Hypertrophy or relaxation of the soft tissues in the pharynx, such as the tonsils, uvula, and palate, can cause or worsen snoring or sleep apnea.
Pharyngoplasty is a procedure in which the tonsils are either removed or reduced in size, the length of the uvula is shortened, and the vibrating portion of the soft palate is reduced through specific incisions on the sides of the uvula. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the aid of radiofrequency (RF) or laser. It lasts about 30 minutes, and the patient can return home on the same day, provided the tonsils are not removed.
Nasal breathing improvement: straightening of the nasal septum, turbinoplasty, cauterization of nasal turbinates, endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses – removal of nasal polyps.
Pharyngo-uvulopalato-plasty (UPPP) is the main procedure for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Excess tissue from the pharynx is removed (enlarged uvula, large palatal arches, and walls with folds). A more modern variation of UPPP involves the use of laser and primarily radiofrequency (RF). Radiofrequencies can also be used to cause scarring of the soft palate, increasing its stiffness and thereby reducing vibrations and snoring.