What Does Sleep Apnea Surgery Involve?

Loud snoring at night may seem harmless, but for many people it’s a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition that disrupts breathing during sleep. It can raise the risk of health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic fatigue. 

Lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, can often manage the condition. However, you may need surgery if these options don’t provide enough relief. 

So, what does sleep apnea surgery involve? Our team at Hibernation Sleep MN in Saint Paul, Minnesota, explains. 

The goal of sleep apnea surgery

The primary purpose of sleep apnea surgery is to open up your airway so you can breathe more freely at night. If your throat or nasal tissues collapse, block, or vibrate excessively during sleep, surgery helps by removing, shrinking, or repositioning these tissues. 

The procedure depends on the cause of your blockage and severity of your sleep apnea.

Common types of sleep apnea surgery

Different types of sleep apnea surgery target different problem areas, such as:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This procedure removes excess tissue from the back of your throat, including parts of the uvula and soft palate, to create more space in your airway.

Nasal surgery

If chronic nasal obstruction is a contributing factor, surgery may correct a deviated septum or reduce enlarged turbinates.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are often a major cause of sleep apnea, especially in children, and removing them can significantly improve breathing.

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA)

This more complex procedure repositions your upper and lower jaws to enlarge your airway.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation

We implant a small device to stimulate tongue muscles during sleep, preventing airway collapse.

What to expect during the process

Before surgery, you undergo a full sleep study and airway evaluation to pinpoint the obstruction. Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and recovery times vary based on the procedure. 

Some patients return to normal activities within a week; others, especially after more invasive surgeries, may need several weeks of healing.

After surgery, it’s typical to experience a sore throat, nasal congestion, or temporary swallowing difficulties. Our team may recommend follow-up sleep studies to assess your improvement and ensure your surgery was successful.

Is surgery right for you?

Not everyone with sleep apnea needs surgery. Many patients find success with CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes like weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bedtime. However, if these approaches aren’t effective, surgery can be a life-changing option.

Schedule a consultation at Hibernation Sleep MN today so we can learn more about your condition and establish a plan to help you sleep well. Call our friendly staff at 651-374-9791 or request an appointment online today.