Somnoplasty: A Minimally Invasive Way to Treat Habitual Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea

While occasional snoring can be caused by a cold or even allergies, habitual snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. When excess tissue obstructs your airway, you snore and even experience temporary pauses (apneas) in your breathing. You may sometimes wake up gasping for air.

About 39 million Americans have sleep apnea. It’s more than just snoring though. Sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches, sore throats, day time fatigue, excessive sleep requirements and nocturia (waking up to use the restroom multiple times).

If this is your status quo, you may want to ask yourself: “What can I do about my snoring?” It’s a question that we hear often at Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing in Houston, Texas. 

Sleep apnea is treatable, and you don’t have to settle for invasive surgery or having to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. You can say goodbye to snoring — and the consequences of untreated sleep apnea — with a minimally invasive procedure called somnoplasty.

Dr. Conrad McCutcheon performs in-office somnoplasty so you can get relief from snoring without invasive surgery or cumbersome CPAP masks. Here’s what you need to know about somnoplasty.

What is somnoplasty?

Somnoplasty is a procedure that treats habitual snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. The goal is to tighten the tissues in your throat and palate that contribute to airway obstruction. 

Unlike traditional surgical methods, which involve removing tissue or restructuring the anatomy of your airway, somnoplasty uses low radiofrequency energy to tighten and shrink the excess tissues in the palate and possibly base of tongue.

How does it work?

During a somnoplasty procedure, Dr. McCutcheon uses a small wand-like device to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to the tissues at the back of your throat and palate. This energy heats the tissues to a precise temperature and causes them to shrink and stiffen over time. 

As a result, your airway becomes more open and less prone to collapse during sleep. This reduces snoring and improves your airflow. It also means you can get a better night’s sleep.

The entire procedure is performed in the office and typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, Dr. McCutcheon may suggest anywhere from one to four treatments.

Because there are no incisions or tissue removal, you don’t have to worry about a lengthy or painful recovery period. You may experience swelling or discomfort, but this should dissipate within 48 hours. Dr. McCutcheon provides you with detailed aftercare instructions. Almost all patients can return to work the next day. Patients will often resume normal activities the day of the procedure.

While some people notice immediate improvements in their snoring and sleep quality, it may take several weeks to realize the full effects of somnoplasty. That’s because it takes time for the tissue to tighten and shrink back.

Who should consider somnoplasty?

You might consider somnoplasty if:

• You have loud disruptive or intense snoring
• You have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• You don’t want (or can’t have) more invasive surgery
• You want to avoid nightly use of a CPAP machine

Somnoplasty complements other treatments for sleep apnea. Sleeping on your side rather than on your back and maintaining a healthy weight are two other ways to reduce snoring.

If you’re ready for relief from snoring, call Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing at 281-822-3777 or simply click here to book your next appointment. It’s time to find out how minimally invasive somnoplasty can help you or your bed partner get a good night’s rest.