Snoring is a common sleep problem but it does not mean that it should be ignored. In fact, persistent snoring should be treated to ensure that any serious health conditions associated with it can be addressed in a timely manner. Laser for snoring is a fast growing option, especially for those with serious snore problems but are looking for non-invasive treatment options aside from surgery.
Laser snoring treatments is an advanced approach to treating snoring problems. If you are considering this particular treatment option, find out how it works and the prognosis for it. It is also important to consult with an expert to determine if you are a candidate for this type of treatment.
What is Laser Treatment for Snoring?
Most of the snoring treatment options in the market work by keeping the air passage open so as to reduce the vibrations caused when you inhale air. The most common type of treatment is the oral devices that can be used at home to manage the symptoms. But for more persistent problems, advanced treatment like laser technology might be recommended.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a type of surgical procedure recommended for those suffering from snoring. It is also a recommended treatment for anyone who is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. This is considered as one of the most effective procedures for snorers due to a high clinical rate of 70 to 95%. But since the clinical studies for this procedure is still in its infancy stage, there is a lack of conclusive clinical data that will demonstrate its long-term benefits.
Another treatment approach that uses laser involves the use of local anesthetic in order to fix the anatomic cause of snoring. During the procedure, a laser is used to trim the uvula and soft palate in the air passage. A laser surgery is conducted in a doctor’s office or snoring facility. The procedure is performed with the patient fully awake and while seated in a chair.
The laser surgery is performed for up to five sessions to complete treatment. Each session is performed about a month apart from each other with each session taking no more than 30 minutes or so. Following the laser surgery, patients will be able to return to their normal routine and can eat or speak normally. Some patients might report severe sore throat after. In some cases, medication is given to help patients cope post-surgery. However, you should be able to notice improvements in your snoring after only the first session. Once all sessions are completed, there is a success rate of 85% in terms of treating snoring and other associated symptoms.
Cost of Laser Treatment
With more options for laser treatment in the market, it brings the next important question to mind: how much does it cost? Laser is non-invasive and more effective than other surgical procedures for snorers. Thus, you can expect that it won’t be inexpensive. But depending on the specific kind of treatment you choose, it can be reasonably affordable. It is important to know the different factors that can impact the cost of treatment because there are plenty of them.
The location is one of the first factors that will impact the cost of the treatment. There are some regions like in Australia, particularly in major cities like Sydney or Brisbane, wherein they have more access to technologies like this. You can expect that the cost of a laser treatment will cost less compared to other areas wherein there is limited access to such technology.
The specific type of surgery done is also another important factor that affects cost. LAUP or laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty is one of the most common procedures available that use laser. You can also find non-surgical laser treatments, which is growing in popularity in the past few years. This is a better option for anyone who wants to reduce recovery time and for mild to moderate cases of snoring. For more extreme cases, then surgery is the best fit for you.
The downside is that not all insurance providers include laser treatment for their coverage. The reason behind this is that not all insurance companies would categorize snoring as a health condition but more of an aesthetic one. Make sure to consult with your insurance provider before you undergo this treatment. This will help to plan the cost of the procedure, just in case you are not covered by your insurance plan. A laser surgery will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 but some can go up to $4,000 when dealing with more severe cases.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Laser for Snoring?
If you are in desperate need of a snoring treatment, you might want to consider laser as an option. Laser for snoring is growing in popularity because it promises better results and a non-invasive approach. As with most treatment options for snoring, the goal of this technology is to keep your airways open.
If you or you know anyone who is suffering from snoring, then you might want to see if you are a candidate for this procedure. With this procedure, you can expect the following benefits:
- You can expect a non-invasive approach to treatment of snoring problems.
- When done correctly and using the right procedure, it can offer a permanent solution.
- It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in minutes.
- The pain is minimal with this kind of procedure.
- There is lesser risk involved that you will suffer complications after undergoing this procedure.
- It offers quick recovery for patients.
- You can expect immediate results even after only one session.
- It does not come with extreme side effects, apart from a mild sore throat.
Choosing laser treatment for snoring is the new standard in the industry. Apart from the cost, there is no reason to think twice about choosing laser technology for your treatment. Make sure to consult a snoring doctor or clinic first to ensure that it is the right approach to treat your condition. Otherwise, it won’t be able to effectively address the symptoms being exhibited.