There are cases where simple remedies for snoring just aren’t going to solve the issue. In some cases the only way to stop snoring is through surgery.
There are several types of surgical procedures to stop snoring. The one that’s best for you will depend on your body and the contributing factors to your snoring problem.
The type of surgeon you would consult to find out what your best option is would be a otolaryngologist. They specialize in the ears, nose and throat. Unfortunately, many insurance companies consider snoring surgery a cosmetic procedure and don’t cover the costs.
LAUP
Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is one of the more common types of surgery for dealing with snoring. In a LAUP procedure, the uvula (the dangling tissue at the back of your mouth) is cut away with a laser. This has the effect of reducing its contact with your throat.
If your snoring is caused by the uvula partially blocking your airway, this surgery can make a difference.
Somnoplasty
Another type of surgery commonly used to help with snoring problems is radio frequency tissue ablation, or RFTA. This is done under the trade name “Somnoplasty” and was only recently approved by the FDA.
RFTA is another way of reducing the size of the uvula, minimizing its contact with the throat. With RFTA, multiple sessions may be necessary before you see results. Because it is so new, there is not a lot of data published on it yet.
Another recent procedure is know as Coblation-Channeling, a method using radio frequency to reduce the tissue in the airway itself. This procedure is even newer than RFTA however, so again there is not a lot of data published on it yet.
Repose
Yet another recent procedure is called tongue suspension, going under the trade name Repose. This type of surgery keeps your tongue from falling back and blocking the airway during sleep.
A small screw is inserted into the lower jaw bone and stitches are placed below the tongue. This helps to keep the tongue in place at night.
The final procedure we’ll discuss is nasal deviation surgery. Blockages in your nose or a deviated septum can both restrict your breathing, leading to snoring. This type of surgery helps to remove those blockages and free up your airflow.
An interesting side effect of this surgery is that it also helps to improve your breathing during the day. For that reason, it is often covered by medical insurance policies.
As with any type of serious treatment, you should always consult with a medical professional before considering any surgery. Talk to your doctor about your snoring to get their informed opinion of what treatment would be best suited for your situation.
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