LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hello Dr. Lam,

I have been wondering about this for some time. I am a mouth breather...always have been. I probably should have had my adnoids and tonsils taken out when I was young. Quite frankly, I didn't realize that being a mouth breather was not normal till I got much older. I have the problem of loose or thick tissue at the back of my throat, which sometimes causes snoring from blockage. This has gotten worse as I have gotten older...I used to wake every one else up...but now I even wake myself up!

Anyway, my concern, as far as having the fat grafting procedure, is whether this would be a problem while under anesthesia? Have you had patients with this problem before?

By the way, if you have any suggestions or know of any procedures that would eliminate the breathing problem, the information would be greatly appreciated.

Your talent and the time you spend educating is greatly appreciated. Terri

hi terri,
if that is the case, i would recommend a deeper sedation with either a laryngeal mask airway (which is a tube that rests in the mouth) and a standard general anesthesia airway. these are the best options for someone with your airway type. the reason is that with IV sedation and an airway like that i have to keep holding your chin forward during the procedure (which is doable) but not a great idea.

i don't have any ideas about what to offer you. however, you really should have an otolarynogologist (ENT) check your condition out first. Even though I am boarded in otolaryngology, i really have never clinically practiced it. Also, an oro-maxillo-facial surgeon (OMFS) may need to be consulted to see if there is a bony condition if the ENT fails to see something in the soft-tissue that could explain it. Adenoids disappear by adolescence in most cases so you should check it out.

best,
sml

Thanks Dr. Lam,

I'm glad to hear that it is something that can be worked around. Now that I know the type of specialist(s) I should consult, I have some direction. I would think that this is something that should be covered by insurance.

Thanks again, Terri

I would imagine that should be covered by insurance.