What is Laser Snoring Treatment?
Laser snoring treatment is a procedure in which a laser is used to remove excess tissue in the throat that may be causing snoring. The procedure is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and is done on an outpatient basis. It is also called laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) or laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP). The treatment is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure with low complication rates and can reduce or eliminate snoring in many patients. It is a non-surgical alternative to traditional snoring treatment such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Although snoring affects millions of people, many have decided not to treat their snoring problems because of low success rates and the high invasiveness of surgical treatment. The NightLase snoring and sleep apneoa reduction therapy is a unique approach to treatment using the Fotona SP Dynamis laser and a proprietary protocol with specially designed handpieces. NightLase uses the photothermal capabilities of the Erbium laser to convert and initiate the formation of new collagen within the soft tissues of the oropharynx, soft palate and uvula. The heat generated by the laser allows the collagen to re-form, resulting in the tightening of the soft palate and surrounding tissues. This causes a rise of the soft palate and a tightening of the tissues of the oropharynx, resulting in an improvement of the airway.
NightLase is a non-invasive therapy which aims to reduce the effects of sleep apnea and decrease snoring.
What is snoring?
Snoring is the sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the upper airway, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, and certain medications. It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition called sleep apnea, which occurs when a person’s airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep, causing them to stop breathing for short periods of time. If you snore regularly and feel tired during the day, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to discuss treatment options.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These breathing pauses can last for a few seconds to several minutes and repeatedly occur throughout the night. As a result, the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen. There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): is caused by a physical blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
- Central sleep apnoea: is caused by a problem with the brain’s ability to regulate breathing.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, pauses in breathing, and feeling excessively sleepy during the day. Sleep apnoea can also lead to other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment for sleep apnoea typically includes lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and avoiding alcohol, as well as the use of devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove excess tissue from the throat or repair structural abnormalities that are blocking the airway.
To help treat sleep apnea and snoring, Centre for Surgery offers Fotona’s NightLase therapy. This is a non-invasive laser treatment which aims to improve the quality of your sleep.
Conventional treatments for snoring and sleep apnoea have included everything from oral appliances to uvuloplasty procedures, radiofrequency tissue ablation, CPAP masks and alternative medicine. The Erbium laser can tighten the uvula, soft palate and surrounding tissues with a fractional laser handpiece. With NightLase, there is no need for invasive forms of anaesthesia, no pain and only three short 20 minutes sessions with immediate results.
Benefits of laser snoring treatment:
- It is a non-invasive procedure, involving no incisions and no anaesthetic
- There are no chemicals used
- You will have little to no downtime
- You will not have to wear any devices while you sleep
Benefits of NightLase
NightLase is a non-invasive treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. It uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production in the soft palate, which can help to tighten and firm the tissue and reduce vibrations that cause snoring. Some benefits of NightLase include:
- Non-invasive: NightLase does not require any incisions or surgery, so there is no risk of bleeding or infection.
- Quick recovery time: Patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Long-lasting results: The effects of NightLase can last for several months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed to maintain the results.
- Improved sleep: By reducing or eliminating snoring, NightLase can improve the quality of sleep for both the patient and their partner.
- Improved overall health: NightLase can also help to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, such as daytime fatigue and high blood pressure, which can improve overall health and well-being.
- FDA approved treatment
It’s important to note that NightLase is performed by a trained medical professional, and that it may not be suitable for everyone. Schedule a consultation to determine if NightLase is right for you.
Is NightLase effective?
NightLase is a specific type of laser snoring treatment that is designed to use laser energy to shrink and tighten the soft tissue in the throat that can cause snoring. Many studies have suggested that NightLase can be effective in reducing or eliminating snoring in patients. However, as with any medical treatment, the effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it is not a guaranteed solution for every individual. It is important to note that laser snoring treatment should only be done by an experienced and qualified medical professional, and it is always recommended to consult with a specialist to determine if NightLase or any other laser snoring treatment is the right option for you.
Am I suitable for laser snoring treatment?
Ideal candidates for laser snoring treatment, like NightLase, typically have mild to moderate snoring caused by excess tissue in the throat. This can include people with the following:
- Uvula elongation
- Palatal flutter
- Soft palate hypertrophy
- Tonsil hypertrophy
It is recommended that people who have other underlying conditions that cause snoring such as sleep apnea or nasal obstruction should be treated first before considering laser snoring treatment.
Laser snoring treatment may not be suitable for everyone, and a qualified and experienced medical professional should evaluate each patient individually to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the treatment, as laser snoring treatment may not completely eliminate snoring, and some patients may require more than one treatment session.
The laser snoring procedure
The NightLase procedure is a laser snoring treatment designed to shrink and tighten the soft tissue in the throat that can cause snoring. The procedure is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, and is done on an outpatient basis. The steps of the NightLase procedure are as follows:
- A thorough examination of the patient’s throat and airway to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- The patient is given a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the laser will be applied.
- The laser is then used to shrink and tighten the soft tissue in the throat that can cause snoring.
- The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to perform.
- After the procedure, the patient can go home but should avoid strenuous activities and alcohol consumption for 24 hours.
- The patient will be evaluated after a few weeks to determine if additional treatments are needed.
It’s important to note that this is the general procedure of NightLase, and the exact steps may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s preference.
You should feel no discomfort throughout the procedure. This treatment uses the Er:YAG laser, which allows for the superficial penetration of heat into the tissue without any damage occurring. The laser is deployed in three areas as shown below for optimal tightening of the oral tissues.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
How many NightLase treatments will I need?
NightLase treatment will consist of three treatments across six weeks. Results may last for up to one year. Treatment can be repeated when symptoms reoccur.
Laser snoring before and after
Case 1:
Case 2:
Recovery after laser snoring treatment
Recovery after NightLase laser snoring treatment is generally minimal. The procedure is non-invasive, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment. Some patients may experience mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area, but this usually subsides within a few days. It is important to follow the post-treatment instructions provided by your practitioner to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
Laser Snoring Treatment Near Me
Centre for Surgery is a specialist centre for laser snoring treatment and we carry out over 50 laser snoring procedures each year at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. Call us today on 0207 993 4849 to schedule a NightLase consultation.
FAQs
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What does laser snoring treatment involve?At Centre for Surgery, laser snoring treatment is performed by using Fotona’s NightLase therapy. This is a non-invasive laser treatment which helps to reduce the effects of snoring and sleep apnea.
Laser snoring treatment uses the Er:YAG laser. The process involves preheating the tissue and then strengthens the tissue. -
Why should I have laser snoring treatment?Snoring can have a negative impact on your and your partner’s quality of sleep, which will then impact your daily life.
NightLase laser therapy aims to improve your quality of sleep. There are numerous benefits to undergoing this procedure, including:
- No anaesthetic
- No incisions
- No chemicals
- No downtime
You will not have to wear any devices at night when you sleep -
Will it hurt?You should feel no physical pain throughout the procedure.
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What is the recovery period like?This is a non-surgical procedure, so there is very little recovery time. You will be able to resume your usual daily routine straight after the procedure.
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Will I need to have multiple treatments?You will need to undertake three separate treatments. This will happen across six weeks.
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How long does laser snoring treatment last for?The full treatment should last up to one year.
You will be able to repeat the treatment once symptoms reoccur.