How Can I Treat Sleep Apnea/Snoring?

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes occluded, or blocked, during sleep. Patients with the condition can experience loud snoring or cease breathing altogether, jolting them awake, making peaceful sleep difficult. 

Fortunately, there are several surgical techniques available to treat sleep apnea. Dr. Antony Farole, a facial cosmetic surgeon, uses these to open up the airway and improve breathing.

Bala Cynwyd Elevoplasty

Can My Health Insurance Cover Elevoplasty?

Elevoplasty is considered elective, so it usually isn’t covered by your health insurance policy. 

Additionally, elevoplasty isn’t considered an appropriate treatment for those patients with sleep apnea, so it’s unlikely you can get your insurance to cover its costs using this diagnosis.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms 

Sleep apnea’s primary symptom is loud snoring, caused by the body attempting to pass air through a narrowed airway. However, because the condition affects sleep quality, it can have additional side effects on a patient’s health. 

Some people with the condition, for instance, can stop breathing dozens of times during the night. When they do, it activates their stress response, causing them to suddenly jolt awake, restoring airflow. If this process occurs frequently, it can prevent deep restorative sleep, leaving the patient feeling tired during the daytime. 

Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include headaches in the morning, dry mouth and sore throat, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, some patients can develop high pressure, problems with libido, and excessive sweating. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options 

Fortunately, Dr. Farole and his team offer a variety of treatments that can permanently resolve sleep apnea to keep your airways open throughout the night. 

Elevoplasty 

Elevoplasty is a treatment that reduces the size of the soft palate in the upper part of the mouth using sutures. By making the reduction, the palate is less likely to obstruct breathing during sleep. Furthermore, the process also stiffens the tissue, reducing the chance that it will vibrate as you snore. 

Elevoplasty Consultations Available

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) 

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a treatment designed to remove part or all of the uvula – the piece of tissue that hangs down over the center of your tongue towards the back of your mouth. Sessions typically last between thirty and forty minutes, and most patients require three to five separate treatments.

Procedure 2-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) 

Procedure 2-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical intervention in which Dr. Farole removes tissue from the throat and back of the mouth to clear a path for air to travel more freely. The tissue removed depends on the patient’s unique characteristics and can include the tonsils, parts of the mouth, and tongue.

Benefits of Each Treatment 

Each treatment offers unique pros and cons. Elevoplasty, for instance, is a minimally invasive procedure that simply tightens and reduces the size of the existing tissue. It is suitable for patients with mild symptoms of sleep apnea. 

Surgical interventions, such as LAUP and UPPP, are highly effective but reserved for patients with more severe cases of sleep apnea. While they are more invasive, they are highly effective at eliminating obstructions. 

Am I a Candidate for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be a good candidate for any of the procedures discussed above. Remember, snoring and sleep apnea are potentially severe conditions that can affect your sleep quality, relationships, and overall health.

“Dr. Anthony Farole is the best. I came in very scared and afraid. Dr. Farole and his wonderful staff were very patient with me and helped calm me down. They reassured me that i would be fine and took very good care of me. I felt no pain and the procedure went very smooth. Thank you so much for a job well done!” *

Take the Next Step

Do you want to learn more about sleep apnea treatment options? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Farole’s Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA by giving us a call at (610) 668-3300 today.

Share this:
By |2020-09-11T13:26:45-04:00September 10th, 2020|Elevoplasty|

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

CallEmail ReviewsDirections
WE ARE OPEN! COVID-19 UPDATE