Radio frequency volume reduction for the throat may reduce snoring. It may also be used to treat breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea.
You can get this treatment in a doctor's office or a clinic. First, your doctor will numb the area. Then a needle is put into the roof of your mouth (palate) or your tongue. A small electric current goes through the needle. This opens up the blocked area. The area will heal over the next 6 to 8 weeks. As it heals, the flow of air should improve and you may snore less.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes. Most people go home right after it is done. You will probably be able to return to work or your normal routine the next day. You may need more than one treatment.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
You had radio frequency volume reduction for your throat. Your doctor put a needle into the roof of your mouth (palate) or your tongue. A small electric current went through the needle to open up the blocked area.
Many people have no pain right after the procedure, but you may have a sore throat for 4 or 5 days. You may also have some swelling of the tissues in the back of the throat. The swelling feels like a lump. If there is pain, it is usually mild right after the procedure. It gets a little worse 4 or 5 days after the procedure, and then it starts to get better. You can take medicine for the pain.
Over the next 6 to 8 weeks, the area will heal. You may notice that you have better airflow sooner. You may be snoring less or not at all.
Most people can go back to work or their normal routine the next day.
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