Palate Coblation for Sleep Apnea & Snoring in New York City

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What is palate Coblation®?

Palate Coblation® is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy to stiffen the soft palate and provide relief from symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea. This in-office procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed using local anesthesia.

Why is palate Coblation® performed?

Palate Coblation® is used to treat the following breathing and snoring problems:

  • Lessen the Intensity of snoring
  • Decrease loudness of snoring
  • Correct mild to moderate sleep apnea
  • Minimize soft palate vibrations, which causes blockages and snoring

What does palate Coblation® treatment involve?

Coblation® devices use radio frequency technology operating at a low temperature to form channels in the tissue of the soft palate. The body’s natural response is to form scar tissue in these channels, which stiffens the soft palate in the following weeks and reduces vibrations and snoring intensity.

What are the benefits of palate Coblation®?

The benefits of treating sinus-related health problems with palate Coblation® include:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Highly effective with little discomfort
  • Performed in a single office visit
  • Local anesthetic used to keep patient comfortable throughout procedure
  • Fast and easy recovery
  • Most can resume normal diet and activity the same day
  • Many patients experience a significant reduction in snoring within 6 weeks
  • Typically offers years of significant reduction in snoring

Is The Recovery from Palate Coblation® Painful?

You can expect some degree of discomfort after receiving palate radiofrequency treatment. This should be manageable by taking acetaminophen as directed. It's wise to take medication at the first indication of discomfort and to continue regular doses as directed for 12 to 24 hours. By doing this, you can prevent the unnecessary increase of pain to a point at which it feels intolerable. You can take acetaminophen but should not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These, as well as certain herbal supplements, can increase your risk of bleeding and should be avoided for at least one week following palate Coblation®.

It isn't only direct discomfort in the palate that may occur after your treatment. Do not be alarmed if you experience some mild to moderate pressure or pain in the ears, jaw, or throat. If they do occur, these side effects may gradually resolve over one to two weeks. These areas can be affected by the radiofrequency procedure because they are in close proximity to the soft palate and are interconnected. You may feel as if the pain is in the ear when really it's in the throat. This is called referred pain and it's a common side effect that should resolve on its own without further treatment.

What Kind of Aftercare is Needed Following Palate Coblation®?

After your palate Coblation® procedure, the goal is to help the area heal and develop adequate scar tissue to stiffen lax tissue. We also want to control discomfort and minimize the risks of bleeding, infection, and prolonged pain. To help your body recover as quickly as possible, you might do one or more of the following:

  • Modify your diet. In general, you can eat whatever feels comfortable for you. Foods that might cause unnecessary irritation in soft palate tissue include those that are spicy or hot. Expect some swelling in the palate or throat area and plan accordingly. Mild difficulty swallowing may warrant a soft-food diet for a few days. Usually, after three to four days, it's possible to eat normally.
  • Suck on ice. Holding an ice cube in the mouth for a few minutes can do a lot for pain relief. The brain isn't adept at differentiating between pain and cold, and cold can sometimes override pain. Like diet modifications, this strategy may be needed only for two or three days. You can do it a few times a day as needed.
  • Curtail certain activities. You can and should spend time walking after your palate Coblation® procedure. Walking can hasten tissue healing and also prevents blood clots from forming in the legs. Too much inactivity after any dental or medical procedure carries a risk of clotting. So, walk a few minutes at least three times a day and increase your activity gradually over the course of a few weeks. For the first week, it's important to avoid strenuous activities that increase heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Avoid certain oral products. Dr. Volpi may discuss oral care in detail at the time of your appointment. In general, after the palate Coblation® procedure, you should avoid the use of mouthwash, throat spray, and lozenges. Many of these products contain alcohol, which can irritate the tissue of the soft palate.

If you or a bed partner are suffering from snoring and believe palate Coblation® may help, the first step is to consult with an ear, nose, and throat expert. Specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in treating mild to severe snoring. Our practice offers a wide variety of minimally invasive treatment options, customized to fit your personal needs. Call 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.

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What Happens in a Consultation?

.01  Meet Dr. David O. Volpi, MD
.02  Discuss your sleep issues & what we need to achieve
.03  Learn about our plan to get you a good night’s rest

“The consultation was wonderful. I felt like Dr.Volpi was really trying to get to know me, and what I wanted.”

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