The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal passage, located in the mid portion of the nose. The valve includes the septum, columella, nasal floor and lateral cartilage, as well as components such as turbinates in the back of the nose. The nasal valve is vital for controlling air flow in and out of the nose, and if it is damaged, it can impact breathing. At Back Bay Plastic Surgery, we perform nasal valve repair surgery at our surgical center in Boston, MA.
Causes and Symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse
A nasal valve collapse can occur when there is damage to one or more of the components in the nasal valve. Trauma to the nose can result in nasal valve dysfunction, as well as certain diseases or illnesses. Previous nose surgeries are also common causes of a nasal valve collapse- if too much cartilage is removed during a rhinoplasty procedure, it may result in a future valve problem. Symptoms of a nasal valve collapse include:
- Difficulty intaking air through the nose
- Snoring
- Pinched nose appearance
- Nasal bleeding
- Crusting around the nose
Nasal valve collapse can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders. If severe, it can change the appearance of the nose, as well as impact the function.
Opening a Collapsed Nasal Valve
Restoring the function of the nasal valve after collapse requires nose surgery. In many cases, a cartilage graft or nasal stent is needed to support the septum or nasal wall to open the nasal valve. This can restore the structure of the nose and allow for normal breathing. When performed for improving breathing function, most nasal valve repairs are covered by health insurance. If cosmetic changes are performed, those may not be covered by insurance.
If you have symptoms of a nasal valve collapse and want relief, nose surgery may be required. Dr. Daniel Del Vecchio is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing nose surgery to improve both form and function. To learn more about nasal valve repair surgery, contact our team at Back Bay Plastic Surgery. We can book your appointment to discuss how to open a collapsed nasal valve with Dr. Del Vecchio at our facility in Boston, MA.