As sleep apnea wears you down more and more, it’s tempting to look for a quick fix to the problem, something that will make snoring and nighttime waking a thing of the past.
That’s why so many sleep apnea patients are turning to laser procedures that are relentless with their promises — no anesthesia, immediate results!
But are these treatments all they’re cracked up to be?
Experienced otolaryngologists — including Dr. Marc Kayem — say that there are better methods, and Dr. Kayem has the experience and tools that will actually solve your sleep apnea for good.
The Downsides of Lasers to Treat Sleep Apnea
In the early 1990s, patients started turning to laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) to help reduce snoring. The procedure involves using a carbon dioxide laser to shorten the uvula hanging in the back of the throat, and also making small cuts on either side. As those cuts healed, the tissue stiffened, in theory leading to reduced snoring by opening up more of the airway.
It was a popular method for several years until it became clear that the laser could potentially worsen apnea over time.
Studies indicated that only a few patients had satisfactory relief from sleep apnea using this method and ultimately, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine disavowed the treatment.
Today, there are allergy clinics and dentists offering updated non-surgical laser treatments that aim to contract those soft palate tissues instead of removing them.
Dr. Kayem cautions against these procedures because they are more of a marketing gimmick than a permanent solution. The laser treatments typically only provide snoring relief for 6-12 months, and they will need touch-ups at future appointments.
Additionally, dentists and allergists only address snoring from their vantage point, which often does not solve real sleep apnea issues. To truly fix sleep apnea, patients should seek advice from an experienced ear, nose, and throat doctor like Dr. Kayem.
Dr. Kayem has specialized in snoring solutions for more than 25 years, and he can perform the thorough examination needed to determine the exact cause of your problems.
Non-invasive Sleep Apnea Solutions That Work
After decades of performing successful snoring procedures on thousands of patients, Dr. Kayem is offering the most-up-to-date treatments, including:
ELEVOPLASTY
This breakthrough procedure lifts the soft palate, clearing the way for unobstructed breathing — and no snoring. The treatment can be performed by Dr. Kayem in one office visit in just about 10 minutes. The doctor makes three small holes in the soft palate and places three resorbable sutures.
You can expect a sore throat for a few days after the treatment, easily treated by over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report a decrease in snoring in just 30 days.
RADIOFREQUENCY
This procedure stiffens the soft palate tissue that has a tendency to vibrate when you sleep, causing a snoring sound. RF can be performed by Dr. Kayem under local anesthesia in less than 20 minutes. The doctor delivers a low-power, low-temperature treatment through a needle-tip wand.
While the tissue is healing in the days afterward, it stiffens. A few treatments may be needed for full benefits. Within four-six weeks, patients notice a big difference in snoring. In addition to the soft palate, Dr. Kayem can also use RF to target turbinates in the nose and excessive tongue tissue to help breathing.
PILLAR PROCEDURES
Palatal implants are used to treat snoring and less severe cases of sleep apnea. The procedure involves surgically implanting tiny, 18mm polyester rods into the upper palate of your mouth, stiffening the palate so the tissue is less likely to vibrate.
Note: The pillar procedure is currently unavailable, as the inserts used in the procedure are not being manufactured at this date.
Which Sleep Apnea Solution Is Best for You?
The causes of snoring and sleep apnea are individual to each patient, so Dr. Kayem will recommend procedures based on your unique case to get you sleeping easy again.
Dr. Kayem’s practice accepts many insurance plans and offers patient financing for any treatments not covered by insurance.
