Treatments for Nasal Valve Collapse
- Posted on: Sep 16 2022
What are the treatments for Nasal Valve Collapse?
Nasal Valve Collapse is a common problem. It is a condition where the ligaments on the outside of the nose are weak or broken and the nostrils collapse when the patient breathes in. The ligaments can break from an injury to the nose or become weaker with age.
There are various treatments for this condition ranging from conservative options to procedural options.
Nasal devices
There are multiple types of nasal devices that can help with collapse. These can be worn at nighttime or during exercise.
- Breathe Right® Strips: Breathe Right® Strips are adhesive strips that can be placed over the areas of collapse to help expand the nostrils. It helps to clean the skin before application. The downside is that strips may cause skin irritation. They can be worn with a CPAP.
- Nose Cones/Vents: These nose devices are plastic pieces that are inserted into the nostrils to support the nasal valve. They can be purchased online and sometimes found in drugstores. The downside to the cones/vents is they can fall out.
- PerformAIR®: The PerformAIR® nasal device looks different from cones/vents. It has two wings that can be formed to fit the shape of your nose and support the nasal valve. They come in multiple sizes. They can be found online or in some drugstores. They also can fall out, especially if not fitted properly.
Procedural Options
There are some procedural options that can help with nasal valve collapse. Previously, invasive surgeries were offered where cartilage grafting was placed in the valve to support the nostril.
Luckily, these new options are minimally invasive. They are effective at helping collapse but no procedure is available to eliminate 100% of nasal valve collapse.
- VivAer®: In the VivAer® procedure, the nasal valve is stiffened using radio frequency energy. The Rf is applied using a paddle at three different locations in each nostril at the point of maximal collapse. It does NOT change the appearance of the nose. The procedure only takes about 10 minutes under IV sedation in the office. Post-operatively the patient may experience minimal bleeding, pain, and nasal scabbing. Moisturizer is used in the nose for 3 weeks to help with healing.
- Latera®: In the Latera® procedure, an absorbable implant is placed under the skin to support the valve. The implant dissolves over 12-24 months and leaves behind some scar tissue that continues to support the valve. The implant is not visible. Latera® can be placed on both sides of the nose and also can be “cross-hatched” if needed for extra support. The procedure takes only about 15 minutes, under IV sedation in the office. Post-operatively the patient may experience minimal bleeding and tenderness.
Consultation
If you have nasal valve collapse and it is affecting your breathing, exercise tolerance, or sleep, schedule a consultation with Dr. Slaughter to see if you are a candidate for one of the procedures above. Call or securely text us at 512-601-0303 or complete our Request An Appointment form.
Tagged with: Latera, Nasal Valve Collapse, vivaer
Posted in: nasal valve collapse
