Before-surgery guide
Getting Ready for Injection Snoreplasty
Quick answer: Injection snoreplasty stiffens the soft palate, with the goal of quieter snoring. It is usually done awake in our office, with an injection into the palate just above the uvula. Expect a sore palate for 3 to 5 days and louder snoring for 1 to 2 weeks; the full effect comes 6 to 8 weeks later. A second injection is often done 4 to 6 weeks after the first.
How is the procedure done?
- Snoring usually comes from the soft palate vibrating. Injection snoreplasty stiffens the palate, with the goal of making snoring quieter.
- It is usually done in our office while you are awake.
- A mix of numbing medicine and alcohol (ethanol) is injected into the soft palate just above the uvula. There is little pain during the procedure.
- The injection makes a small, shallow wound in the palate that stiffens it as it heals.
- A second injection is often done 4 to 6 weeks later.
- How well it works: In studies, most people (about 6 to 9 in 10) had quieter snoring, often after more than one injection. The effect can fade: in one study, about 3 in 4 were still improved about a year and a half later. It treats snoring from the palate, not sleep apnea. Results vary from person to person, and study numbers cannot predict your own result.
- We strongly recommend a sleep study first, to check for sleep apnea.
Our snoreplasty page explains who the procedure helps.
The soft palate and uvula. The injection goes into the soft palate, just above the uvula.
What are the risks?
Every procedure has risks. We will go over them with you, and you can ask about any of them.
- Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any procedure.
- Pain is usually mild to moderate and lasts 3 to 5 days. Sometimes it is worse and stronger pain medicine is needed.
- Allergic reaction to the medicine, which could cause throat swelling.
- A small hole in the soft palate can rarely form.
- Changes in voice and swallowing, usually temporary.
- Snoring may not improve enough, or the effect may fade over time. The procedure may need to be repeated, or another treatment may be needed.
How do I get ready?
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Before the procedure
- Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take.
- If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, tell us. Do not stop it on your own; we will tell you whether you need to.
- If you have not had a sleep study, ask us about one first.
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Eating and drinking
- You can eat and drink as usual on the day of the procedure.
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The day of the procedure
- Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.
What should I have at home?
- Soft foods for the first few days
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), unless we told you not to take ibuprofen
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go back to work and your usual activities the same day.
- Snoring often gets louder for 1 to 2 weeks while the palate is swollen.
- A raw spot (ulcer) on the palate is expected and heals within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Start with soft foods and go back to regular food as you feel ready. There are no strict diet rules.
- The full effect comes 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure.
- Your follow-up visit is 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
The Snoreplasty Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.
When should I call before surgery?
Call us for
- You get sick in the days before the procedure
- You start a new medicine, or a doctor changes your blood thinner
- You have questions about the procedure or its risks, or you need to reschedule
Austin 512-339-4040 · Lakeway 512-682-4798 · Marble Falls 830-992-2830
Questions patients ask
Usually, yes. It is done in our office, and there is little pain during the injection.
Snoring often gets louder for 1 to 2 weeks while the palate is swollen. The full effect comes 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure.
Often. A second injection is commonly done 4 to 6 weeks after the first.
In studies, most people (about 6 to 9 in 10) had quieter snoring, often after more than one injection. The effect can fade over time, and the injection can be repeated. It treats snoring from the palate, not sleep apnea. Results vary from person to person, and study numbers cannot predict your own result.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow theirs.
Sources
- Brietzke SE, Mair EA. Injection snoreplasty: how to treat snoring without all the pain and expense. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2001;124(5):503-510. PubMed
- Brietzke SE, Mair EA. Injection snoreplasty: extended follow-up and new objective data. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2003;128(5):605-615. PubMed
- Brietzke SE, Mair EA. Injection snoreplasty: investigation of alternative sclerotherapy agents. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2004;130(1):47-57. PubMed
- Al-Jassim AH, Lesser TH. Single dose injection snoreplasty: investigation or treatment? The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2008;122(11):1190-1193. PubMed