The Pillar Procedure Patient Instructions

Before your Procedure

• Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen containing products for 10 days prior to your procedure.
• In an attempt to speed recovery and prevent healing complications, smokers should attempt to stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes. 
• It is important that Drs. Nissman and Salin know all the medications you take on a daily basis prior to the procedure.

The Day of the Procedure

• Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing.
• Most patients choose to stay awake for the :Pillar Procedure procedure, but if you have chosen intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, you may not eat or drink six (6) hours prior to the procedure. Medication that is required prior to the procedure should be taken with a small sip of water only, at least TWO hours prior to the procedure.  Please ask the doctors which of your daily medications are required prior to your procedure.

The Procedure

To begin the procedure, an oral spray will be applied to your palate to topically anesthetize the area.  Once partially anesthetized, three or four small local anesthetic injections will be given to complete the anesthesia.
Once anesthesia is obtained, tiny polyester implants are placed into the muscle of your soft palate.  There is no discomfort felt during the procedure. 

Post-Operative Course and Instructions Following the Pillar Procedure

• Take all antibiotics as prescribed by your physician
• Eat soft foods for 24 hours after the procedure
• Rinse your mouth with salt water after meals
• If you experience any persistent pain, redness, or bleeding call the office at 215-322-7810
• Return for follow-up appointments as scheduled

Following the procedure you will be given an antibiotic and a pain reliever.  Most patients complain of only a mild sore throat relieved by ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).  A feeling of fullness in your throat for a few post-operative days is common due to swelling.

You should expect your snoring to worsen after the procedure due to mild swelling that results.  Improvement in your snoring will begin two weeks following the procedure, and continues until six-eight weeks.  At this time you will visit with your doctor to determine if an additional Somnoplasty treatment is suggested to further decrease your snoring. 

Most patients find minimal dietary restrictions following the procedure.  We suggest you maintain a cool, soft diet for two days following your procedure.  You should avoid citrus and spicy foods, as they may be irritating.  You may advance your diet as tolerated.

Sleep with two-three pillows so that you are maintaining a 45 degree angle.

If any of the following occur please contact our office:

• Excessive bleeding
• Inability to swallow
• Pain not relieved by prescribed pain reliever
• Difficulty breathing