Preparing for Sleep Apnea/ Snoring Laser Surgery

Before the Surgery Date
If you develop a cold, fever or any other medical symptom, please call the office right away. Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs for 10 days before surgery. This is extremely important since aspirin can thin the blood and cause you to bleed more. We have included a list of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs that contain aspirin. You can download and print the list here – please read it carefully.

You should have received prescriptions for medications. If you have not, please call our office right away. Fill all prescriptions at least 48 hours (2 days) before surgery. It is best to take your antibiotics with food or shortly after eating to avoid stomach upset. It is a good idea to have Tylenol or another over-the-counter, non-aspirin medication for pain on hand at home. Also, a prescription pain pill will be given to you for postoperative use.

People who are prone to cold sores may have a flare-up following laser surgery. To prevent cold sores or fever blisters from developing, you need to begin taking Zorivax 400MG 3 times a day starting 3 days before surgery, and then for 10 days after surgery.

Other prescriptions (such as pain pills, anti-nausea/ anti-emetics, and steroid Dosepak) may be given to help reduce post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting, and swelling.

In addition, if you are a smoker, you must stop smoking for 48 hours (2 days) prior to your scheduled surgery. Smoking causes small blood vessels to constrict, which could result in your tissue not receiving adequate blood circulation. It takes a minimum of 48 hours to reverse this effect of smoking. In addition, it would be best if you did not smoke for at least one week after surgery.

Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for up to 48 hours before surgery or for 48 hours or more after surgery as long as you are on pain pills. Please arrange to have someone drive you to and from the surgery; you will not be allowed to drive yourself if you have been sedated.

On the Day of Surgery

If you are going to be sedated or put to sleep, do not eat or drink anything 6 to 8 hours before your surgery. This includes water or chewing gum. On the morning of surgery, please take a shower and shampoo using Dial or other antibacterial soap (Hibiclens). Do not use any body lotion on the day of surgery. Remove all makeup, nail polish and contact lenses at home before you come to your appointment.

After Surgery

Swelling, oozing, bruising and a sore throat will occur over the treated area, and your throat may become puffy and red in the first 24 to 48 hours. The swelling will gradually subside over the next 7 to 14 says. You may take up to 6 weeks for the snoring/ sleep apnea symptoms to resolve.

Most patients find that they are slightly uncomfortable. A pain-relieving agent will be prescribed, but Extra-strength Tylenol, aspirin or Advil will often control the pain. Also, an antibiotic, antiviral and liquid numbing gel will be given before surgery. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 4 times daily to provide a better environment for wound healing.

Postoperatively, your palate and throat will be rather pink, swollen and bruised. Your incision will be very delicate and sensitive. Do not use strong mouthwashes for 2 weeks following the surgery. Soft foods and liquids will need to be eaten in the first 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

If you have any problems such as severe bleeding, difficulty breathing or a high fever, please call the office at 706.235.5570.