Laser snoring treatment

The procedure is intended for patients for whom snoring is a serious problem – disturbing their own sleep and that of those close to them. Approximately a quarter of men and 15% of women suffer from serious snoring problems. Because snoring is often linked to sleep apnoea syndrome, an examination in a sleep laboratory or by a sleep medicine specialist is essential before the procedure. Based on its results and a consultation with our doctor, it will be decided whether laser uvuloplasty is suitable for you.

Snoring can be associated with sleep apnoea syndrome, i.e. brief pauses in breathing during sleep. This manifests not only as loud snoring, but also as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, headaches, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure or depression. Repeated breathing interruptions can increase the risk of heart and vascular disease, stroke or diabetes. That is why it is important to have the cause of snoring professionally examined and to choose suitable treatment.

Using a laser, the surgeon removes excess tissue from the soft palate and makes small incisions in its lateral parts. The palatal mucosa is then reshaped with a few stitches. The effect is based on two mechanisms: there is less tissue to vibrate during breathing in sleep, and healing produces fine scarring that firms up the palate. The result therefore develops gradually – first the tissue shrinks over several weeks, then the palate firms up within about one to two months.

Bleeding is usually minimal thanks to the absence of larger blood vessels in the area and the use of the laser. Most patients notice a significant reduction in snoring intensity, and in many of them snoring stops completely.