Snoring Treatment at The Private Clinic
SNORING & BLOCKED NOSE
Did you know that there are over 15 million snorers in the UK, whether they like to admit or not?!
There are so many products and techniques out there that claim to stop snoring but we are seeing an increasing number of patients who have been left feeling let down, disappointed and out of pocket after trying a vast number of them.
Snoring can have a negative impact on your life and your relationships with disturbed sleep for both of you. So it is no surprise that everyone is now seeking a ‘cure’
We have both good news and bad news here at The Private Clinic, whilst we are sorry to say that there is no one ‘cure’ for snoring, as everyone’s reasons for snoring are different. The good news is that we can actually help source the cause of your snoring and offer treatments to help control and drastically reduce it.
In this blog we are going to look at our most commonly performed treatment of Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty.
LAUP
Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is performed by Consultant ENT Surgeon and Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Specialist, Professor Yves Kamami GMC Number: 4145471 to treat snoring which has become increasingly popular in the UK with over 40,000 procedures being performed to date with a success rate of over 98% (as of 2016).
The treatment is designed to free your airways and increase oxygen supply which will help to prevent your snoring as well as lift your mood and increase energy levels as well as improve sleep for you and those who were kept awake by your snoring.
Will I be suitable?
Before you consider booking in for this treatment however it is worth noting the treatment is not always suitable for everyone. We recommend that all possible causes of your snoring are ruled out initially which could include being overweight, diet, smoking and allergies.
The LAUP treatment, although very effective –should only be seen as a final stop to compliment a healthy lifestyle. If you are able to lose weight and reduce your alcohol consumption for example you may find this is enough to stop your snoring.
Snoring could also be caused by another medical issue such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils which would require additional surgery to solve them.
What is causing me to snore?
There are a number of different elements that can cause snoring.
The first step in sorting out treatment would be to come and visit us for a consultation which allows us to assess exactly what is causing your snoring. Your consultation will last around 30 minutes and will include a physical examination of your throat and nose. During this time we will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms and we will ask you to fill in an Epworth questionnaire which will help us determine if you are suffering from sleep apnoea, in which cases some treatments may not be effective at all.
What is the treatment?
LAUP uses laser technology to target the uvula and surrounding area to gently remove excess tissue. This reduces the size of the uvula and creates a larger airway with less chance of it becoming blocked during sleep.
Will I have to stay in hospital?
The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and requires no overnight stay. Treatment times vary from 15 – 30 minutes and you will be free to leave shortly after your appointment has ended. So it is a walk-in, walk-out treatment.
Will I be in pain?
The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so pain should be low (if at all) although a slight level of discomfort may be experienced. After the procedure you will have the feeling of a sore throat for around 7-10 days but painkillers will be prescribed to you. Our outpatient nurse will talk you through the aftercare pack and be on hand to speak to if you have any questions post-treatment.
Will I be able to eat normally post-procedure?
There should not be any issues with you being able to eat normally after the procedure. It may be suggested that you eat softer foods for the first few days but this should be discussed with your surgeon.
How soon can I expect results?
We say that full results are often not seen until 6 months post procedure but some patients have experienced results within days or weeks after having the procedure.
Will I need additional treatment?
Some patients find that they may need to come back for additional LAUP sessions to continue to remove more tissue if they find they are still snoring loudly but this is unlikely.
The Private Clinic
Our mission for the last thirty years has been to provide only the most effective treatments. This means working with industry leaders. Our LAUP treatment is performed by its inventor, Mr Yves Kamami, who has over 30 years’ experience in the field and is one of the leading figures in the treatment of snoring, blocked noses and sleep apnoea. We know small problems can have a huge effect on how you feel, which is why we work hard to make sure we find the best solution for you to stop it for good.
LAUP is available at;
Professor Yves Kamami, Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Specialist, GMC Number: 4145471 available at London Harley Street