Radio Frequency for Snoring

For snoring treatments and how to stop snoring look no further.

At the Skin Medical Clinic, we use Radio Frequency (RF) technology to successfully treat snoring. There are several snoring aids on the market but we believe Radio Frequency is the more suitable option because it offers a long-term solution.

Radio Frequency is a simple outpatient procedure. It works by introducing a bipolar applicator probe to the problem tissue. The probe applies a low radio frequency current to the problem areas, heating the tissue. The heated tissue hardens and shrinks over a period of time, which, by reducing the obstruction and thus opening the airway, reduces the effects of snoring.


Frequently asked questions about Radio Frequency treatment


Is your clinic registered?
Yes, it is registered with the Healthcare Commission - registration service number 61007.

Who performs the snoring treatment?
Your treatment is applied by a fully-qualified Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant - an experienced surgeon who has trained to operate the sophisticated radio frequency equipment we use.

Is the treatment painful?
No, the treatment is given under local anaesthetic so you will have one or more injections similar to those you get when you have dental treatment. You may feel a very slight discomfort after treatment which is readily counteracted by everyday over-the-counter tablets such as Paracetamol.

How successful are RF treatments?
Surveys by the RF equipment provider revealed that more than 90%+ of patients obtained significant noise reduction on first treatment. At Skin Medical, we screen suitable clients thoroughly at our pre-assessment clinic in order to obtain higher success rates for first time treatments.

How do I arrange my treatment?
The process starts with a consultation and pre-assessment where our clinician will explain the causes of snoring, the treatment available, and our procedure. We assess your suitability fully and then propose the RF treatment best suited to you.

How long will the treatment take?
The treatment typically takes 20-30 minutes. The procedure starts with the ENT Consultant providing an endoscope examination and explanation of the procedure. The actual application of the RF is normally less than 10 minutes.

How soon can I return to work or normal everyday activities?
When the treatment is completed you will be advised to relax in the clinic's recuperation room for a short while. Once we are satisfied that everything is fine you are free to return to normal activities.

How soon will I experience some improvement?
The radio frequency snoring treatment shrinks the tissues that cause the snoring problems over a period of time. This will vary from patient to patient but you should expect to see some improvement in a matter of four to six weeks.

What shall I do after treatment?
Following treatment, you may feel some mild discomfort. This can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and after a short, thirty-minute recovery time, you should be able to resume your daily routine. To monitor the success of your treatment, we will arrange for you to come in for a follow-up appointment.

Long-term solutions for snoring?
There are other long-term snoring solutions available such as Laser procedures. Laser treatment is used to treat most snoring problems or people looking at how to stop snoring. However, laser procedures are not an ideal solution, as they can be expensive, painful and cause a number of side effects. Side effects include a lengthy recovery period, a permanent 'lump in the throat sensation and in some cases, patients may even find themselves regurgitating food through their nose. In comparison, Radio Frequency technology is a much better option. It is painless, has a relatively short recovery time and is cost-effective.

How radio frequency snoring treatment works

A local anaesthetic is injected in the areas to be treated, then a bipolar applicator probe is introduced to the soft palate tissue that is causing the problem. A low radio frequency current is generated via the probe for just a few seconds at selected points. This heats the soft tissue which will then harden and shrink over a period of time thus eliminating the problems that cause snoring.

When the treatment is finished, the patient can take over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol to counteract any slight discomfort and can resume normal activities after a short recovery period of around thirty minutes.

Some patients may require a reshape of soft tissue and partial ablation of the uvula. This is also achieved with the radio frequency. Patient are assessed initially by a nurse practitioner (we do not employ sales people/patient co-ordinators) who will advise on the relevant procedure for you following your assessment.

We will then arrange a follow-up appointment to check that the treatment was satisfactory and successful.