There are several surgical options that may help treat sleep apnea. One procedure is called Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (also known by the abbreviations UPPP and UP3) is a surgical procedure used to remove tissue and/or remodel tissue in the back of the throat. Tissues which may typically be removed include the tonsils and the uvula (the dangling thing!).
Another surgical option is orthognathic surgery which is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal irregularities which may improve breathing. By surgically advancing the lower jaw there is the potential to improve on the opening of the patient’s airway.
