Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea involves periods during sleep where breathing stops, which can significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking. This disorder not only disrupts sleep patterns but also increases the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Before considering surgery, it’s essential to evaluate non-surgical options. Treatments such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines or oral appliance therapy are often first-line treatments. Lifestyle changes like losing weight, quitting smoking, and altering sleep positions can also help manage symptoms.
When to Consider Surgery
Surgery might be a viable option if you have:
- Anatomical Causes: Structural issues such as enlarged tonsils, a small lower jaw with an overbite, or a deviated nasal septum.
- Failure of CPAP or Oral Appliances: Inability to tolerate CPAP devices or inadequate symptom relief from oral appliances.
- Severe Symptoms: Persistent, severe symptoms significantly affecting daily life and health, despite trying other treatments.
Surgical Options at Sultan Surgical Center
Dr. Sultan specializes in a range of surgical procedures that can provide long-term relief from sleep apnea. Options include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure involves removing excess tissue in the throat, such as the uvula and part of the soft palate, to widen the airway.
- Genioglossus Advancement (GA): This surgery targets the tongue’s base, advancing the genioglossus muscle to open up the airway and prevent the tongue from blocking the throat during sleep.
- Hyoid Suspension: This involves repositioning the hyoid bone to stabilize the airway. It’s often performed in conjunction with other procedures to enhance the airway’s openness.
- Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): In this more complex procedure, the upper and lower jaws are moved forward. This significantly enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, reducing airway obstruction.
- Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction (RFVTR): This technique uses radiofrequency energy to shrink and tighten tissues in the throat and tongue, reducing their potential to block the airway.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At the Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Sultan combines extensive experience with state-of-the-art techniques to treat sleep apnea effectively. He is committed to providing personalized care, from a detailed diagnosis to post-surgical support, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea symptoms and considering surgery, contact us today at (954) 771-8772.
