Sleep Apnea Surgery in Yakima WA

Waking up more exhausted than when you went to bed? Struggling to stay alert during the day no matter how early you hit the pillow? If that sounds familiar, you’re not just tired—you could be living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Yakima WA. And while CPAP machines and oral appliances help many people, some need more than just a device on the nightstand.

As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we treat sleep apnea at its root—literally. If the structure of your airway is the problem, surgery may be the long-term solution you’ve been searching for.

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What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Yakima WA?

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles and soft tissues in your throat relax too much during sleep, causing your airway to collapse or become blocked. This can happen dozens—even hundreds-of—of times a night. Each episode briefly cuts off your breathing, forcing your brain to jolt you awake to restore airflow.

Now multiply that by every night, for years. The long-term effects aren’t just about snoring or fatigue—they can include high blood pressure, memory issues, weight gain, and a significantly increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

That’s why finding a solution that actually works is so important.

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When Is Surgery Considered for Sleep Apnea?

Surgery isn’t always the first step—and it shouldn’t be. Many patients respond well to conservative treatments like CPAP therapy, weight loss, or dental appliances. But what if those options don’t work, or you simply can’t tolerate them?

That’s where we come in.

We typically evaluate surgical options when:

• CPAP or oral appliance therapy has failed
• Anatomical obstructions are clearly visible on imaging
• The airway is narrowed due to jaw position or soft tissue volume
• Quality of life and long-term health are at risk

Our role is to find the most effective path forward, based on your unique anatomy, sleep studies, and medical history.

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Understanding Your Surgical Options For Sleep Apnea in Yakima WA

No two sleep apnea cases are the same, and neither are the procedures used to treat them. Depending on the severity of your apnea and the underlying cause, here are a few of the surgical approaches we may consider:

1. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
   This procedure removes excess tissue from the soft palate and throat (such as the uvula and tonsils) to widen the airway. Think of it like clearing a traffic jam at the narrowest part of your throat.
2. Genioglossus Advancement (GA)
   The genioglossus is the main muscle that controls your tongue. By repositioning its attachment point, we help prevent your tongue from collapsing backward during sleep.
3. Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
   This is a powerful and comprehensive solution. By surgically repositioning the upper and lower jaws forward, we increase the entire airway space. MMA is often the most effective procedure for moderate to severe cases of OSA and is supported by strong clinical results.
4. Nasal or Septal Surgery
   If structural issues in your nose are contributing to your breathing problems, we may recommend correcting a deviated septum or removing obstructions to improve airflow.
5. Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HNStim)
   A newer option for select patients, this involves implanting a small device that stimulates the tongue muscles during sleep to keep the airway open. It’s kind of like a pacemaker for your airway.

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What to Expect Before and After Surgery

We take a full-body, full-picture approach to treatment. That means working closely with your sleep physician, ENT, or primary care doctor. You’ll also undergo sleep studies, imaging (like a CBCT scan), and a complete airway evaluation before anything is scheduled.

Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis, though some require a short stay depending on complexity.

Post-surgery, expect:

• Some swelling and mild discomfort (which we’ll help you manage)
• A soft or liquid diet temporarily, depending on the procedure
• Gradual improvement in breathing and sleep quality over weeks to months
• Follow-up sleep studies to measure your results

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The Big Question: Does It Work?

Yes—and for the right patient, it can be life-changing.

Clinical studies show that surgical intervention can significantly reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea events, especially in cases where jaw position or airway anatomy is the primary cause. But success depends on choosing the right surgery for the right patient. That’s where experience, imaging, and planning make all the difference.

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Benefits Go Way Beyond Better Sleep

Getting restful, uninterrupted sleep isn’t just about avoiding grogginess. After successful surgery, many patients report:

• More energy and mental clarity
• Decreased snoring (which your partner will thank you for)
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved mood and focus
• A better overall quality of life—and in many cases, longer life expectancy

Sleep affects everything—your health, your relationships, your ability to function during the day. That’s why we don’t treat it lightly.

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You Don’t Have to Live With Exhaustion

Sleep apnea in Yakima WA can be a silent thief—stealing your rest, your focus, and even your health. If conservative treatments haven’t worked for you, surgical care may be the answer that gets your life back on track.

We’re here at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery  to help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and feel like yourself again. Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about your options, review your testing, and build a custom plan that puts your health first.