What to Expect From Snoreplasty for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CPAP machines or lifestyle changes can help with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the machines are often uncomfortable and can make it difficult to sleep, defeating their purpose.

Snoreplasty addresses the underlying cause of OSA and excessive snoring by targeting the tissue that obstructs your airway.

ENT specialist Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California. Dr. Ho’s holistic, patient-focused approach to medicine means developing a treatment strategy that best meets your needs.

Here’s a closer look at what snoreplasty — both the injectable and surgical types — involves and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

What is snoreplasty?

Snoreplasty is a medical procedure designed to reduce or eliminate snoring by stiffening or removing part of the soft palate, the tissue at the back of the roof of your mouth.

The procedure can also help with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, especially when the soft palate is the primary source of airway blockage.

There are two main types: injection snoreplasty and surgical snoreplasty (also known as palate  surgery or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty).

Injection snoreplasty, a non-surgical option

Injection snoreplasty is a minimally invasive office procedure that involves injecting a hardening agent (usually sodium tetradecyl sulfate) into the soft palate.

How it works:

The injection causes the tissue to stiffen. This tightening reduces the vibration of the soft palate, a primary cause of snoring. The added stiffness can also help keep your airway open during sleep, reducing the effects of OSA.

What to expect:

Dr. Ho discusses injection-based snoreplasty in detail before scheduling the procedure. Generally, however, the in-office procedure takes 15-30 minutes. A numbing agent applied before the injection helps reduce or eliminate discomfort during the procedure.

Recovery is quick, with most people returning to normal activities the same day. Adverse effects are minimal, aside from a mild sore throat that typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours.  

Many patients report reduced snoring after a single injection; however, you may require more than one session, spaced a few weeks apart.

Injection-based snoreplasty is ideal for individuals with primary snoring or mild OSA who want a non-invasive treatment option.

Surgical snoreplasty for a more permanent fix

Surgical snoreplasty (uvulopalatopharyngolasty or palate trimming) involves removing or reshaping part of the uvula and soft palate to open the airway and reduce tissue vibration.

How it works:

By removing excess tissue or shortening the palate, this surgery reduces the airway obstruction that causes both snoring and OSA.

What to expect:

This outpatient procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Ho may use a scalpel, laser, or radiofrequency ablation to reshape the obstructing tissue.

We typically recommend soft foods and rest following the surgery, which can take 1-2 hours, depending on the level of tissue restructuring. Healing may take 1-2 weeks.

Results are typically more significant and longer-lasting compared with injection snoreplasty. The surgery may be ideal for individuals with moderate to severe snoring or OSA who haven’t responded to CPAP, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes.

Ready to address snoring and OSA with one procedure?

Snoreplasty is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many, it can offer meaningful relief, either as a standalone treatment or as part of a broader sleep apnea management plan.

If you’re struggling with snoring or sleep apnea and want to explore your options, we can help. Schedule a visit with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today. Call the office or request an appointment online.