UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or snoring surgery)

What is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)?

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is surgery to open the upper airways at the back of the throat by taking out extra soft tissue. This allows air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, reducing snoring.

Why have this procedure?

UPPP is not a common surgery and is usually only considered as a treatment for severe snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea when other treatments, like losing weight or wearing a sleep device, have not helped to significantly reduce the impact of your snoring.

What is involved in this procedure?

UPPP is an operation performed under general anaesthetic. It usually takes about one hour.

Your surgeon will use a range of surgical techniques to remove the extra soft tissue at the back of the throat. This may include removing the soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth (uvula), parts of the soft palate and tissue at the sides of the throat. Your tonsils and adenoids may also be removed (if you still have them).

What should I expect after surgery?

It takes around three weeks to fully recover from UPPP surgery. The initial stages of recovery can be painful for swallowing, eating and drinking. You may have stiches in the back of your throat, which will dissolve on their own after a few weeks. Your ENT surgeon will give you advice on what to eat and how to manage your pain.

When your post-operative swelling has settled, you should have better airflow and may find that you snore less or not at all.

Where will I have my surgery?

UPPP is performed in hospital and is usually booked as an overnight stay. If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.