The internal and external nasal valves are important areas of the nose that can have a critical impact on breathing. When the nasal valves collapse or malfunctions, airways may become constricted, triggering a host of symptoms such as congestion, headaches, snoring, sleep apnea, and sinus pressure. Over time, the stress from dealing with these chronic issues can dramatically lower one’s quality of life. With nasal breathing delivering approximately 70% of airflow to the lungs, any blockage that limits airflow can cause significant quality-of-life consequences.
The nasal valves may be compromised due to birth defects. However, there are several other reasons for obstruction, including a botched rhinoplasty, during which too much cartilage was removed from the tip; loss of ligament support for the valves due to aging and gravity; or an injury to the nose, such as is faced by athletes or others prone to physical trauma.
Nasal valve impairments can have complex implications for the rest of the nose, including cosmetic abnormalities. The procedure is therefore often performed in conjunction with another surgery, such as septoplasty or revision rhinoplasty. Dr.Shabdiz will work with you to determine the most appropriate course of action to relieve your individual breathing issues. If you are looking for a facial plastic surgeon who can provide nasal valve repair and some of the best cosmetic results with rhinoplasty, be sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Faramarz Shabdiz.
What are the benefits of the LATERA implant?
LATERA implant is to resolve lateral nasal wall collapse. Lateral (side) wall weakness or excessively flexible upper/lower cartilage in the outer nasal wall may cause it to collapse inward when a person inhales.
To determine whether the lateral wall is contributing to your nasal airway obstruction, Dr Shabdiz examines the internal nasal valve and performs a clinical test (Cottle test). If your symptoms improve with the above test, you may benefit from support of the lateral nasal wall.
LATERA® is an absorbable nasal implant used to support the upper and lower cartilage inside the lateral (side) wall of your nose. Supporting the cartilage may reduce nasal airway obstruction symptoms and help you breathe better. Dr. Faramarz Shabdiz has extensive experience on LATERA placement with great results in the majority of patients.
Details of LATERA implant placement
The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in the office with minimal discomfort. It takes less than one hour to perform a bilateral procedure and The entire treatment is performed at Dr. Shabdiz’s office, with clients returning to their normal routines the same day, with minimal facial bruises or swelling. If you are a candidate for the other surgeries like septoplasty or rhinoplasty at the same time, Dr Shabdiz performs these surgeries in conjunction with LATERA implant placement in the ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia.
What are the benefits of nasal valve surgery?
While you might see athletes or others wearing nasal strips across the external valves to improve their breathing, this is a temporary – and aesthetically unattractive – solution that cannot compete with the benefits of nasal valve surgery. Comparatively, nasal valve surgery, performed under general anesthesia, is a very well-tolerated procedure with excellent, permanent results. The surgery lasts under an hour with patients going home the same day.
How can I choose the best nasal surgeon for my nasal valve surgery?
Because nasal valve surgery can affect both the nose’s function and its appearance, the ideal facial plastic surgeon to perform the procedure is seasoned in both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques. Dr. Shabdiz holds a prestigious certification in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery, giving him thorough insight into these delicate and complex areas of the body.
In addition to his elite expertise and aesthetic artistry, Dr. Shabdiz is a gifted communicator. He has a knack for setting all patients at ease, no matter how anxious they may feel upon embarking on their surgical journey. During an initial consultation, Dr. Shabdiz examines the client’s medical records, prior surgeries, current medications, and determines the best path for a full recovery from chronic breathing troubles. In cases where more than one procedure is required, such as a revision rhinoplasty or septoplasty, Dr. Shabdiz will also outline the details of these surgeries and present a clear, transparent roadmap of what to expect at every juncture.
Details of the nasal valve surgery
During nasal valve surgery, the anatomy of the inner nose is reshaped in order to improve air flow. Sometimes a “spreader graft” is required if the cause of the obstruction is a too-narrow nasal valve. The graft may be fashioned from excess septal cartilage, or it may be created from ear cartilage. Through small, invisible incisions made inside the nose, the pieces of cartilage are inserted in order to counteract the nasal valve collapse. Dissolvable sutures are used to close up the incisions. If a faulty columella (portion of skin separating the nostrils) is to blame for impaired breathing, the doctor will also repair this cartilage via micro incisions inside the nose.
Recovery form LATERA implant and nasal valve surgery
LATERA implant clients can possibly expect an average recovery time of 5-7 days. Pain medications are available for those who require them. If the procedure was performed with septoplasty or rhinoplasty, recovery may take longer. In these cases, the doctor suggests abstaining from exercise, work and school for at least a week while swelling and discomfort begin to subside. If splints are in place, these are typically removed in around 4 days. Sleeping with the head elevated is recommended in order to hasten recovery. Dr. Shabdiz will schedule follow-up appointments, however you are always advised to call the office if anything seems amiss. Dr. Shabdiz’s team is here to help.
