Millions of people suffer from nasal airway obstruction. Often when breathing is being evaluated, the ENT specialist will assess the area of the nose called the nasal valve. This area of the nose is what most people call the nostrils and is often the narrowest part of the nose. This area may be very narrow or may collapse when breathing occurs. Some people notice it’s worse when they’re exercising or sleeping. There may be an internal component or an external component preventing breathing. There may be a dynamic collapse or inherent narrowing of this area. It’s best to have it evaluated by a qualified nasal surgeon or ENT specialist.

Nasal Valve AOO

I had a severely obstructive scar tissue band removed from my right nasal cavity as well as a turbinate reduction. My surgery with Dr. Rasband was 1 month ago and I am LOVING the outcome! Just a few days after surgery, I was breathing 100% better. Dr. Rasband provided me with some cool pictures of the surgery. Recovery was quite easy, I was actually able to attend a work meeting the next day in office. I saw her a few times since then for post-op appointments. No re-adherence of the scar tissue band, and I am breathing 100% better. It’s amazing to have both sides of my nose open!

Had a great experience with Dr Cote and great results! Would recommend Dr Cote. I would also go back for anything else I may need!

Dr Picerno was very knowledgeable and answered my questions. She made me feel heard. Her medical student trainee was great too!

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What are the Symptoms of Nasal Airway Obstruction?

There are many common symptoms of nasal airway obstruction. These include:

  • Nasal congestion or stuffiness
  • Nasal blockage or nasal obstruction
  • Trouble breathing through your nose
  • Trouble sleeping and mouth breathing at night
  • Inability to get air through your nose during exercise or exertion

Additionally, it can be helpful to answer these questions:

  • Do your nostrils collapse when you breathe heavily or exercise?
  • Do you use breathing strips to help compensate?
  • Does your breathing improve when you pull on your cheek to hold your nostril open?

If any of these symptoms seem familiar, you may have an airway obstruction that can be treated by an ENT specialist.

What are the Causes of Nasal Obstruction?

Nasal airway obstruction may result from a combination of factors, often involving instruction issues or inflammation. Common causes include:

  • Deviated septum
  • Nasal polyps
  • Nasal valve collapse
  • Enlarged turbinates
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Nasal congestion from infections
  • Trauma to the nose

 

Nasal Valve Repair and Other Treatment Options

Multiple procedures can be done to improve nasal breathing. Typically, a nasal valve repair is not done alone but rather alongside other procedures like septoplasty, rhinoplasty, turbinoplasty, and sinus surgery.

Septoplasty

The nasal septum is the wall that separates the left and right sides of your nose. The nasal septum can be deviated and cause narrowing of the nasal passageways. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, congestion, snoring, and sinus problems. Surgical treatment to correct this is done under anesthesia. Incisions are made to access the crooked cartilage or bone, which is either removed or repaired. A few days of recovery are needed, and you may deal with some mild discomfort and congestion.

Turbinoplasty

The inferior turbinate are structures that line your nasal passages and naturally humidify the air you breathe. However, they can cause symptoms of obstruction and congestion. This is sometimes addressed with a procedure to reduce their size for symptom improvement. The procedure is called a submucous turbinoplasty. It uses a minimally invasive device that shrinks the tissues and makes more room in the breathing passages. This procedure can be done in the office or in the operating room in conjunction with other nasal procedures.

Nasal Valve Repair

The nasal valve is the nostril area of the nose that may be either narrowed or collapsed when breathing. There are multiple technical ways to repair this area but in general include placement of cartilage grafts from your septum to open the area, release of scar tissue, or even the use of low-profile implants (Latera). It’s usually done in the operating room in conjunction with other nasal procedures, but sometimes, it can be done in the office. Depending on your specific case, your facial procedure may vary. However, a nasal valve repair commonly begins with anesthesia and is performed in under 30 minutes.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty typically involves a procedure that reshapes the external nose. Multiple structures affect the shape of your nose, including the nasal bones, the upper and lower cartilages, and the septum. Many people choose rhinoplasty to correct a deformity or improve the shape of the nose so that it’s better balanced with the face. Rhinoplasty can be done in conjunction with the above airway procedures, and it’s often advantageous to do them together.

Our rhinoplasty surgeon will sit down with you and do computerized simulations of how rhinoplasty can reshape your nose. We use advanced software that allows you to visualize your results before proceeding with surgery.

Nasal Valve Repair Recovery

For this procedure, you should expect to go home on the same day unless you had a more extensive procedure. You may experience some swelling or bruising, but these should subside within a week. Patients commonly return to regular activities within one week.

There may be some limitations on your activity after surgery. Most people need to take 3-5 days of rest and easy activity before resuming work or other easy activities. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting is not recommended for two weeks. Sometimes, more extensive surgery, such as rhinoplasty or a fracture repair, might require 7-10 days of rest. Contact sports may need to be avoided for up to six weeks. Ask your surgeon for the specific limitations that may be required for your surgery.

Schedule an Appointment in Denver, Lone Tree & Castle Rock

To learn more about your options for nasal valve repair, it’s important to meet with an ENT specialist or facial plastic surgeon who has extensive training in head and neck surgery. Reach out by calling us at 720-897-7160 or filling out our online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nasal valve?

The nasal valve is the area of the nose that most people call the nostrils. This is an area between the septum, the turbinates and the walls of the nose. This area may be very narrow or collapse when breathing occurs.

How is a nasal valve problem treated?

There are many treatments for a nasal valve problem. They include breathe right strips, nasal dilater stents, Laterra implants, radio frequency treatments, and customize surgery that might include cartilage graphs called batten graphs or spreader graphs. During a consultation each of these options can be explained to you and one can be chosen that best suits your problem.

What are symptoms of a nasal valve problem?

When people have difficulty breathing through the nose they may have a nasal valve problem. Sometimes they may notice that when they breathe through the nose their nostril collapses. This may be worsened when they're breathing more heavily during exercise or sleep. This area may be very narrowed or it may collapse when breathing. A proper nasal examination by a qualified surgeon will be the best way to determine if you have this problem.

How is nasal valve collapse diagnosed?

Nasal valve collapse is typically diagnosed through a physical exam, patient history, and specific tests like the Cottle maneuver. A nasal endoscopy may also be used to assess internal valve function.

Can nasal valve collapse be treated without surgery?

Yes, mild cases can sometimes be managed with nasal strips, external nasal dilators, or specialized nasal inserts that temporarily support the airway. However, these are often temporary solutions and may not be effective for more severe cases of collapse.

What surgical options are available for nasal valve collapse?

Surgical treatment is tailored to the type and severity of the collapse or stenosis. Options may include placing structural grafts, such as spreader grafts or alar batten grafts, to support and open the internal nasal valve. Rhinoplasty techniques can also be used to widen and support the nostrils, often in combination with septoplasty and turbinate reduction to improve overall airflow.

Will my breathing improve immediately after surgery?

Some patients notice an improvement right away, but swelling and healing can temporarily affect breathing. Most people experience significant, lasting improvement once the healing process is complete.

Can nasal valve collapse recur after surgery?

There is always a risk that nasal valve collapse can recur after surgery due to healing issues, tissue relaxation over time, or other anatomical changes.

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