Treatment Overview
Sleep apnea improvement surgery focuses on correcting structural nasal blockages that contribute to breathing interruptions during sleep. In many patients, issues like a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse reduce airflow, worsening snoring and sleep apnea. Functional rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or related procedures in Korea are designed to open the nasal airway, restore proper breathing, and improve overall sleep quality.
Korea is widely recognized for its advanced functional rhinoplasty and ENT surgical techniques. With the use of 3D CT scans, endoscopic evaluations, and customized surgical planning, Korean surgeons are able to treat both the functional obstruction and, if requested, improve nasal aesthetics simultaneously.
Purpose & Benefits
- Restores clear nasal airflow to reduce nighttime breathing pauses
- Decreases snoring and sleep disturbances caused by airway obstruction
- Improves oxygen intake during sleep, reducing fatigue and daytime drowsiness
- Enhances overall sleep quality and may reduce long-term health risks (heart disease, hypertension)
- Provides a dual benefit: functional airway improvement and potential cosmetic refinement
Ideal Candidates
- Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused or worsened by nasal blockages
- Individuals with chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or nighttime breathing pauses
- Those who have not achieved relief with CPAP therapy, medication, or non-surgical treatments
- Patients seeking combined functional and cosmetic nose surgery for better breathing and appearance
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or nasal congestion
- Mild bleeding during early recovery
- Rare risks of infection or scarring
- Some patients may require revision surgery if sleep apnea symptoms persist due to multiple airway factors (pharyngeal or tongue obstruction beyond the nose)
Surgical Techniques Used
- Septoplasty – Corrects deviated septum to clear the central airway
- Turbinate Reduction – Shrinks enlarged nasal turbinates that block airflow
- Nasal Valve Repair – Strengthens collapsed nasal valves for stable breathing
- Functional Rhinoplasty – Reshapes nasal structure while improving airflow
- Multi-level Airway Surgery (if required) – Combined with throat or soft palate procedures for severe OSA cases
Recovery & Aftercare
- Downtime: 5–10 days for initial swelling and congestion to subside
- Splints/stents: Sometimes used for a few days to stabilize nasal passages
- Return to work: 1–2 weeks depending on surgery complexity
- Breathing improvement: Usually noticeable within 2–4 weeks as swelling decreases
- Full healing: 3–6 months for stable results
- Aftercare: Sleep on an elevated pillow, avoid strenuous activity, and protect nose from trauma
Results & Longevity
- Significant reduction in snoring and apnea events
- Long-term improvement in airflow and sleep quality
- Boosts daytime energy, focus, and overall health
- Results are permanent as long as proper healing occurs, though weight changes or throat-related OSA may still require additional management
Treatment Process in Korea
- Initial Consultation & Sleep Study Review – Doctors evaluate prior sleep apnea tests and perform CT scans/endoscopy of nasal airway.
- Customized Surgical Plan – Depending on the cause, procedures may include septoplasty, valve repair, or turbinate reduction.
- Surgery (1–3 hours) – Typically under general anesthesia.
- Early Recovery (5–7 days) – Swelling, mild congestion, and splints (if needed).
- Follow-Up Care – Stitches/splints removed within a week; sleep quality assessed.
- Final Results (2–3 months) – Noticeable improvement in airflow and sleep patterns.
Cost Range in Korea
The price of sleep apnea improvement through functional nasal surgery varies depending on the cause and complexity:
- Simple Septoplasty or Turbinate Reduction:
₩3,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 KRW ($2,700 – $4,500 USD) - Functional Rhinoplasty (Septum + Valve Repair):
₩6,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 KRW ($4,500 – $6,800 USD) - Advanced Multi-Level Reconstruction (Severe OSA cases with grafting):
₩9,000,000 – ₩13,000,000 KRW ($6,800 – $9,800 USD)
Popular Clinics in Korea for Sleep Apnea Surgery
- Seoul National University Hospital (ENT & Rhinoplasty Unit) – Specialized in functional airway surgery with advanced diagnostics
- Asan Medical Center – Expertise in multi-level sleep apnea treatment combining ENT and sleep medicine
- ID Hospital – Known for combined aesthetic-functional rhinoplasty in sleep apnea patients
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Offers personalized airway correction with natural-looking nose reshaping
- View Plastic Surgery – International patient care with full medical tourism support
