If you're considering having a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty procedure, you may be a problem snorer or may have some blockage in your sinuses or throat.  This procedure is being recommended more and more and is being perfected by the doctors who are performing it; it simply cuts away some excessive tissue in the back of the roof of the mouth.  This tissue usually causes snoring when someone breathes through their mouth as the air passing over it causes the tissue to rattle; it may also be cutting off this airway if it falls into the area of the throat.  While it is technically a surgical procedure, a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is relatively minor and typically only means some inconvenience and discomfort for the patient.  In order to minimize this discomfort, let's cover some simple tips you'll want to remember.

For one thing, most doctors today perform a laser assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty rather than using actual scalpels.  There are a few reasons for this.  One is that the laser allows them to make a more accurate cut and smaller cuts as well.  This is important when dealing with the area of the mouth since there isn't always a lot of room in which to work and there isn't usually a lot of tissue that needs to be cut away.  A laser assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty also means less bleeding as the laser acts as a cauterizing agent, closing off the blood vessels as it cuts.  However you still need to be aware of the risk of bleeding from this surgery and inform your doctor if you have any risks for excessive bleeding such as a clotting disorder.

Usually the first few days after a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty are simply uncomfortable but not painful.  However you should still consider a soft foods diet during this time while your mouth heals.  Also be aware of very hot beverages and alcohol as these too can irritate the area of the cutting.  People heal at different speeds so it may be up to you to decide when you can go back to your standard diet, but it's best not to rush this after a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty procedure.  The last thing you would want to do is to irritate the sensitive skin after it's just been cut.  And of course if it's been a week or two after your uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and you're still having pain or bleeding, consult with your doctor.