operative strategies, and the role of SLTs in optimizing vocal outcomes.

This session will focus on strategies to strengthen collaboration between ENT surgeons and speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the evolving field of transgender voice care. It will cover innovative approaches, interdisciplinary communication, and ways to optimize patient outcomes through teamwork.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Approaches to Voice Masculinization

This session examines the key factors in determining the most effective approach for voice masculinization. We will discuss the decision-making process between surgical and non-surgical interventions, patient candidacy, and strategies for achieving optimal vocal outcomes

What is the most effective surgical technique for achieving a deep and natural masculine voice? In this session, we will explore the most advanced procedures for voice masculinization, comparing surgical approaches, expected outcomes, and their long-term impact on vocal quality.

Explore how Botox injections can optimize the outcomes of voice masculinization surgery. This session will analyze its application in combination with existing surgical techniques, its potential benefits, and its impact on vocal quality and postoperative recovery.

This session explores how speech therapy plays a crucial role in voice masculinization, helping individuals achieve a deeper, more resonant voice. We will discuss vocal exercises, resonance training, and therapeutic techniques that shape a natural-sounding masculine voice while ensuring vocal health and sustainability.

Explore targeted techniques to adjust vocal tone as a therapeutic strategy for managing specific types of dysphonia. Through clinical insights and case examples, the speaker will discuss how tone modulation can enhance vocal clarity, reduce strain, and improve overall vocal function in affected individuals

Hormonal Therapy and Psychological Support for the Trans Community

Hormonal therapy plays a crucial role in gender transition, helping individuals achieve a more feminine appearance. Dr. Antonio Cuesta will explore the fundamentals of hormone management, its effects on voice and body, and best practices for safe and effective treatment.

This session highlights the essential role of psychological support and the psychosocial factors related to self-esteem, life satisfaction, and overall well-being. It will provide strategies for professionals to offer respectful and effective care to the trans community. Additionally, the session will address the importance of having clear guidelines for psychologists and other professionals working in trans voice therapy.

Not all voice surgeries achieve the expected results, even when performed correctly. In this interactive session, participants are invited to present challenging cases where voice feminization or masculinization did not meet expectations. Through group discussion and expert analysis, we will explore possible reasons behind these outcomes and potential strategies for improvement. Speakers are encouraged to share their own cases of suboptimal results, analyzing what may have contributed to the outcome and discussing possible corrective approaches. This session aims to foster an open and constructive dialogue to refine techniques and enhance future surgical success.

In this session, each speaker will deliver an 8-minute presentation on a topic of their choice related to voice feminization or masculinization. This is a unique opportunity for attendees to share innovative research, clinical experiences, or case studies in the field. Jürg Wendler Award The best presentation will be recognized with the Jürg Wendler Award, named in honor of the pioneer of Wendler Glottoplasty. The Board Committee will evaluate all presentations and announce the winner at the end of the session. Why participate?

• Gain recognition for your work.
• Share groundbreaking ideas with an expert audience.
• Engage in meaningful discussions and receive valuable feedback.

A tribute to Dr. Wendler, the visionary behind the Glottoplasty technique, whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped the field of voice feminization surgery. This session celebrates his legacy, the evolution of his technique, and the lasting impact of his work on transgender voice care worldwide.

Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Speakers Dinner