Somnoplasty For Snoring
Somnoplasty is the brand name for a snoring procedure that a Slim Down Sleep Review company developed that uses radio frequency energy to shrink soft tissues in the throat. There are many other companies with similar products. Essentially, a wand with a thin needle (attached to the device) is inserted into the area that you want to shrink, and a precise amount of radio frequency energy is applied, essentially causing a mild burn. As the tissues heal over weeks to months, the expected scarring causes the tissues to shrink and tighten, leading to the desired effect.
The most common area this device is used for is on the soft palate to reduce snoring. It's an office procedure and can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Typically, an anesthetic is injected into the soft palate (like what's used by dentists), and the needle is inserted into the middle of the muscle layer of the soft palate and energy is applied until the exact amount wanted is reached (counted in joules). Usually, multiple areas are performed to maximize the effect.
Snoring success rates are typical compared with other procedures that tighten the soft palate, with about 70-80% of people reporting significant improvement. As with all other palatal procedures, there is a small, but significant chance of loosening of the tissues (since the body softens scar tissue over time).
This procedure is not meant to cure sleep apnea. Its' main purpose is to stiffen the soft palate to lessen snoring sounds. Potential complications are minimal, with bleeding and ulceration of the mucous membrane (which eventually heals and gives an even better result).
