What is Snoreplasty?
Snoreplasty is a new effective, simple and inexpensive procedure to reduce or eliminate snoring. The procedure was developed by Dr. Eric Mair, an Otolaryngologist working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Dr. James Fordice was the first physician in middle Tennessee trained by Dr. Mair personally in the new procedure.
- Injection Snoreplasty is the safest, least expensive snoring procedure available in the United States today.
- Effectiveness is similar to more invasive and expensive procedures, such as laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), and radio-frequency Somnoplasty.
- Snoreplasty has been shown to be 80% – 85% successful in reducing or eliminating snoring.
Initial Evaluation Visit
An initial comprehensive evaluation of the upper airway is necessary and is generally covered by your insurance company. A sleep study may be recommended to rule out obstructive sleep apnea.
Cost of Treatment
Most insurance companies consider snoring a social problem, not a medical problem, and as such they do not cover the cost of any procedure to eliminate snoring (unless it is associated with a serious medical condition such as sleep apnea.)
Fortunately, the cost of Snoreplasty is surprisingly affordable. Treatments cost $300.00 each, and most snoring will be eliminated by one treatment.
Procedure and Expectations
Please allow at least thirty (30) minutes for the procedure. A topical anesthetic will be administered to the back of the throat. A small amount of sclerosing fluid is injected just under the surface lining of the palate at the base of the uvula. There will be a minor sore throat in the roof of the mouth at the injection site.
Your voice and your ability to swallow will not be affected, and no dietary changes are necessary. The palate and/or uvula will feel swollen for awhile. Pain medications can be ordered after the procedure if necessary. You may return to work or home the same day.
Snoring improvement may not be noticeable until several weeks after the procedure, as it takes time for the palate tissue to shrink, giving the desired result.
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