Somnoplasty for Snoring



Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009

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http://www.doctorstevenpark.com

Somnoplasty is the brand name for a snoring procedure that a company developed that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink soft tissues in the throat. There are many other companies with similar products. Essentially, a wand with a thin needle (attached to the device) is inserted into the area that you want to shrink, and a precise amount of radiofrequency energy is applied, essentially causing a mild burn. As the tissues heal over weeks to months, the expected scarring causes the tissues to shrink and tighten, leading to the desired effect.

The most common area this device is used for is on the soft palate to reduce snoring. It's an office procedure and can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Typically, an anesthetic is injected into the soft palate (like what's used by dentists), and the needle is inserted into the middle of the muscle layer of the soft palate and energy is applied until the exact amount wanted is reached (counted in joules). Usually, multiple areas are performed to maximize the effect.

Snoring success rates are typical compared with other procedures that tighten the soft palate, with about 70-80% of people reporting significant improvement. As with all other palatal procedures, there is a small, but significant chance of loosening of the tissues (since the body softens scar tissue over time).

This procedure is not meant to cure sleep apnea. Its' main purpose is to stiffen the soft palate to lessen snoring sounds. Potential complications are minimal, with bleeding and ulceration of the mucous membrane (which eventually heals and gives an even better result).

Afterwards, you'll have a very sore throat, and some people may need to take pain medications. Some people go back to work right away, but I usually recommend the procedure is scheduled near the end of the say so you can go home afterwards. For maximum benefits, 2 or 3 treatments may be needed for optimal results. It may take a few weeks to a few months to see (or hear) any results.

The same technology can be applied to the nasal turbinates and in the tongue to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

For a more detailed, free report on The Truth About Sleep Apnea Surgery, go to: Steven Y. Park, M.D. http://www.doctorstevenpark.com

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