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Radio Frequency Volume Reduction for the Throat: Before Your Procedure

What is radio frequency volume reduction for the throat?

Radio frequency volume reduction for the throat may reduce snoring. It may also be used to treat breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea.

You can get this treatment in a doctor's office or a clinic. First, your doctor will numb the area. Then a needle is put into the roof of your mouth (palate) or your tongue. A small electric current goes through the needle. This opens up the blocked area. The area will heal over the next 6 to 8 weeks. As it heals, the flow of air should improve and you may snore less.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes. Most people go home right after it is done. You will probably be able to return to work or your normal routine the next day. You may need more than one treatment.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

	Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
	Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
	If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
	Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
	Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.

Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.

Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the surgery center or doctor's office

Bring a picture ID.

You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.

The procedure will take about 30 minutes.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.

You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.

You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).

You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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