The term UPP surgery is short for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which is a procedure that cuts away certain tissue in and around the mouth and throat.  This tissue may or may not include any or all of the uvula, the soft palate, the tonsils, the adenoids, and the pharynx.

UPPP surgery is typically done as a remedy for chronic snoring.  This is because there is often excessive tissue in any of these areas mentioned above in and around the throat and mouth and when this happens, this excessive tissue can block the airways during sleep and cause snoring.  By cutting away any or all of these areas with UPPP surgery a patient is typically able to remedy their snoring.

Some may wonder why a doctor or dentist would recommend UPPP surgery for something as seemingly minor as snoring, but keep in mind how serious snoring can actually be, especially when it's chronic and severe.  A person's sleep is typically interrupted without their even knowing it, and a consistent lack of sleep can lead to falling asleep during the day at inappropriate times, mood swings, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight gain.  Chronic snoring can cause permanent damage to the throat and mouth as well, as these areas are not supposed to vibrate as intensely as they do when a person snores.  Having UPPP surgery can be a very necessary procedure that should not be easily dismissed.

Typically UPPP surgery is done with lasers rather than actual cutting.  This means a more accurate removal of tissue, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery time.  The lasers also act as a cauterization agent, stopping any bleeding that might occur.  Surgery is usually done in a dentist's office on an outpatient basis; the patient goes home almost immediately and usually their only restriction is that they cannot drive that day and perhaps one day after will need to follow a soft foods diet for several days or a week at most.  Most who have UPPP surgery report that it is very successful in treating their snoring and allows them to have a good night's sleep; they also report few side effects and rarely does the surgery interfere with their normal eating, talking, and everyday activities.