The radio waves destroy a small amount of tissue at the base of the tongue. The tissue then shrinks to allow the breathing space to open. More than one treatment may be necessary to improve the obstruction. This technique is also used in the nose for a similar tissue reduction of the turbinates to improve the breathing through the nose.
Surgery
This procedure may be done as an isolated procedure, but it is often performed together with nasal or palate and tonsillectomy surgery. Treatment of the tongue only is nearly painless and is done under general or local anesthesia. Success of this procedure is related to the severity of the sleep apnea and also dependent on the number of procedures the patient undergoes.
Recovery
Recovery is rapid but final results of the surgery take up to two months to occur as the tissue continues to shrink. Most of the discomfort after snoring surgery is associated with palate or tonsil surgery and other nasal surgery that is performed at the same time.
