Snoring Surgery for Mild-to-Moderate Snoring

Snoring is more than a nuisance. It can wreck relationships and get in between you and a good night’s sleep. If your snoring is a problem, talk to your ENT about pillar implants.

Why we snore

Human snore when their airways are obstructed or tissues that should be firm vibrate. One of the most common causes of snoring is the vibration of the soft palate against the velopharynx. Just as strings vibrate to cause sound from a guitar, when tissue vibrates it can create noise too. Guitars sound great; snoring does not.

What is the pillar implant procedure?

During the pillar implant procedure, the ENT inserts rods made from a medical mesh into the tissue of the soft palate. These rods may be tiny (only about 0 .7 inches long and 0.08 inches in diameter) but they are strong.

The procedure can be done right in the ENT’s office under local anesthesia. Because it is minimally invasive there is minimal discomfort and minimal recovery time.

How it works

The pillar procedure works by adding strength to the soft palate. Because it is inserted in the area between the soft and hard palate it works to provide a “bridge” between the two areas and give added support to the soft palate. No longer will the tissue flap like a flag in the wind or a luff like an unsecured sail on a boat.

In addition, as the tissue around the pillars heals it also becomes firmer and resistant to vibration.

Minimally invasive = minimal discomfort

The procedure can be performed in one visit. Because you aren’t removing, abrading or debriding tissue the discomfort is minimal.

Unlike other snoring surgeries, the pillar implant procedure doesn’t require a liquid diet for days on end. Most people return to their regular activities and diets right after the procedure.

There won’t be any swelling of the face; your voice will sound normal. The only way your friends will know you had the procedure is if you tell them. However, your bed partner will notice a difference. While some see an immediate difference, the full effect isn’t achieved for about three months.

Is this snoring surgery right for you?

If you are sick and tired of feeling tired or you are keeping your bed partner up at night (or driving them to another room) then it is time to talk to the ENT about snoring surgery. The pillar implant procedure may be all you need for everyone in the house to get a good night’s sleep. That is something that is priceless.