New technology available in the last decade has allowed dramatic improvements in the treatment of snoring. Over the past 10 years, Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) has been successful in treating disruptive snoring. Patient satisfaction was limited, however, due to the pain involved with the treatments. For the past few years, a new procedure, Somnoplasty treatment of the palate has been found to be as effective as LAUP in treating snoring. The great advantage of Somnoplasty is that patients have minimal discomfort during or after the procedure. Somnoplasty treatment of the palate is done under local anesthesia in the clinic and takes less than 30 minutes. The mouth and throat are sprayed with Hurricaine spray to anesthetize the throat. Very small needles are then used to inject local anesthesia into the soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth). The Somnoplasty device is then used to deliver a predetermined amount of radio frequency energy to several areas on the palate. The treated tissue shrinks over a two month period tightening the soft palate to reduce snoring. Some patients take Tylenol or Motrin for mild discomfort for one or two days, but rarely require prescription pain medication. All patients note swelling in the palate which lasts up to one week. There is no need to take time off from work or other activities. Patients frequently return to work an hour after having the procedure done.

Generally, the snoring is reevaluated 10 weeks after the procedure to see if an additional treatment is necessary. Nationally, thousands of patients have undergone Somnoplasty treatment of the palate with an 85 percent success rate after two treatments. Up to three treatments are done, if necessary. Procedures for snoring are not covered by insurance so you will be informed of all costs involved with Somnoplasty treatments at the time of your initial evaluation. If you think you or your spouse would benefit from treatment for snoring, call our office today for a complimentary appointment to discuss this further with one of our doctors.

This page is a copy of an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Public Service.