Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty involves surgical removal of excess tissue in the airways. This might be partial removal of the uvula, tonsils, adenoids, pharynx, or soft palate. With the tissue removed, the airway is wider so air is able to pass though more easily, so obstruction and snoring are reduced or eliminated. If you decide to have this surgical procedure, be prepared to recover for at least three weeks. During recovery you will experience a sore throat and difficulty in swallowing.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is only indicated if you have too much tissue crowding your airway such as an enlarged uvula or adenoids. It is used as a last resort after trying other methods to stop snoring like losing weight. There is no guarantee this surgery will eliminate your snoring. Like any other kind of surgery there are some risks you should consider. These include infection, bleeding and change in voice quality.

Thermal ablation palatoplasty is also used to remove or shrink excess tissue. However it is usually done in your doctor’s office under a local anesthesia and multiple sessions are required. There are three kinds of thermal ablation palatoplasty: laser, cautery, and radiofrequency. For example, with laser assisted thermal ablation palatoplasty, your doctor uses a laser to trim away part of your uvula. Radiofrequency waves are used in order to shrink tissue and cautery cuts tissue away.

Complications with thermal ablation palatoplasty are rare. You should not use aspirin or NSAIDS two weeks before your surgery or two weeks after to reduce the risk of excess bleeding. It is possible that an ulcer or hole will develop in the soft palate after this procedure. Although painful, it usually heals in just a few days. You might also experience a change in the sound of your voice and have food come into your nose when you swallow. These effects are usually temporary and should pass within the first few days.

Other surgeries may help to reduce snoring as well. A simple tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy may clear your snoring if it is caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. The Pillar Procedure may be used for less serious cases of snoring that are caused by the collapse of the soft palate. With this procedure, your doctor inserts woven implants into your soft palate. Your body responds to this by strengthening your soft palate over time so it does not fall into your airway while you are sleeping.

When it comes to snoring surgery, your doctor will likely save it as a last resort. He will probably want you to lose weight first and maybe even try stop snoring aids. Snoring surgery is painful and carries a risk of complications, although complications are rare. However, if it is necessary to finally end your snoring problem once and for all then it may be worth it to have surgery. Discuss your snoring problem with your doctor so you are well informed about the risks and benefits before making a decision.