Pillar Procedure for Snoring


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Pillar procedure is recognised as a less invasive surgery than some other options for heavy snorers, while also being considerably less painful. Often the surgery will be conducted in one short session, or while you are having other procedures carried out. Pillar procedure involves the placing of three to five strips of woven polyester implants into the soft palate. Over time, as your body builds around these ‘pillars’, the soft palate will become stronger eliminating any collapse and vibration and thus reducing turbulence in the upper airway during sleep. The implants do not interfere with swallowing in anyway and a patient normally returns to regular diets on the same day as the operation. The Pillar Procedure can cost in the region of £1,000 depending upon the clinic that you visit.

Side-Effects of the Pillar Procedure

Because the Pillar implant system does not require the removal of any tissue in the soft palate area, the risk of complications and the amount of pain felt by a patient after surgery is significantly reduced, and almost made obsolete.

Side effects of the surgery may include partial extrusion, where the implant sticks out from the soft palate because it was placed too shallow during surgery. To rectify this problem the surgeon will have to remove the implant and place a new one inside the soft palate. Other lesser side effects include sore throat, voice change, taste alteration, infection, allergic reaction and implant migration, but on studies carried out on patients after their operations these side effects afflicted a minute number.

Benefits of the Pillar Procedure

Because the Pillar implant system does not require the removal of any tissue in the soft palate area, the risk of complications and the amount of pain felt by a patient after surgery is significantly reduced, and almost made obsolete. The procedure is carried out in a short period of time, and can be completed alongside other surgeries. The recovery time is unusually quick, with patients returning to normal activities and eating often on the same day.

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