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The procedure
The procedure
The aim of radiofrequency ablation is to stiffen the soft palate to stop it vibrating so much. It can be done alongside surgery so that any blockages in the airway can also be removed.
The patient is given a local anaesthetic to numb the roof of their mouth. An electrode device is then put into the patient's mouth and pointed up towards the soft palate. The needle tip of the device makes small punctures in the muscle underneath the soft palate and sends radiofrequency energy into the tissue to scar and tighten it. It can be repeated several weeks later and is often done 2 or 3 times.