Sleep Apnea Surgery in Billerica, Westford & Worcester, MA

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This obstruction is usually caused by the collapse of soft tissues in the throat or a structural issue involving the jaw or palate.

Symptoms may include:

• Loud snoring
  
• Choking or gasping during sleep
  
• Excessive daytime fatigue
  
• Morning headaches
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Mood changes or irritability
  

When left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.

When Is Sleep Apnea Surgery Recommended?

Surgery may be recommended if:

• CPAP therapy has failed or is not tolerated
  
• Oral appliances do not provide relief
  
• Airway anatomy suggests a structural blockage
  
• Imaging shows a recessed jaw or narrow airway
  
• Sleep studies confirm moderate to severe OSA with physical obstruction
  

Our surgeons collaborate with sleep medicine specialists and use advanced diagnostics, including 3D Imaging, to evaluate your anatomy and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Types of Sleep Apnea Surgery We Perform

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

This jaw surgery repositions the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway behind the tongue and soft palate. MMA is considered one of the most effective surgical treatments for severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Visit our Jaw Surgery page to learn how MMA also improves bite and facial structure.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This soft tissue procedure removes or repositions excess tissue in the soft palate and throat to widen the airway. UPPP is often used in combination with other procedures when soft tissue is a major contributor to blockage.

Genioglossus Advancement (GA)

This surgery pulls the tongue muscle attachment forward, preventing it from collapsing backward during sleep. It is often performed alongside MMA or UPPP for enhanced results.

Other Procedures

We also perform:

• Nasal surgery to correct deviated septum or nasal blockages
  
• Removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids
  
• Reconstructive procedures following trauma or tumor removal
  

Each procedure is customized based on the site and severity of airway obstruction.

Anesthesia and Recovery

All surgical treatments are performed under general anesthesia with appropriate monitoring. Our surgeons offer several Anesthesia Options and will guide you through the best choice based on your health and procedure type.

Recovery varies depending on the surgery but may involve a brief hospital stay, a liquid diet, and several weeks of healing. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and ongoing follow-up to ensure long-term success.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care

At New England Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we work in close coordination with your sleep medicine provider, ENT, or primary care physician. Our surgeons focus on restoring proper airway function while maintaining your facial aesthetics and bite alignment.

We also evaluate pediatric and Pediatric Patients when anatomical abnormalities contribute to sleep-disordered breathing.

Localized Expertise Across Massachusetts

With surgical offices in Billerica, Westford, and Worcester, we provide access to expert sleep apnea care across the region. Patients from Lowell, Bedford, Andover, Wilmington, Burlington, and Concord rely on us for surgical relief when non-surgical options have failed.

To find your nearest office, visit our Contact Us / Locations page.