Nasal Valve Collapse Surgery

Nasal valve collapse is the most commonly missed diagnosis in patients with persistent nasal obstruction. This is especially true in patients who do not see relief from allergy treatment or deviated septum surgery. The nose is a complicated organ with many structural parts. These parts determine the shape and function of your nose.

The patency of the external and internal valves determines the resistance to airflow as you breathe. Dr. Tadros provides nasal valve collapse surgery at the center for cosmetic plastic surgery in NJ & NYC. The best ENT in New York, Dr. Tadros accepts most POS and PPO insurances for any medical issues related to the nose as an out-of-network provider. Please contact us today by calling NYC: (201) 408-5430 or NJ: (201) 408-5430.

What is Nasal Valve Collapse?

Nasal valve collapse is also known as vestibular stenosis. It refers to the loss of cartilage support that keeps the sidewalls of your nose open during breathing.

The internal and external nasal valves are defined by the lateral nose walls. These sidewalls (the lower and upper lateral cartilages) can be thought of as the roof of a house in relation to the supporting beams (the septum).

The external valve involves the lower third of the nose. It is formed by the alar subunit (the rim of soft tissue surrounding our nostrils). During inhalation, the nasalis muscle expands the external valve and can be tested by flaring your nostrils.

The internal nasal valve involves the middle third of the nose and lies deep within the nose. It is responsible for most of the resistance to airflow in the nose. The angle between the upper lateral cartilage and septum is normally 15 degrees. So even a small decrease in this angle can cause a significant breathing problem.

What Causes Nasal Valve Collapse?

Anything that decreases support to the tip of the nose can lead to nasal valve collapse. The most common cause of collapse is trauma. Most commonly this is from an undetected cartilage fracture of the nose or from prior reduction rhinoplasty surgery.

Aging can also lead to progressive weakness, droopy tip heaviness, and narrowing of the valves. The type of collapse may be fixed or dynamic. Patients with dynamic vestibular stenosis may only notice symptoms during exercise or sleep.

How Can Nasal Valve Collapse Be Treated?

Patients who find some relief from Breathe Right strips should be evaluated for nasal valve collapse. Breathe Right strips stent the sidewalls of the nose in a more open position. This widens the internal nasal valve and decreases resistance during breathing.

How Long is Recovery After Nasal Collapse Treatment?

You will experience easier breathing right after nasal valve collapse treatment. Your nose may remain swollen for 2-8 weeks based on your personal healing time. You will be able to return to your regular physical activity two weeks after surgery. You only need to take a few days off work.

During your recovery, it is important to schedule and attends your post-operative doctor appointments to ensure proper healing. Part of your collapsed nostril treatment is aftercare. Try not to blow your nose during this time or engage in any strenuous activity. If you feel any pain after your surgery you can take over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

Most people report they can breathe easier and overall enhanced quality of life after treatment.

Patients who suffer from nasal valve collapse often have other nasal abnormalities. These include hypertrophic turbinates and sinusitis due to poor circulation of air in the nose and sinuses.

Surgical correction of nasal valve collapse involves using cartilage grafts to restore support to the sidewalls of the nose. The internal nasal valve is treated with spreader grafts or onlay grafts placed in the middle nasal vault. The external nasal valve is treated with alar batten grafts, lateral crural strut grafts, or columellar strut grafts to restore the lower third. Minimally invasive suture techniques can be used without cartilage grafts to widen the nasal valve.