Breathing freely through the nose is something many of us take for granted—until it becomes a struggle. Chronic nasal obstruction can significantly impact sleep, exercise, and overall quality of life. One common but often overlooked cause of nasal obstruction is nasal valve collapse. Fortunately, with advancements in nasal valve collapse surgery, patients now have access to highly effective solutions for long-term relief.
We’ll explore what nasal valve collapse is, how it’s diagnosed, the surgical options available, and why many patients seek septoplasty in Beverly Hills as part of their treatment plan.
Understanding Nasal Valve Collapse
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway and plays a critical role in regulating airflow. It’s located in the middle to lower portion of the nose, near where the upper and lower cartilage meet.
Nasal valve collapse occurs when this area weakens or narrows, often due to aging, trauma, prior surgery, or a congenital issue. As a result, the airway becomes obstructed, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Common symptoms include:
Persistent nasal congestion
Difficulty breathing through the nose (especially during exercise)
Nasal blockage that worsens when lying down
Snoring or disrupted sleep
If left untreated, nasal valve collapse can significantly reduce your quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, and even contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis is essential before proceeding with nasal valve collapse surgery. During a consultation, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or facial plastic surgeon will perform a thorough nasal examination.
Techniques often used in the evaluation include:
Nasal endoscopy (a small camera to visualize the inside of the nose)
The Cottle maneuver (pulling the cheek outward to see if breathing improves)
CT scans in more complex cases
These assessments help determine whether the obstruction is due to nasal valve collapse, a deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, or a combination of factors.
Best Surgical Solutions for Nasal Valve Collapse
There are several surgical approaches to treating nasal valve collapse, and the choice depends on the severity of collapse, patient anatomy, and prior treatments.
Spreader Grafts
This technique involves placing small cartilage grafts between the upper lateral cartilage and the septum to widen the internal nasal valve. Spreader grafts are often used in conjunction with rhinoplasty or septoplasty to improve both function and appearance.Alar Batten Grafts
For external nasal valve collapse (at the nostril rims), alar batten grafts are used. These small cartilage supports reinforce the sidewalls of the nose, preventing them from collapsing inward during breathing.Lateral Wall Implants or Sutures
Some patients benefit from minimally invasive lateral wall support techniques using bioabsorbable implants or permanent sutures to stiffen the sidewall and improve airflow.Septoplasty
Often, nasal valve collapse occurs alongside a deviated septum—the displacement of the cartilage wall dividing the nostrils. A septoplasty in Beverly Hills is commonly performed alongside nasal valve repair to correct the septum, creating a straighter nasal passage and improving breathing.Functional Rhinoplasty
For patients seeking both functional and cosmetic improvement, a functional rhinoplasty may address nasal valve collapse while refining the appearance of the nose.
Septoplasty in Beverly Hills: Why Location Matters
When considering septoplasty in Beverly Hills, you are choosing a region renowned for its skilled surgeons and cutting-edge techniques. Beverly Hills is home to many facial plastic surgeons who specialize in combining functional and aesthetic nasal surgery.
Patients who travel to Beverly Hills for nasal surgery often benefit from:
Surgeons with extensive experience in both functional and cosmetic procedures
Access to advanced techniques and technologies
Aesthetic refinement alongside breathing improvement
High-quality post-operative care in a luxury medical setting
Recovery and Outcomes
Recovery from nasal valve collapse surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. In general:
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and congestion for 1–2 weeks.
Stitches or splints (if used) are typically removed within 1 week.
Full results, including improved breathing and reduced obstruction, are often noticeable within 4–6 weeks.
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including recommendations for nasal sprays, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits.
Conclusion
Nasal valve collapse surgery offers life-changing benefits for individuals struggling with chronic nasal obstruction. Whether you require spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, or a combined approach with septoplasty Beverly Hills, the key is working with a skilled specialist who can tailor the treatment to your unique needs.
If you’re experiencing persistent nasal blockage, snoring, or difficulty breathing through your nose, consult a qualified ENT or facial plastic surgeon. With the right surgical approach, you can breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy a better quality of life.
