What Is Nasal Valve Surgery?
As the name implies, a nasal valve surgery aims to improve the strength, functioning, and shape of the nasal valves. These valves are the passages inside the nostril that regulate airflow. In some instances, they may get weak, displaced, or crooked. The surgery aims to identify and heal these obstructions to restore the nasal functions.
There are many cases where the nasal valve surgery may be a suitable option. People with a deviated septum can benefit from a collapsed nasal valve surgery by widening the nasal passage. It can also strengthen the nasal valve, further enhancing its functioning. Sometimes, the surgery may be a solution to managing sleep apnea. Your doctor will examine the severity of your condition before suggesting the most appropriate treatment option.
The Difference Between External and Internal Nasal Valve Dysfunction
The difference between external and internal nasal valve dysfunction lies in the specific parts of the nasal anatomy affected. The external nasal valve refers to the outermost part of the nose, near the nostril rim, and plays a key role in maintaining airflow during inhalation. Dysfunction here often leads to visible nasal collapse when breathing in. In contrast, the internal valve is located deeper within the nasal cavity, in the narrowest part of the nasal valve area, where airflow is most restricted. The nasal valve consists of several structural elements, including the upper lateral cartilage, which helps support the internal valve. When either area becomes weakened or obstructed, it can significantly affect breathing efficiency and comfort.
Preparing for Surgery
Since collapsed nasal valve surgery is highly delicate, one must thoroughly prepare before undergoing the procedure. Your doctor will walk you through all the necessary steps based on your unique medical history, as certain ailments and conditions may alter the course of your treatment. General instructions include:
- Let your surgeon know about any medications you're taking or pre-existing illnesses. They may suggest you discontinue or substitute some medicines for a while.
- Decrease the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Get plenty of rest to relax your body before undergoing surgery.
- Manage your diet and ensure you consume nutrient-rich foods and drink sufficient water.
- Avoid using makeup and face creams for a short period before the surgery, as they increase the chance of infections.
During Surgery
Nasal valve surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that can take up to half an hour. It entails the following steps:
Anesthesia
Depending on your condition, nasal valve surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia. Numbing ensures a pain-free surgery and prevents discomfort. The surgeon examines the nasal passage to determine where the valve needs fixing and picks a suitable technique.
Incision
Depending on the technique of your procedure, the surgeon may make an external or internal incision. The external approach may result in a more noticeable scar and require a longer healing period.
Reshaping the Nasal Valve
Once access to the nasal valve region is secured, the surgeon performs nasal valve repair by correcting structural weaknesses or obstructions. This often involves repositioning tissues around the caudal septum—the lower end of the nasal septum—to widen the passage and improve airflow. Reinforcement of the nasal valve region ensures better breathing mechanics and stability.
Grafting
Grafting is when tissue is taken from one part of the body and transplanted into another part. In a nasal valve procedure, cartilage may be harvested from the operated nasal area (if the surgery is in conjunction with another major nose surgery) or from the ear to improve the current structure of your airway passage.
Closure
After the completion of your surgical procedure, the doctor closes up all the incisions. This keeps your alterations in place and protects your nose from further damage. A flaring suture technique may be used to stabilize the nasal valve and improve airflow.
Monitoring
You will be kept under medical supervision for some time after your surgery to assess your immediate post-op condition. Doing this helps in the timely management of any surgical complications or reactions.
After Surgery
A well-defined aftercare routine can make or break the success of your surgery. By following the given recovery steps, you can see the maximum results of your procedure and ensure a comprehensive recovery for yourself.
Pain and Discomfort
Swelling, pain, and mild discomfort after surgery are expected. However, it begins to subside 36-72 hours after the procedure. Based on the intensity of the pain, your doctor might suggest a few relief measures to make you more comfortable, such as:
- Prescribed medication
- Cold compresses
- Keeping your head raised/elevated
- Increasing the intake of fluids
Ice Packs
In addition to the nose, you may also observe swelling around your lips, cheeks, and eyes. This typically happens due to the anesthesia. Using ice packs is the fastest and most convenient way to relieve it. Make sure you don’t press the packs too hard against your nose, and hygienically store them.
Nasal Sprays and Irrigation
Maintaining nasal hygiene is essential to uphold the quality of recovery. However, blowing your nose to clean it isn’t advisable, as it may cause disruptions. Instead, use a saline nasal spray to rinse any debris or buildup inside the nose.
Activity Restrictions
Since your body is still delicate after surgery, it is crucial to steer clear of physical activities that may cause disruptions in your recovery. Doctors typically recommend avoiding certain activities for a few weeks after surgery, including:
- Cardio
- Running
- Lifting weights
- Swimming or any water sports
- Going to work
- Operating heavy machinery
Follow-Up Appointments
Regularly show up for your post-op appointments, as this helps your doctor keep track of your progress.
Benefits of Nasal Valve Surgery
Improves Nasal Airflow
One of the most immediate benefits of this procedure is better airflow through the nose. When nasal valve collapse makes breathing difficult, it forces patients to work harder to get air through their nostrils. This surgery restores structural integrity and alignment, resulting in smoother and more efficient nasal breathing. Patients often report a noticeable ease in breathing shortly after recovery begins.
Fixes Nasal Valve Stenosis
Nasal valve stenosis refers to the narrowing of the nasal passage, which can lead to persistent nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. After undergoing nasal valve surgery, many patients experience lasting relief from this blockage. The widening of the airway allows for more consistent airflow, reducing pressure and congestion in the nasal passages.
Improves Sleep Quality
Nasal valve surgery also plays an essential role in sleep health. By opening the airway and increasing airflow, the procedure addresses nasal valve dysfunction that often contributes to sleep apnea and other breathing-related sleep disturbances. Many patients find they sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed post-surgery.
Reduces Mouth Breathing
When nasal obstructive impairment becomes severe, it often leads people to rely on breathing through the mouth. This can cause dryness, sore throat, and disrupted sleep. Nasal valve surgery reduces nasal resistance, making it easier to breathe through the nose and decreasing the need for mouth breathing during rest and activity.
Decreases Sinus Infections
Frequent sinus infections can be a byproduct of poor nasal airflow. When problems in the nasal valve compromise proper drainage and ventilation, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria. By correcting structural issues, nasal valve surgery helps clear sinus passages and reduces the likelihood of recurring infections.
Improves a Sense of Smell
Many patients report a better ability to detect scents after surgery. This is because unimpaired nasal valve function allows for a fuller airflow over the olfactory receptors located high in the nasal cavity. With proper airflow restored, the sense of smell can return to a more normal and reliable state.
Texas Sinus & Snoring – Your Nasal Health Specialists
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FAQs
Does the surgery fix nasal airway obstruction and nasal valve collapse?
Yes, nasal valve surgery is specifically designed to address structural problems that lead to impaired airflow. A thorough nasal obstruction symptom evaluation is typically performed before the procedure to identify the source of breathing difficulties. In many cases, nasal valve obstruction is linked to weakness or collapse in the middle nasal vault, where airflow becomes restricted. Surgical correction of nasal valve issues can restore proper structure and improve airflow, offering lasting relief from chronic nasal blockage.
What is a lateral crural strut graft?
A lateral crural strut graft is a type of cartilage graft used in facial plastic surgery to support the outer part of the nostril. This graft is often placed under the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage to strengthen the external nasal valve and prevent collapse during breathing. It is commonly used in nasal valve surgery or revision rhinoplasty to improve both function and appearance.
Can nasal valve surgery improve nasal appearance?
While the primary goal is restoring proper breathing, nasal valve surgery can enhance the nose’s look. Growing evidence supports functional rhinoplasty—a procedure that blends cosmetic improvements with functional correction. In cases where a patient undergoes a functional secondary rhinoplasty or revision nose job, structural support may also alter the external contour, especially in the nasal sill area. This makes the procedure beneficial both aesthetically and medically for some individuals.
What medications should be avoided or adjusted before nasal surgery?
Your surgeon will examine your medical history before suggesting the medications to avoid. However, some general restrictions recommended by all doctors include the following:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Herbal supplements
- Diabetic medication
- Tricyclic antidepressants
What activity limitations are important to observe during the recovery period?
You must limit the following activities to have a holistic recovery from nasal surgery.
- Going to work
- Cardio
- Lifting weights
- Swimming or any water activity
- Any strenuous activity that makes you sweat or increases your heart rate
Your doctor will decide the duration of the restriction.
What are some tips for managing pain after nasal valve surgery?
Some pain after a surgical procedure is inevitable. However, you can use certain tips to minimize the sensations.
- Follow all post-op care tips given by your surgeon
- Be regular at follow-up appointments
- Maintain nasal hygiene with the help of a saline spray
- Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
- Take the necessary prescribed medication
- Get sufficient rest
What is nasal endoscopy, and is it used in nasal valve surgery?
Nasal endoscopy is a diagnostic and planning tool often used before and during nasal valve surgery. This minimally invasive procedure allows the surgeon to closely examine the internal nasal valve angle, nasal septum, and lateral nasal wall, and assess for internal nasal valve collapse. It also helps determine the need for nasal valve reconstruction and any accompanying procedures like turbinate surgery to address inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Nasal endoscopy guides the choice of surgical technique and ensures precise correction of structural issues contributing to breathing difficulty.
Ready to Breathe Freely Again?
By Dr. Ben Cilento, ENT
May 17, 2025
