Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 11/14/2025

Can sleep apnea return after treatment or surgery?

Yes, sleep apnea can come back after treatment or surgery, even if you don't gain weight.

answer background

Explanation

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Even after treatment or surgery, sleep apnea can return.

Reasons for Recurrence:

  1. Weight: While gaining weight can cause sleep apnea to return, it can also come back without weight change.
  2. Age and Other Factors: As people age, changes in the body can bring back sleep apnea. Other unknown factors might also play a role.

Studies:

  • One study found that sleep apnea can return even if there is no weight gain.
  • Another study showed that children who had surgery for sleep apnea needed long-term follow-up because the condition could come back.
  • A third study reported that even after successful treatment, sleep apnea symptoms could reappear over time.

It's important to monitor your symptoms and have regular check-ups with your doctor to manage sleep apnea effectively.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about diseases

Sleep Disorder

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.