Somnoplasty

Somnoplasty is the treatment that cures or reduces breathing disorders, such as habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (when you have a pause on your breathing while sleeping). Somnoplasty is a procedure performed in the physician's office where a small needle-like instrument is inserted into the palate (upper surface of the mouth) to direct very low levels of electric current to tissues of the palate.

Normally when we breathe air passes from the nose to the lungs. The muscles on the back of the throat are naturally tight in order to hold the uvula. The uvula is the anatomic structure dangling downward visibly at the back of the mouth.

When we sleep the throat muscles and the uvula relax. They cause vibrations known as snoring. So, the somnoplasty procedure is for tightening the muscles to avoid vibrations.

Why should I undergo this procedure?

• To reshape and tighten muscles of the soft palate.
• It takes about 30 minute.
• It is an effective way to reduce habital snoring.
• Has minimum bleeding and pain before and after the procedure.
• Temperature and power are monitored continuously.
• The physician has complete control over the procedure.
• You can return to normal activities almost immediately after the procedure.
• Significant results are experienced in three to six weeks.

The procedure

During the somnoplasty procedure

• The patient is fully awake throughout the treatment.
• The patient does not feel discomfort during the procedure.
• The physician first applies a local anesthetic (substance that causes lack of feeling) to the uvula and palate in the throat in a manner similar to that used before a dental procedure.
• A few minutes later the somnoplasty device which is connected to radiofrequency unit is placed into the mouth.
• The somnoplasty device that generates low-level radiofrequencies is then inserted into the soft palate by a small tip.
• The device is closely controlled to protect the sensitive surface of the tissue.
• The device treats just the limited, snoring-related tissues.

After the procedure

• You might have a mild sore throat and some swelling.
• The swelling might cause difficulty in swallowing.
• The swelling might cause the snoring to be worse than normal, but temporarily.
• One to three days after the procedure some patients take over-the-counter analgesic.
• Noticeable changes may start occurring in a week.
• In three to six weeks the treated tissue is naturally tightened. Notify a doctor if you have problems in swallowing, breathing and bleeding after the procedure.