Plainsboro and Monroe, NJ

Plainsboro and Monroe, NJ

Woman struggling to sleep because of her husband's sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea can be caused by airway obstructions, leading to dangerous and disruptive sleep; surgery can clear the airway, promoting good health. Board-certified New Jersey otolaryngologist Dr. Scott Kay performs sleep apnea surgeries for patients in the Central New Jersey area, including those in Monroe and Plainsboro, at Princeton Otolaryngology Associates. 

What Is Sleep Apnea Surgery?

Man sleeping in his bed

Sleep apnea surgery is performed to enlarge the patient’s airway, eliminating obstructions which cause sleep apnea. Areas which may be addressed during surgery include:

  • Upper and lower jaws
  • Tongue
  • Tonsils
  • Throat side walls
  • Soft palate

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea surgery opens the airway so patients can breathe easily during sleep. It can also prevent long-term issues caused by sleep apnea, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. By restoring the airway, sleep apnea surgery helps patients get more restful sleep each night.

How is Sleep Apnea Surgery Performed?

There are several different specific surgeries used to treat sleep apnea, most of which are performed under general anesthesia. Sleep apnea surgeries include:

  • Nasal surgery, which resolves obstructions caused by the septum, nasal valve, and turbinates.
  • UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which involves removing excess soft palate and pharynx tissues, as well as the tonsils if still intact.
  • Soft palate implants, which stiffen the soft palate to prevent collapse while sleeping.
  • Hyoid advancement, which repositions the hyoid bone to expand the airway and prevent collapse during sleep.
  • Tongue advancement, which prevents retraction of the tongue into the mouth floor during sleep.
  • Tongue base reduction, which reduces tissue in the tongue base to prevent obstructions.
  • Lower jaw advancement, which enlarges the upper airway to facilitate proper breathing.

Preparing For Sleep Apnea Surgery

If your sleep apnea surgery requires general anesthesia, you’ll be informed of when you need to stop eating or drinking before the procedure. You’ll also need to arrange a ride to and from surgery. Patients are advised to stop smoking before the procedure to facilitate proper healing. Some medications may need to be discontinued before surgery.

Sleep Apnea Surgery Recovery

Depending on the sleep apnea surgery performed, recovery times vary. Some procedures require overnight hospital stays while some are minimally invasive, and patients are discharged shortly after the procedure is completed. You’ll receive thorough instructions regarding aftercare so you can plan for the necessary recovery period, including arranging time off and help at home.

How Much Does Sleep Apnea Surgery Cost?

Since there are many different procedures used to treat sleep apnea, the cost will vary. Most insurance plans cover these procedures. To make your treatment more affordable, we accept CareCredit® financing. To discuss insurance coverage or financing, please give us a call.

Is Sleep Apnea Surgery Right For Me?

If you experience disruptive sleep due to snoring, choking, sudden waking while gasping for air, or trouble staying awake, you may have sleep apnea caused by an airway obstruction.

Why Choose Princeton Otolaryngology Associates: Dr. Scott L. Kay For Sleep Apnea Surgery?

Dr. Scott Kay is a board-certified otolaryngologist, skilled in performing a range of surgical treatments for sleep apnea. His goal is to restore the airway, allowing patients to breathe clearly during sleep. Sleep apnea surgery can have a profound effect on overall health, and Dr. Kay is dedicated to helping his patients maximize the benefits of treatment.

What to Expect During Your Consultation for Sleep Apnea Surgery

During consultation, your medical history will be reviewed. Dr. Kay will examine your airway to determine the source of the airway obstruction. A sleep study might also be ordered. Dr. Kay will develop a course of treatment that addresses the airway obstructions causing your sleep apnea in order to achieve the best results. You’ll be able to ask questions and discuss concerns during your consultation.

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