Snoring Treatment

Snoring can be generated from a variety of mechanisms. Usually snoring is caused by nasal obstruction combined with vibration or flapping of the soft palate. Radiowave treatment performed at the Vein and Skin Clinic causes tissue tightening and shrinkage to help reduce snoring. 

Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary.

Low temperature radio frequency energy is delivered to the soft palate muscles. This induces the palate to stiffen by scarring the palatal muscles. The mucosal surface over the palate is normally unaffected.

Under local anaesthetic (like a dental anaesthetic), the operation is largely painless, and takes around 30 minutes. Following the minor operation, one can carry on normal activities, such as working, or eating, with only a few restrictions.

Some people may need an additional procedure where nasal obstruction is contributing to the snoring. Using the same apparatus the inside of the nose can also be treated with radiowave surgery.

Follow up is recommended at 6-8 weeks. After follow up, further treatment can be carried out if necessary.

If you have a cardiac pacemaker you should consult your cardiologist before having this procedure. 

Snoring may worsen initially (for a few nights). This soon passes. 

Rarely an allergy (to local anaesthetic), or palatal ulcer may occur.

Decreasing snoring will improve the quality of life for yourself and those around you. 

Because snoring is disruptive to family members, roommates, and/or business associates, snorers may be unpopular. Snorers may also be the subject of ridicule. Decreasing snoring can make social situations easier, improving the quality of life. 

Assisting medical problems that are related to snoring may also improve life quality. Snoring frequently causes restless sleep and tiredness on waking. It may also cause daytime drowsiness. More severe snoring may contribute to elevated blood pressure and, with this, increase risk of stroke.

Weight loss is an important part of snoring. Increased weight may correlate with increased snoring. However, thin people may also snore.

Yes.

Smoking contributes to nasal and throat congestion. It also increases acid secretion in the stomach, which can irritate the throat through reflux, causing additional congestion.  Congestion worsens snoring. 

Alcohol, particularly in excess and particularly at night can lead to increased snoring. Weight gain related to alcohol consumption may be an additional factor.

Because snoring is a multi-factorial medical condition, repeat or additional operations may be required as part of a snoring management plan. Unfortunately only a few patients achieve 100% control of snoring although the majority of patients do have useful improvement. At present there is no single operation or device that is guaranteed to ‘cure’ a snorer.

Sometimes a combination team approach gives the best outcome.  This may include using orally inserted devices; having a consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Specialist, as well as having radiowave treatment to tighten the palate and improve nasal airways.

Dr Henryk Poczwa at the Vein and Skin Clinic has performed numerous successful treatments using the Elman surgitron over the last 10 years.  He was one of the first to pioneer this procedure in New Zealand under the auspices of an ENT specialist. He freely acknowledges that snoring is a complex problem and often requires treatment from a combination of sources.