Some patients may require multiple procedures in order to achieve the optimal configuration of the posterior pharynx which results in the desired reduction or elimination of snoring. Most snorers, however, require only one treatment. The postoperative course is characterized by significant throat pain which lasts about 7-10 days and requires both topical and systemic analgesics. Other complications are rare. Neither nasal regurgitation of liquids nor velopharyngeal incompetence have been observed.
Most patients are able to resume their normal activities.
The odynophagia usually results in a weight loss of about 10-15 pounds, which is a desirable side effect of the procedure for many patients. Non-laser methods for pharyngeal tissue reduction have also been described. Hypertrophied nasal turbinates, with or without a concomitant septal deviation, are a frequent cause of increased upper airway resistance. Both the CO 2 and YAG lasers have been used for the surgical reduction of the hypertrophied turbinates. Crusting occurs on the surface of the treated turbinates until healing occurs in about 4-6 weeks.