SNORING
Snoring is the hoarse or guttural sound that takes place when breathing is partially obstructed during sleep. As air flows through relaxed tissues in the throat, the tissues can vibrate, creating the irritating sounds and potentially disrupting one’s sleep cycle. Although often thought of as simply a nuisance, snoring may be an indication of a more serious health issue, and may be associated with additional symptoms, such as: sore throat, restless sleep, chest pain, high blood pressure, and gasping or choking at night.
While lifestyle factors (i.e. alcohol consumption, being overweight) can contribute to snoring, the anatomy of the mouth and nasal structures also play a key role. Patients with an elongated uvula, or a low, thick, or soft palate, tend to have narrowed or obstructed airways and are more prone to snoring, as are patients who suffer from chronic nasal congestion or a deviated septum. Snoring can also be linked to obstructive sleep apnea, a serious medical condition in which the tissues of the throat partially (or completely) block the airway and impair breathing.
Depending on the cause of the snoring, some patients may benefit from non-invasive treatment measures (i.e. dental mouthpieces or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), while others will require a more intensive surgical approach. At The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts, located in Chantilly, Virginia, Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is pleased to offer a number of surgical treatment options aimed at resolving the anatomical or structural abnormalities responsible for snoring:
- Palatal Implants (“the pillar procedure”): for this procedure, braided strands of polyester filament are injected into the soft palate to stiffen it, thereby reducing one’s snoring.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): this surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves the trimming and tightening of excess tissues from the throat region in order to expand the airways and minimize vibration.
- Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (LAUPPP): this outpatient procedure utilizes a small hand-held laser beam to reduce the length of the soft palate and remove the uvula. The removal of the excess tissue serves to enlarge the airways while reducing vibration. More than one LAUPPP session may be required to fully ameliorate the patient’s snoring.
- Radiofrequency Tissue Ablation (Somnoplasty): this outpatient procedure is less painful and less invasive than many of the alternatives, and is performed with a local anesthetic and the use of a low-intensity radiofrequency signal. The radiofrequency energy causes the tissue in the soft palate to contract, which helps to reduce snoring.
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In order to ensure that you receive optimally effective treatment for your snoring, it is important that you select a physician with in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and the delicate nasal structures, such as Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V). Dr. V has the background, experience, and clinical skill-set to create customized treatment plans that are designed to safely and effectively address the nasal issues that can lead to snoring.
Dr. V is double board certified in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and through her extensive training, experience, and achievements, she has built a reputation as one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the nation. If you are interested in learning more about the various treatment options to alleviate your snoring, please contact The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. V.
Please call 703-327-8200 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.