An office laser may be used to tighten up the vocal cords. I have used this treatment technique (previously with the Pulsed Dye Laser and presently with the KTP laser). The procedure takes about 30 minutes. A numbing medication is dripped onto the vocal cords. The laser is used on the top surface of the vocal cords away from the vibrating edge.

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Discomfort tends to be minimal. The vocal cords swell and create a laryngitis quality. I asked patients not to talk for the 1st 3-7 days after the surgery so as not to create further bruising. The area that has been lasered then gradually tightens over several weeks and this typically brings the pitch up about one semitone with an initial treatment. It is possible to perform successive treatments.

Indications for use

• Tighten up asymmetric vocal cords. 
• Shrink smoker's polyps, which will raise the pitch (Smokers polyp's occur most typically in females and may leave them with a rather deep, masculine voice).
• Correct other causes of lowered pitch (examples might include from steroid use or testosterone exposure).
• Raise the comfortable speaking pitch.