Sleep apnea is a condition affecting millions of Americans. For most people suffering from sleep apnea, there are any number of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments available. From CPAP masks to oral appliances, septoplasty to balloon rhinoplasty, there are very effective treatments available that help most patients. However, some people do not respond to these treatments and require in-patient surgery to correct their sleep apnea.
Tonsillectomy for Sleep Apnea Treatment
A tonsillectomy – surgery to remove enlarged tonsils that obstruct the airway – can provide relief from sleep apnea within a week or two after surgery. For some people whose obstructive sleep apnea is primarily caused by enlarged tonsils, a tonsillectomy is effectively a cure for the condition.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for Sleep Apnea
A uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, also referred to as a UPPP or UP3, is a surgical procedure in which the uvula (the flap at the back of the throat) and surrounding soft palate tissue are removed to reduce obstruction. Normally, a UPPP is considered when it’s clear that the soft palate tissue and uvula are obstructing breathing.
Genioglossus Tongue Advancement Surgery for Sleep Apnea
For some sleep apnea patients, the obstruction occurs because the tongue relaxes back against the airway during sleep. This surgery repositions the tongue further forward to prevent that obstruction from occurring.
Hyoid Suspension Surgery for Sleep Apnea
Hyoid suspension surgery is another type of surgery to reposition the tongue forward by anchoring the neck’s hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage. This stabilizes the airway and reduces or eliminates the obstruction causing the apnea.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea and have tried less invasive procedures and appliances with no luck, surgery may be the best option to relieve your apnea symptoms and get you sleeping at night. The first step is to consult with a sleep health expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at eos sleep are experienced in treating sleep apnea with hyoid suspension. Call 1-212-873-6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.