More than 700 million people from around the world are loud snorers. There is no 100% magic cure that can be used and individuals need to try different products on the market before eventually finding one that works in their case. On the other hand, there are a lot of solutions to stop snoring out there from dental devices and mouth pieces to electric shock wrist watches. The one thing that is usually neglected and that should be a priority for any snorer is consulting a doctor. He can tell you what can be done and what really causes your snoring. In some cases he will even need to recommend that you undergo laser surgery to stop snoring. There are two types of surgeries that can be performed. It is best that you talk with your doctor and ask for every single detail before you chose which one to undergo.

Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty

Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty is also known as LAUP. It is the cheaper type of such surgery to stop you from snoring. In this type of surgery, laser is utilized to trim the uvula. Sessions usually last around 10 minutes and the patient will be seated upright and will be fully awake. In most cases local anesthetic is utilized. You will need to repeat the procedure 3 to 5 times, each separated by one month for everything to be over.

LAUP will utilize a CO2 laser as soon as the anesthesia takes effect, in order to make 2 vertical incisions in the soft palate. This is done through a series of procedures that are non invasive. The uvula is shortened in order to eliminate the cause of the obstruction that is causing snoring. Some patients will require waiting up to 8 weeks before the following session because it all depends on the body's capability of recovering. The good news is that this treatment is proven to work in the majority of cases and the only downside is that there is that need of up to 5 sessions, separated by quite a long amount of time. Most individuals do get better after the first session.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is also known as simply UPPP. This type of laser surgery to stop snoring is more expensive when compared with LAUP. It works by enlarging your throat in the area near the tonsils. In some cases there is also a need to remove one tonsil and including parts of the soft palate and uvula. The patient needs to be in general anesthesia and UPPP is generally considered as the more painful medical procedure when it comes to snoring treatment.

UPPP was the first type of surgery that was used to treat snoring patients. The downside was that there is an attached hospital stay of up to three days and the entire procedure will provoke intensive pain for patients. Nowadays, LAUP is more widely used and UPPP is only recommended in some remote cases.

Recovery Period

As you can imagine, after each surgery there is a need to have a period of recovering. With LAUP, most patients can get back to work or to their regular day routine in the same day they underwent the procedure. There is a sore throat sensation that can last up to 10 days and in some cases it can be very uncomfortable. Some individuals might need to use analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs in order to get rid of the sensation but most will only experience it at an acceptable level.

Statistics showed that LAUP treatment brought a 90 percent improvement in reducing snoring and sleep apnea episodes. On the other hand, the soft tissue of the palate is scarred and this can lead to more obstruction and worsened OSA after a period of around two years. Only one third of the patients that were treated with LAUP are considered a success because of this repetitive pattern.