Nasal Valve Collapse Treatment in Austin, TX
What Is Nasal Valve Collapse?
The term nasal obstruction or nasal blockage describes a condition in which airflow through the nose is restricted, making it difficult to breathe. Nasal valve collapse is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction, occurring when the nasal valve, or the narrowest part of the nasal airway, narrows or collapses inward during breathing.
Nasal valve collapse can affect one or both of the nostrils and often leads to noticeable breathing difficulties, particularly during physical activities and exercise. It’s estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from nasal airway obstruction, and many live with the symptoms of nasal valve collapse for years without knowing effective treatment is available to help them breathe easier.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Nasal Valve Collapse?
This approach is often appropriate for patients who:
- Chronic stuffiness or congestion
- Trouble breathing through the nose, especially upon exertion or deep inhalation
- Difficulty breathing that interferes with sleep
- Restricted nasal airflow through one or both nostrils
Many people may or may not notice the visible collapse of the nostrils, even as breathing difficulties persist.
What Are The Causes Of Nasal Obstruction?
Common causes of nasal obstruction include nasal allergies, enlarged turbinates, and sinus issues. A deviated septum is another frequent culprit, along with nasal valve collapse which is a distinct cause rooted in the structure of the nose itself. In this type of nasal obstruction, there is a weakness in the cartilage foundation that supports the nostrils, sometimes involving the upper lateral cartilage or lower lateral cartilage. Either the cartilage itself is weak, the ligaments that support them are weak, or both issues are present, leading to collapsed nasal valve symptoms in one or both nostrils.
Weakness in the ligaments or cartilage of the nose may result from an injury, prior surgery, or natural anatomical differences. In some cases, nasal valve collapse is an age-related problem.
Will A Nasal Valve Collapse Go Away On Its Own?
No. Nasal valve collapse involves a decrease in the structural integrity of the body structures and soft tissue along the sides of the nose. The soft tissue in this area does not grow stronger and firmer on its own, and without treatment, breathing difficulties and restricted airflow typically persist or worsen over time. Appropriate treatment is necessary to support the nose and restore adequate airflow through the nostrils.
Will A Nasal Valve Collapse Worsen If Untreated?
The collapse of the sides of the nose can worsen over time. However, this does not happen to every person with nasal valve collapse. Left untreated, nasal valve collapse can significantly affect your quality of life. Specifically, nasal valve collapse can disrupt the depth and quality of sleep, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life. Breathing improves significantly once appropriate treatment is pursued.
Nasal Valve Collapse – Hear from Our Patients
“Very intelligent doctor and staff. I went to prior allergists who claimed that my nasal issues were due to allergies even though my skin allergy tests were negative. I had been suffering from extreme, chronic congestion and sneezing over the past 3 years…. I can finally SMELL again. I couldn’t be happier. My quality of life has completely changed for the better.”
– Lexie P
How Long Does Nasal Valve Correction Take?
Typically, procedures to treat nasal valve collapse are now non-surgical, offering effective symptom relief without the recovery time of traditional surgery. Vivaer is one such radiofrequency treatment technique that’s done under IV sedation and that uses controlled energy to stiffen and support the nostrils. This in-office non-surgical treatment takes about 15 minutes and has become a common treatment for patients seeking a treatment option with minimal downtime.
Surgical techniques involving an open rhinoplasty, also called functional rhinoplasty, and cartilage grafts taken from the nose or ear are still rarely used. These surgical procedures, which fall under reconstructive surgery, involve about an hour-long surgical intervention and are typically reserved for more complex cases of nasal valve collapse or ones where non-surgical techniques have not been successful.
How Long Will Results From A Nasal Valve Collapse Procedure Last?
Studies demonstrate lasting results for Vivaer, but the technique is still relatively new. We do not have data beyond just a few years. Improvements made with rhinoplasty may also fade over time and may create some negative changes to the aesthetics of the nose.
Can A Nasal Valve Collapse Be Prevented?
The nasal valve collapse occurs secondary to previous surgery, trauma, or aging, and as such, preventative strategies are not realistically present.
Nasal Valve Collapse Treatment Options
Historically, nasal valve collapse has been vastly undertreated. The common approach to treating nasal valve collapse involved grafting cartilage tissue from another area of the body, which is a form of rhinoplasty surgery that carried substantial risk and required significant surgical treatment. Additionally, this traditional tissue-grafting approach could potentially change the appearance of the nose without adequately correcting the anatomical abnormality restricting airflow through the nasal passageways. Now, we have many treatment options to address nasal valve collapse. These treatments fall into two categories: non-procedural and procedural.
Non-Procedural
Non-procedural options include devices that you can place daily to keep the nostrils open. Nasal strips placed over the collapsing segment of the nostrils before bedtime or before exercise can help prevent further narrowing and keep the nostrils open. There are now multiple internal nasal dilators available online or over the counter that support the nostrils from the inside when needed. The advantage devices such as Intake Breathing nasal strips and Perform-Air, a type of nasal valve dilator, is their ease of use, immediate impact, and that no procedure is needed. The disadvantage is that they must be used indefinitely and can cause local irritation outside or inside the nose. They may also have limited efficacy for more significant internal nasal valve collapse or external nasal valve collapse.
Procedural
Procedural options presently are both non-surgical, minimally invasive techniques, rather than traditional nose surgery. Vivaer® radiofrequency treatment has been shown to be effective in improving both internal nasal valve and external nasal valve collapse and is FDA approved for this condition, offering a common treatment alternative to facial plastic surgery for appropriate candidates.
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Austin Nasal Valve Collapse – FAQs
How Is Nasal Valve Collapse Diagnosed?
Nasal valve collapse is diagnosed through a combination of medical history review and physical exam. During your visit, our ENT Specialist will perform a nasal obstruction symptom evaluation and may use nasal endoscopy, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera, to closely examine the nasal cavity and lateral nasal wall. This allows our specialist to identify whether the collapse is occurring in the internal or external portion of the nasal valve and to rule out other causes, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tissue from allergies.
What Is The Difference Between Nasal Valve Collapse And A Deviated Septum?
While both conditions cause nasal obstruction, they involve different structures. A deviated septum occurs when the wall of cartilage dividing the two nostrils is off-center, restricting airflow on one side. Nasal valve collapse, on the other hand, involves weakness in the cartilage or ligaments supporting the sides of the nose itself. It’s possible to have both conditions at the same time, which is why a thorough evaluation is important before determining a treatment plan.
Can Nasal Valve Collapse Affect Only One Nostril?
Yes. Nasal valve collapse can affect one or both nostrils, and symptoms are often more noticeable on one side. External valve collapse may be visible as the nostril pulls inward during breathing, while internal nasal valve collapse is less visible but can still cause significant nasal obstruction.
Is Nasal Valve Collapse Related To Snoring Or Sleep Apnea?
Nasal valve collapse can contribute to snoring and disrupted sleep by restricting airflow through the nasal passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth at night. Anything that contributes to a restricted nasal airway, including nasal valve collapse, can serve to create or worsen snoring and sleep apnea. Addressing nasal valve collapse can improve nasal breathing and may reduce snoring and sleep apnea severity as part of a broader treatment approach.
Who Is A Candidate For Nasal Valve Surgery?
Candidates for surgical treatment are typically patients with more significant structural weakness who haven’t achieved adequate symptom relief from non-surgical options. This may include patients with previous rhinoplasty, resected nasal cartilage from the nostrils, severely weak nostril support, narrow nostrils, or those who need grafts to rebuild support in the nasal sidewall. A physical exam, nasal endoscopy, and imaging help determine whether surgery is the appropriate approach.
What Happens During Surgical Correction Of Nasal Valve Collapse?
Surgical techniques for nasal valve collapse often involve placing cartilage grafts, such as alar batten grafts, to reinforce the weakened area and hold the nasal valve open. These procedures may be combined with turbinate reduction or septal correction if a deviated septum is also present.
Does Insurance Cover Nasal Valve Collapse Treatment?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and the severity of your breathing difficulties. Associated problems, such as a deviated septum or allergic turbinate swelling, are frequently covered by insurance. Open rhinoplasty with the placement of grafts is typically not covered by insurance despite being a functional issue. Our team can help you understand your options during your consultation.
Will Treating Nasal Valve Collapse Change The Appearance Of My Nose?
Modern approaches to treating nasal valve collapse, including Vivaer and functional rhinoplasty, are designed to improve airflow without significantly altering the external appearance of the nose. This differs from a traditional nose job, which focuses primarily on cosmetic changes. Any visible changes are typically subtle and are a byproduct of improved structural support rather than the primary goal. In some instances, when open rhinoplasty is used, the added support from the cartilage grafting can alter the appearance of the nose.
Can Exercise Make Nasal Valve Collapse Worse?
Yes. Many patients notice their breathing difficulties worsen during exercise when airflow demands increase. The nasal airway may narrow further during deep inhalation, making it harder to get enough air through the nose alone. This is a common reason patients seek evaluation, even if symptoms are manageable at rest.
Is There Scarring After Nasal Valve Collapse Surgery?
Surgical procedures for nasal valve collapse are typically performed using techniques that minimize visible scar tissue. Because many approaches use incisions hidden inside the nose or along natural creases, most patients do not have noticeable external scarring. Our ENT specialist can walk you through what to expect based on your specific surgical techniques and anatomy.