When Should Surgery Be Considered for Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues or structures within the upper airway interfere with normal airflow while you sleep. These episodes can happen repeatedly throughout the night, causing drops in oxygen and preventing your body from maintaining normal, restorative sleep. Over time, untreated sleep apnea has been associated with serious health concerns, including cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and persistent daytime fatigue.
Treatment does not automatically mean surgery. Depending on the cause and severity of your sleep apnea, initial management may include lifestyle modifications, changes in sleeping position, an oral appliance, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Surgical evaluation may become appropriate when:
- CPAP cannot be used comfortably or consistently
- An oral appliance does not adequately control your sleep apnea
- A structural abnormality contributes to narrowing or obstruction of the airway
- Non-surgical treatment has failed to provide sufficient improvement
Rather than simply managing nighttime symptoms, sleep apnea surgery is intended to address specific anatomical factors contributing to airway obstruction. Depending on your individual anatomy, treatment may involve modifying or repositioning structures to create more room for airflow and help maintain a more stable airway during sleep.
Common Sleep Apnea Surgical Procedures
Sleep apnea surgery is not a single procedure. The appropriate approach depends on where and why your airway becomes restricted during sleep. At the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, your evaluation may include a physical examination, advanced imaging, and review of your sleep study. These findings help identify the structures contributing to obstruction and guide your individualized surgical plan.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
UPPP creates additional space in the upper airway by addressing obstructive tissue toward the back of the throat. The procedure may involve reshaping or removing portions of the soft palate, uvula, and other excess throat tissue to improve airflow during sleep.
Genioglossus Advancement (Tongue Base Surgery)
For some patients, tongue position contributes to nighttime airway blockage. Genioglossus advancement moves the attachment of an important tongue muscle forward, helping reduce the likelihood that the tongue will shift backward and obstruct breathing while you sleep.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
Maxillomandibular advancement addresses airway restriction by surgically repositioning both the upper and lower jaws forward. Advancing the jaws also moves attached soft tissues forward, increasing airway space and reducing its tendency to collapse during sleep. MMA may be considered for patients whose jaw and facial anatomy contributes significantly to obstructive sleep apnea.
Nasal Surgery
Restricted airflow through the nose can also contribute to nighttime breathing difficulties. When structural nasal problems are present, surgery may address conditions such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates. Improving nasal airflow may form one part of a broader treatment strategy for sleep-disordered breathing.
The procedures appropriate for you depend on your anatomy, the location of airway obstruction, the severity of your sleep apnea, and how you responded to previous treatments. Dr. Berger develops a personalized surgical plan based on these factors rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to sleep apnea care.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from sleep apnea surgery varies depending on the procedures performed. You may experience some swelling and discomfort, which is typically managed with medication and follow-up care. Most patients are seen regularly during the first few weeks after surgery to monitor healing and breathing improvements.
You’ll also be evaluated with follow-up sleep studies to confirm how effectively the surgery has improved your sleep-related breathing.
Why Choose the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?
Sleep apnea surgery requires advanced surgical skill and a deep understanding of airway anatomy. Dr. Joel Berger’s board-certified expertise means you are cared for by a surgeon who is trained in both dental and medical surgical principles. Patients choose our practice because of our:
- Focus on patient comfort, safety, and surgical precision
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique anatomy
- Strong relationships with referring providers for coordinated care
- Experience managing complex airway surgery in both office and hospital settings
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
Sleep apnea can affect your energy, health, and quality of life; however, you don’t have to accept sleepless nights as normal. With expert surgical care and personalized support, you can breathe easier and sleep better.
To learn more about sleep apnea surgery in San Diego, contact the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at 858-292-5175. We’re here to help you take the first step toward better sleep and better health.
