Nasal Valve Collapse Surgery: Before and After Insights Result
The nose is made up of many small parts that work together to make sure that your lungs get an adequate amount of air to function properly. A nasal valve is one such part that regulates airflow. Most people suffering from nasal congestion often blame it on the weather or something they ate or drank.
But the fact is that nasal congestion and blockage can be caused by many reasons, such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, allergies, nasal polyps, and a lack of support for the side walls of the nose. The collapse of the nasal valve also might be the reason that you are not able to breathe comfortably. The function of the nasal valves is to control the airflow by resisting the flow when you breathe in.
Nasal valves are located in the middle of the lower part of the nose and are narrow in shape. When the nasal cartilage becomes weak, it causes the nasal valves to collapse surgery and block the airflow, leading to congestion and impacting one’s ability to breathe normally and thus the quality of life. This condition is also known as nasal stenosis.
Types Of Nasal Valve Collapse
Since the nasal valve is divided into two sections, there are two types of nasal valve collapse:
Internal Nasal Valve Collapse: This type of issue is more common in patients with a deviated septum that has deviated toward the valve. The internal nose has an important job in maintaining nasal resistance. The collapse is caused by worn auricular cartilage in the upper lateral portion of the nose.
External Nasal Valve Collapse: This is easily visible on a general examination and can affect both or a single nostril. This makes breathing very difficult.
Symptoms Of Nasal Stenosis
A blocked nose or a feeling of congestion in the nose at all times is one of the first signs of a nasal valve collapse. Other symptoms include
- Frequent nose bleeds, sinus infections, and crusting in the nose
- Difficulty breathing when you lie down or are exercising, and you might start to breathe through your mouse
- Snoring and difficulty getting a full night’s rest
- Changes in the tip of the nose made it appear droopy because of the weak cartilage.
- Narrowed or pinched nostrils
- Reduced sense of smell
- Nasal dryness
- Narrowing of the upper middle portion of the nose during breathing
- Inverted V deformity
What Causes A Nasal Valve Collapse?
There can be many reasons for a nasal valve collapse, including
- Trauma or injury to the nose
- Previous rhinoplasty
- A deviated septum, which causes weakening of the nasal valve
- Respiratory conditions like asthma
- Scar tissue inflammation because of previous infections that obstruct the nasal cavity
- Narrow nostrils
- Over-projecting nose
- Very broad columella
- Aging of the nasal tissue
- Drug abuse, especially from drugs that you inhale, such as cocaine
Diagnosis Of Nasal Stenosis
For an effective treatment plan, the right diagnosis of nasal valve collapse is extremely necessary. This is done by
- Examining the medical history of the patient
- Running a physical examination and evaluating the before and after photos of the nose shape.
The surgeon will run some tests to determine the extent of nasal valve collapse to devise a suitable treatment plan. These include
- Cottle Test or Cottle Manoeuvre Test: This is done by pulling the cheek away from the nose for a few seconds to see if the nasal valve opens up to help you breathe easily. If it helps, then it might be a collapsed nostril or something obstructing the nasal cavity.
- Endoscopy: This is done to check the damage to the nasal valve and other internal structures of the nose.
- Anterior Rhinomanometry: This test aims to check the airflow strength through the nostril. A pressure-sensing tube will be inserted in your nostril while you are sitting upright for the test.
How Is Nasal Valve Collapse Treated?
Depending on the cause and severity, nasal stenosis can be treated with the help of non-surgical options and nasal valve collapse surgery.
The non-invasive solutions to combat nasal valve collapse are
- Radiofrequency treatment: This is an in-office treatment. The low-temperature energy emitted from the radio frequency device is applied to the nose to tighten or contract the cartilage and tissues in the nose. This helps in reshaping the area around the nasal valve and improving the airflow. The results are immediate relief from nasal breathing.
- Nasal Decongestants: These are effective in treating mild nasal issues. These work by reducing swelling and inflammation.
- Wearable Breathing Strips: These are special strips that are to be placed on the sides of the nose before going to bed. They lift the skin and open the nostrils to help you breathe easier.
- Internal Nasal Valve Dilators: These are placed inside the nose to widen the cartilage and open up the valve to help you breathe easier.
In severe cases, when the temporary or conservative treatments fail to give any relief from nasal valve collapse, surgery is recommended. The aim of nasal valve collapse surgery is to improve airflow and restore overall nasal function.
The nasal valve rhinoplasty is done under anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the collapse and the damage to the cartilage, the surgeon can use any of the following techniques to correct the deformity:
- Use Of a Cartilage Graft: this is a very common procedure in this type of rhinoplasty. This graft is also known as a spreader or spacer cartilage graft. The graft is made by taking cartilage from other parts of the body, like the ear, and shaping it according to the nasal structure. The graft is placed between the septum and the upper lateral cartilage. This widens the narrow area and improves the airflow of the valve. Cartilage rhinoplasty also improves the shape and symmetry of the nose.
- Sutures: This is a simple procedure wherein the surgeon repairs the nasal valve by securing the valve area to the bone tissue under the eyes. This opens the nasal passage, makes the valve more stable, and lifts the entire nasal structure, making it easier to breathe. The sutures dissolve over time, but not before the scar tissue formation at the site makes the valve stable.
- Use Of Implants: In cases where grafting is not suitable, the surgeon will recommend placing an implant in the nose to open up the collapsed area. The two common types of implants include the titanium butterfly and the injectable Latera.
Additional procedures might be needed to provide complete relief to the patient, and these include
- Deviated Septum Correction Or Septoplasty: This is done to correct the damage to the nasal valve because of the deviated septum. The surgeon trims and repositions the cartilage, skin, and tissue of the nose to straighten the septum. This also helps strengthen the nasal valve and prevent future collapse.
- Turbinoplasty: Turbinate reduction surgery is done to reduce the size of swollen turbinates. The job of turbinates is to warm and humidify the air before it enters the valves. If the turbinates are enlarged, they can obstruct breathing and cause valve collapse.
Preparing For Nasal Stenosis Surgery
For a good result after nasal valve collapse surgery, it is important to prepare yourself well for the surgery. To do this, the first step is to understand the instructions given by the doctor’s office fully and follow them. These may include
- Discontinuing medications that might interfere with recovery and surgery, such as blood thinners, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery, as nicotine delays the healing.
- The surgery is done under general anesthesia, and hence you will need somebody to drive you home and take care of you for one- or two days post-surgery.
Post-Nasal Valve Collapse Surgery
This is the most important part of the nasal valve collapse surgery and can greatly impact the outcome of the procedure. The recovery times vary with the surgical procedure used, the patient’s overall health, and how well the patient follows the recovery instructions. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days after the procedure are normal. Though you can go home the same day, take care of the following:
- Get plenty of rest. Rest is very important in the initial stages of recovery. Resting gives the body time to heal and reduces the risk of complications. Sleep with your head elevated to prevent and reduce swelling. Find a good place to rest, and don’t try to talk too much.
- Avoid strenuous activities, especially those that involve bending or stretching. The nose is a delicate organ, and any impact can negate the results of the surgery.
- Use saline sprays to keep the nasal cavity clean and reduce irritation. It keeps the nasal passage moisturized, reduces inflammation, and improves healing. He uses nasal sprays as directed by the surgeon.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water flushes out toxins from the body and improves the blood flow to the nose.
- Eat healthily. A balanced dose of vitamins, minerals, and proteins improves tissue repair and aids a faster recovery.
If you feel the pain or any other discomfort is not manageable, then consult your surgeon immediately.
