TL;DR: For people with severe obstructive sleep apnea that has not responded well to other treatments, surgery for sleep apnea may include Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) Surgery. This procedure repositions the upper and lower jaws to create more room in the airway and reduce obstruction during sleep.
- MMA Surgery advances both jaws to help enlarge the upper airway.
- Candidates may include people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, especially when other therapies have not been effective or tolerated.
- Recovery typically occurs in stages, with initial healing taking several weeks and continued bone healing over several months.
- Outcomes vary, so follow-up sleep testing may be needed to assess improvement.
- An oral surgeon can determine whether MMA Surgery is appropriate based on anatomy, health, and previous treatment.
If CPAP or other treatments have not adequately controlled severe obstructive sleep apnea, surgery for sleep apnea may be worth discussing with a specialist. One surgical option is Maxillomandibular Advancement, commonly called MMA Surgery. This procedure moves the upper and lower jaws forward to create more space behind the tongue and soft palate, helping reduce airway obstruction during sleep.
At Cleburne Oral Surgery, patients in Cleburne, TX, can receive an individualized evaluation to better understand whether surgical treatment may be appropriate. MMA Surgery is a significant procedure, so knowing how it works, who may qualify, and what recovery involves can help you have a more informed conversation with your care team.
What is surgery for obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the upper airway repeatedly narrow or block airflow during sleep. These interruptions can reduce oxygen levels, fragment sleep, and contribute to daytime fatigue and other health concerns.
MMA Surgery addresses airway anatomy by advancing both jaws. Moving the jaws forward also brings attached structures, including the tongue base and soft tissues, forward. This can enlarge the airway and make it less likely to collapse during sleep.
Unlike treatments that must be used nightly, MMA Surgery creates a structural change to the jaw and airway. However, results vary, and surgery does not guarantee that every patient will be completely free of sleep apnea afterward. Follow-up sleep testing may be recommended to measure the response.
Who may be a candidate for MMA Surgery?
MMA Surgery is generally considered for selected patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, particularly when nonsurgical therapies have not worked well, cannot be tolerated, or are unlikely to adequately address the underlying anatomy.
Your oral surgeon and sleep medicine team may consider several factors, including the severity and pattern of airway obstruction, jaw position, facial structure, overall health, previous treatments, and goals. Imaging, a physical examination, dental evaluation, and sleep-study results may all contribute to treatment planning.
Some patients have a recessed upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, which may reduce the available airway space. For these patients, Corrective Jaw Surgery for sleep apnea can potentially address both jaw position and airway dimensions.
MMA Surgery is not the right solution for everyone. A personalized evaluation is necessary because other Sleep Apnea treatments may be more appropriate depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
What happens during MMA Surgery?
MMA Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon carefully makes controlled cuts in the upper and lower jawbones so the jaws can be moved forward into their planned positions. Plates and screws are typically used to stabilize the bones while they heal.
Detailed imaging and measurements help determine how the jaws should be repositioned while considering the airway, bite, facial balance, and surrounding structures.
Because MMA Surgery changes jaw position, treatment may also involve coordination with an orthodontist or other specialists before or after surgery. The exact plan depends on your anatomy and treatment needs.
What should you expect during MMA Surgery recovery?
MMA Surgery recovery time varies from patient to patient. Swelling, facial tightness, temporary changes in sensation, and difficulty chewing are common during the early healing period. Your surgical team will provide instructions for nutrition, oral hygiene, activity, medications, and follow-up visits.
Many patients need several weeks before returning to more typical daily routines, while bone healing and adjustment continue for months. Your individual timeline may differ based on the extent of surgery, your health, and how your body heals.
A soft-food diet is often necessary. Following postoperative instructions closely can support healing.
What are the potential long-term benefits?
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can affect more than sleep quality. It‘s associated with health concerns involving cardiovascular function, blood pressure, daytime alertness, and overall well-being. Effective treatment can therefore be important for both nightly breathing and long-term health.
For appropriately selected patients, MMA Surgery may significantly reduce airway obstruction and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Some patients may experience improvements in sleep quality, daytime symptoms, and reliance on other therapies. The degree of improvement varies, and ongoing follow-up remains important.
Take the next step toward better nighttime breathing
If severe obstructive sleep apnea continues to affect your sleep and health despite other treatments, learning about MMA Surgery may help clarify your options. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your anatomy, discuss realistic expectations, and coordinate with other providers when needed.
Get in touch with Cleburne Oral Surgery to discuss surgery for sleep apnea and find out whether MMA Surgery may be appropriate for your needs.
Frequently asked questions about MMA Surgery
Is MMA Surgery for sleep apnea worth it?
For carefully selected patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, MMA Surgery can provide meaningful improvement by enlarging the airway. Whether it is worthwhile for you depends on your anatomy, symptoms, previous treatments, health, and personal goals.
How long does it take to recover from MMA Surgery?
Initial recovery commonly takes several weeks, but swelling, sensation changes, and bone healing can continue for months. Your surgeon can provide a more individualized MMA Surgery recovery time based on your procedure and health.
How risky is jaw realignment surgery?
Like any major operation, jaw realignment surgery has risks, including bleeding, infection, altered sensation, bite changes, and anesthesia-related complications. Your oral surgeon will review your individual risk factors and explain steps used to support safe treatment.
Is MMA a major surgery?
Yes. MMA is a major operation involving repositioning both the upper and lower jaws under general anesthesia. It requires detailed planning, a structured recovery period, and follow-up care while the bones and surrounding tissues heal.
What is the most successful surgery for sleep apnea?
There’s no single surgery that is best for every person with obstructive sleep apnea. MMA Surgery can be highly effective in appropriately selected patients, but the most suitable treatment depends on where airway obstruction occurs, its severity, anatomy, overall health, and previous treatment response.
