Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea surgery is a procedure to correct jaw and skeletal differences that can obstruct a child’s airway.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the airway narrows and collapses repeatedly during sleep. As a result, children and teens with OSA may experience poor sleep quality, daytime tiredness, behavioral concerns, trouble learning, heart complications and impaired growth.

Jaw and craniofacial surgery can sometimes treat children with OSA.

Before your child receives sleep apnea surgery, we need to make an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic evaluation may include sleep studies, airway imaging, endoscopy or 3D facial analysis.

Our surgery team works closely with:

• Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors
• Orthodontists
• Pediatric anesthesiologists
• Pulmonologists
• Sleep medicine specialists

Together, we make sure you get the best treatment for your specific condition. Depending on your child’s age and anatomy, treatment may include:

• Adjunctive airway procedures
• Craniofacial reconstruction procedures
• Genioglossus advancement
• Maxillary expansion
• Maxillomandibular advancement (orthognathic surgery)

The jaws provide a framework that supports the tongue, soft palate and upper airway. In some people, performing jaw surgery can enlarge the airway and significantly improve breathing during sleep.

Many people who have had this surgery experience improvements in sleep quality, daytime energy, school performance and overall health.