Treatment

Sleep Apnoea Jaw Surgery (MMA) in Madgaon, Goa

For severe sleep apnoea, jaw advancement surgery can be a definitive option.

Sleep Apnoea Jaw Surgery (MMA) in Madgaon, Goa

A definitive surgical option when CPAP and oral appliances are not enough

Living with severe obstructive sleep apnoea affects far more than sleep quality. It can mean constant daytime exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and long-term health risks if the underlying airway collapse is not properly addressed.

For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, or whose apnoea is too severe for an oral appliance to manage effectively, Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery is a recognised surgical option that repositions the jaws to open the airway.

At Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre in Comba, Madgaon, MMA surgery is considered only after a thorough sleep and airway assessment confirms it is an appropriate option for your specific case, with treatment carried out in coordination with hospital facilities.

Dr Taranjit Kaur brings more than 25 years of experience in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and is a Fellow of the Indian Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (FIBOMS), attached to several hospitals in Margao for advanced jaw surgery.

Can MMA surgery treat sleep apnoea effectively?

Yes. Maxillomandibular advancement surgery repositions the upper and lower jaws forward, which enlarges the airway space and can significantly improve or resolve obstructive sleep apnoea in appropriately selected patients.

It is generally considered for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnoea who have not achieved sufficient benefit from CPAP or oral appliance therapy.

MMA surgery usually includes:

  • Confirmation of sleep apnoea severity through sleep study results
  • Detailed assessment of jaw structure, bite and airway anatomy
  • Surgical planning to determine the required jaw movement
  • Surgical advancement of the upper and lower jaws in a hospital setting
  • Post-surgical monitoring, including follow-up sleep studies to confirm improvement

The goal is not only to reduce snoring. The goal is to meaningfully open the airway and improve breathing during sleep in a lasting way.

Is MMA surgery right for you?

The answer depends on the severity of your sleep apnoea and previous treatments

MMA surgery is a significant procedure and is generally reserved for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea who have not had sufficient success with CPAP or oral appliance therapy.

A responsible approach reviews your sleep study results, treatment history and jaw structure carefully before recommending surgery.

MMA surgery may be considered if you have:

  • A confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Difficulty tolerating or consistently using CPAP therapy
  • Limited improvement from an oral appliance such as a MAD device
  • A jaw structure that may be contributing to airway narrowing
  • Significant daytime symptoms affecting your quality of life
  • A wish to explore a more definitive, long-term surgical solution
  • Suitable overall health for a hospital-based surgical procedure

Your consultation is the right place to understand whether MMA surgery is an appropriate option for you.

How does MMA surgery work?

The process is planned carefully around your airway and jaw structure

1. Consultation and sleep history review

Your case begins with a review of your sleep study results, previous treatments and daytime symptoms, along with a detailed jaw and airway examination.

2. Surgical planning

Imaging and surgical planning are used to determine the precise degree of jaw advancement needed to achieve meaningful airway improvement.

3. Coordination with your care team

Because MMA surgery affects breathing during sleep, planning may involve coordination with your sleep physician or other specialists involved in your care.

4. Surgery

The upper and lower jaws are surgically advanced and stabilised, typically using plates and screws, in a hospital setting under general anaesthesia.

5. Recovery period

Recovery involves a period of dietary modification and healing, with swelling gradually subsiding and jaw function returning over the following weeks.

6. Follow-up and outcome confirmation

A follow-up sleep study is typically recommended after healing to confirm the degree of improvement in your sleep apnoea.

Why is MMA surgery considered a definitive option?

It addresses the underlying airway space directly

Unlike CPAP or oral appliances, which manage the airway during use each night, MMA surgery physically enlarges the airway space by repositioning the jaw bones. For well-selected patients, this can provide a lasting improvement without needing to wear a device every night.

This is why MMA surgery is often described as one of the more definitive surgical options for obstructive sleep apnoea, though it is a significant undertaking and not the right choice for everyone.

A thorough assessment helps confirm whether the potential benefit justifies the surgery in your specific case.

Why choose Dr Taranjit Kaur for sleep apnoea jaw surgery?

Specialist surgical experience matters for a procedure of this scale

Oral and maxillofacial surgery expertise

MMA surgery requires advanced surgical training in jaw repositioning, airway anatomy and facial bone stabilisation.

FIBOMS credential and hospital attachment

Dr Taranjit Kaur is a Fellow of the Indian Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (FIBOMS) and is attached to several hospitals in Margao, supporting the hospital-based care this surgery requires.

More than 25 years of experience

Planning the precise degree of jaw movement needed to improve airway space, while maintaining a functional bite and balanced facial appearance, comes from extensive surgical experience.

A carefully selected, evidence-based approach

MMA surgery is recommended only when your sleep study findings and treatment history support it as an appropriate option.

Clear explanations without pressure

Given the scale of this procedure, the consultation is designed to explain the process, recovery and expected outcomes clearly, so you can make a fully informed decision.

Recovery care after MMA surgery

Careful, staged recovery supports both healing and long-term results

Recovery from MMA surgery takes time, with function returning gradually over several weeks to months.

Helpful habits include:

  • Following the recommended liquid and soft diet progression
  • Taking prescribed medication as directed
  • Maintaining oral hygiene carefully during healing
  • Attending all follow-up appointments, including any repeat sleep study
  • Reporting unusual swelling, numbness or breathing concerns promptly
  • Avoiding strenuous activity during the initial recovery period
  • Allowing adequate time before returning to normal jaw function

Consistent follow-up, including outcome confirmation through sleep studies, supports the best long-term result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnoea Jaw Surgery (MMA)

Is MMA surgery only for people who cannot use CPAP?

It is most often considered for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or have not had sufficient benefit from it, though each case is assessed individually.

How effective is MMA surgery for sleep apnoea?

For well-selected patients, MMA surgery can significantly improve or resolve obstructive sleep apnoea, though outcomes vary and are confirmed with follow-up sleep studies.

Will my facial appearance change after surgery?

Jaw advancement can change facial profile to some degree, and this is discussed as part of your surgical planning, alongside the functional airway goals.

How long is the recovery period?

Recovery is gradual, with initial healing over several weeks and continued improvement over the following months. Your surgical team will give you a timeline specific to your case.

Will I need to stay in hospital?

Yes, MMA surgery is performed in a hospital setting, with the length of stay depending on the extent of surgery and your recovery.

Do I need a sleep study before and after surgery?

Yes, a pre-surgical sleep study confirms severity and suitability, and a follow-up study after healing helps confirm how much your sleep apnoea has improved.

Where is the clinic located?

Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre is located at Shop 37, Upper Ground Floor, Vasant Arcade, Comba, Madgaon, Goa 403601.

Explore a definitive surgical option for severe sleep apnoea

When CPAP and oral appliances have not been enough, MMA surgery may offer a lasting solution worth discussing.

Start with a consultation at Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre in Madgaon to find out whether this surgery is appropriate for your case.

Dr Taranjit Kaur's Healing Touch Centre Shop 37, Upper Ground Floor, Vasant Arcade, Comba, Madgaon, Goa 403601

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