Lingual Radio frequency

When an enlarged tongue is responsible for airway obstruction or a narrowing of the pharynx, reduction surgery may be indicated to improve airflow and breathing during sleep.

 

This technique significantly reduces posterior tongue volume and is even efficient in patients who do not have weight problems. Also, mucosal sensitivity is unaffected. This is important, as this area is highly solicited during eating and swallowing. The procedure takes around 15 minutes and is performed in a clinic with conscious sedation or under general anesthesia in the operating room.

 

Mild discomfort lasting roughly 15 days is to be expected following radiofrequency-assisted tongue reduction.

 

Local swelling of the back of the tongue makes swallowing harder for about 10 days. Radio frequency of the tongue will reduce airway obstruction with limited discomfort and a low risk of complications. The simplicity of the treatment allows for treatment of patients with sleep apnea as well as people with simple snoring.