Living with obstructive sleep apnea is more than just dealing with loud snoring. It is a serious medical condition that can drain your daily energy and affect your long-term health. Obstructive sleep apnea involves blockage of breathing during sleep, leading to snoring in most cases and also causing disruption of sleep. Many patients arrive at Sleep Doctor after years of struggling with CPAP machines or oral appliances that provide little relief. This chronic lack of restorative sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea does not require wearing any devices like CPAP or an oral appliance.

Sleep apnea surgery uses one or more procedures to open the space for breathing in the nose and throat. Because different patients have different causes of their obstructive sleep apnea, the sleep apnea surgery evaluation is focused on identifying the right procedure for you. Many of these complex sleep apnea procedures may not be available from other surgeons or other centers.

Dr. Kezirian has been a international leader in sleep apnea surgery over the past two decades, and he is one of the few sleep apnea surgeons with research funded by the National Institutes of Health. This research is designed to improve surgery results. If you are searching for a permanent solution, consulting a specialized sleep apnea surgeon like Dr. Kezirian at UCLA Health is the critical first step toward getting good nights of sleep and reclaiming your health.

Our Personalized Approach and Solutions

Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea addresses the root cause of your condition, targeting the anatomical issues that obstruct your airway during sleep. Dr. Kezirian and his team believe in personalized care and specialize in a range of procedures. He works with you to understand your unique condition and recommend the most appropriate surgical option.

Dr. Kezirian’s assessment starts in the office and often includes an evaluation called drug-induced sleep endoscopy performed in the operating room. The purpose is to understand the cause of your sleep apnea to design a personalized treatment plan for each patient, whether it involves one or more procedures. Choosing the right sleep apnea surgery is the key to reducing or eliminating the obstruction, allowing you to breathe naturally while you sleep.

Sleep apnea surgery procedures can be divided according to the areas of the breathing passage that they treat.

Nasal procedures can improve breathing through the nose during the day and night:

• Nasal valve surgery to support or strengthen the sides of the outside of the nose that can collapse when breathing in
• Septoplasty to straighten or reposition the nasal septum (wall separating the two nasal passages) that can block one or both nasal passages, often called a deviated septum
• Sinus surgery to treat chronic sinusitis by opening the small passageways that connect the sinuses to the nose
• Turbinate reduction to reduce the size of the turbinates inside the nose using controlled cauterization or removal of a small piece of bone

Palate procedures for obstructive sleep apnea has evolved to move past the traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty that involved simple removal of tissue. Advanced soft palate procedures are based mainly on repositioning tissues of the soft palate. These advanced techniques include the Australian Modified Palatopharyngoplasty, Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty, and Lateral Pharyngoplasty procedures. Palatal Advancement works slightly differently. It involves removing a portion of the back of the hard palate bone, moving the soft palate forward in the process. There are other office-based procedures like Palate Radiofrequency that work better for snoring than obstructive sleep apnea, but they can be considered in some patients.

The Tongue Region is the area lower down in the throat, and a group of procedures has been developed to treat the different causes of blockage of breathing in this area.

• Genioglossus Advancement, Lingual Tonsillectomy, Midline Glossectomy, and Tongue Radiofrequency treat cases where the tongue is enlarged or falling back to block breathing
• Epiglottis Surgery can involve moving the epiglottis forward or removing a part of the epiglottis
• Hyoid Suspension can pull forward a portion of the tongue and epiglottis in a slightly-different way

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation treats obstructive sleep apnea using systems placed inside the body with surgery. The hypoglossal nerve is the nerve that controls movement of the tongue, and stimulation of this nerve is designed to move the tongue forward and open the space for breathing in the throat. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation has transformed sleep apnea surgery by enabling effective treatment for many patients who could not achieve ideal results with other procedures, and Dr. Kezirian has led major research studies evaluating how best to select patients for hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Dr. Kezirian and his team offer both the Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation and Nyxoah Genio systems. Treatment with these systems involves close collaboration with sleep medicine colleagues at UCLA Health and multiple centers throughout the region or around the country.

Jaw surgery, or maxillomandibular advancement, treats obstructive sleep apnea with surgery that moves the upper and lower jaws forward. Because multiple structures attach to the jaws directly or indirectly, this surgery can open the space for breathing in your throat. Dr. Kezirian used to perform this surgery, but he now works with colleagues in oral and maxillofacial surgery experienced with using this surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

What about weight loss for sleep apnea?

Weight loss is an important part of sleep apnea treatment. In some cases, weight loss can clear up sleep apnea entirely. More often, weight loss improves sleep apnea to improve results of other treatments, including surgery. A comprehensive approach to weight loss should include lifestyle changes, including a focus on nutrition, and UCLA Health has a leading weight management program. Medications such as tirzepatide (marketed as ZEPBOUND for sleep apnea) have achieved real reductions in body weight and sleep apnea, and weight loss surgery can be an often for some patients. Dr. Kezirian does not offer these treatments himself, but he does recommend them whenever his assessment suggests they would be particularly important.

Why Choose Dr. Kezirian at Sleep Doctor

As the only sleep apnea surgeon in Southern California who specializes exclusively in the surgical treatment of adults, Dr. Kezirian provides a level of expertise that general ENTs cannot match. He has served as the President of the International Surgical Sleep Society and a leading researcher whose work on drug-induced sleep endoscopy has set global standards. At Sleep Doctor, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. By choosing a world-renowned expert, you ensure that your surgery is tailored to your specific airway anatomy, maximizing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Dr. Kezirian believes in holistic sleep apnea care, working together with sleep specialists at UCLA Health and centers around the world to make sure patients get the best care they can. This comprehensive approach includes non-surgical evaluation and treatment from specialists in sleep medicine as well as other oral and maxillofacial surgeons. UCLA Health is fortunate to have a wide range of experts in sleep medicine, including sleep neurologists and sleep psychiatrists and psychologists that lead the UCLA Insomnia Clinic. The goal is to improve patient health and well-being, knowing that surgery is not the right approach for everyone.

Dr. Kezirian’s goal is to improve your sleep quality and reduce the health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as heart disease, hypertension, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Take control of your sleep and your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how sleep apnea surgery can transform your nights and days. Dr. Kezirian is committed to helping you achieve the quality sleep you deserve.

Your Journey to Better Sleep

Navigating the path to surgery is a collaborative process. First, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your previous sleep studies and medical history. Next, we used advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact location of your airway collapse—whether in the nasal, palate, and/or tongue region. Finally, Dr. Kezirian develops a personalized surgical plan that may include minimally invasive snoring surgery or advanced treatments like Inspire or Nyxoah Genio therapy. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident at every stage of your care.

Don’t let another night of interrupted breathing affect your quality of life. Whether you need a primary procedure or a second opinion on a previous treatment in Los Angeles County, CA, our team is here to help. Schedule a visit with Dr. Kezirian today to start waking up feeling refreshed.

FAQs

How do I know if I am a candidate?

Candidacy depends on your diagnosis, symptom severity, and where the obstruction occurs. Dr. Kezirian reviews your sleep study, examines your airway, and may recommend drug-induced sleep endoscopy to map collapse patterns. This information lets him discuss targeted procedures or staged treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn more about Dr. Kezirian’s philosophy of the role of sleep surgery.

What are Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation and Nyxoah Genio, and who benefits?

Inspire and Nyxoah Genio are implanted systems that activate the tongue muscles during sleep to keep the airway open. Ideal candidates typically have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, struggle with CPAP, and meet specific anatomical and sleep-study criteria. We evaluate these factors carefully and discuss expectations, recovery, and long-term follow-up.

How should I prepare, and what is recovery like?

Preparation includes optimizing medical conditions, stopping certain medications when advised, and arranging help at home for the first days. Surgery recovery varies by procedure—minimally invasive options often have short downtime, while more-involved surgeries require more healing and structured follow-up. We provide written instructions, pain-control plans, and clear milestones so you know what to expect.

What types of procedures are available for sleep apnea and snoring?

Dr. Kezirian offers a full spectrum of surgical options, including minimally invasive techniques like palate or tongue radiofrequency and advanced procedures such as expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty and implantation of the Inspire and Nyxoah Genio systems. Each treatment is selected based on your unique anatomy, sleep study findings, and goals. He prioritizes approaches that balance effectiveness with recovery time and risks, and he often combines procedures to improve outcomes.

Can I schedule a consultation if I live outside California or the United States?

Yes. Dr. Kezirian regularly works with patients from across the country and internationally. Video consultations are available to review your history, sleep study, and treatment options before any travel is required. We help coordinate care and logistics to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

What are the risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated instead of having surgery?

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. While surgery carries its own set of risks, the long-term strain on the heart and the danger of daytime fatigue can outweigh the risks of a carefully planned surgical intervention. The other aspect of sleep apnea is that it can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and the inability to get the most out of life!

Will my insurance cover sleep surgery at Sleep Doctor?

Most major insurance providers cover surgical treatments for sleep apnea when deemed medically necessary and when other treatments, like CPAP, have failed. Our office works closely with patients to help them understand their benefits and the documentation required for approval.

What is the difference between snoring surgery and surgery for sleep apnea?

Snoring surgery is often focused on the soft tissues of the palate to reduce the noise of snoring. Surgery for sleep apnea is designed to open the airway for breathing during sleep. Dr. Kezirian evaluates both to ensure that the chosen procedure addresses the underlying medical obstruction, not just the sound. Fortunately, snoring often also improves dramatically when the results are good with surgery for sleep apnea.