Nasal Valve Reconstruction in Houston, TX

The nasal valve forms the bridge between the bone of the upper nose and the nasal tip. It makes up the entrance of the nose just past the nostrils. Cartilage on each side of the nose may weaken and collapse on one or both sides when a person is breathing in. This is known as nasal valve collapse, and it can create a nasal blockage, mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea. At Texas Sinus & Snoring, Dr. Cilento performs nasal valve reconstruction surgery to correct this problem and return proper airflow.

Table of Contents

What Is Nasal Valve Reconstruction?

This relatively straightforward procedure is meant to permanently correct a patient’s trouble breathing. The incisions are usually made from within the nose, so there isn’t any scarring.

In most cases, cartilage grafting is used in one or both of the internal and external nasal valves. These are called spreader grafts in the upper internal valves and alar batten grafts in the external valves. To make room for the grafts, Dr. Cilento creates a pocket on each sidewall of the nose. Sometimes, sutures can be used in lieu of grafts to support and suspend the existing cartilage to keep it from collapsing.

What Is the Nasal Valve?

The nasal valve has an internal and external valve on each side of the nose. They create a relatively narrow airway in the middle and lower parts of the nose. The valves often work to limit airflow. This seems counterintuitive, but resistance in the nose is important to give you the sensation that you’re breathing. Plus, by slowing the flow, this allows you to warm, humidify, and purify the air before it enters the trachea and then the lungs.

What Happens When the Nasal Valve Collapses?

The nasal valve can collapse when the cartilage (usually the upper valve) is weakened. This often happens following cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty), where the cartilage in the valve has been narrowed for aesthetic reasons.

When the valve collapses on inhalation, this restricts air intake, leading to snoring, mouth breathing, and other problems.

Symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse

When a person has a nasal valve collapse, he or she has difficulty inhaling through the nose. In some cases, the nose can take on a pinched appearance, as the collapse happens. Patients often have pronounced nasal congestion.

Causes of Nasal Valve Collapse

Previous cosmetic rhinoplasty
Nasal trauma or fracture
Congenital defect in the nasal cartilage
Deviated septum
Aging

Nasal Valve Reconstruction: A Step-by-Step Procedure

Anesthesia

Nasal valve reconstruction is most commonly performed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain completely asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. This ensures that the surgeon can work with precision inside the nasal structures without patient movement or discomfort. In select cases, anesthesia plans may be tailored to the patient’s medical history and the extent of correction needed.

Surgical Approach and Incisions

The procedure is typically performed using incisions made entirely inside the nose. This internal approach allows the surgeon to access the nasal valves without creating visible scars on the outside of the nose. By working through these hidden incisions, the surgeon can carefully reshape and reinforce the nasal framework while preserving the nose’s natural appearance.

Cartilage Support and Grafting

To prevent the nasal valves from collapsing, structural support is added to the weakened areas. This is most often done with cartilage grafts, which may be placed in the internal or external nasal valve, or both. Spreader grafts are commonly used to widen and support the internal valve, while alar batten grafts reinforce the external valve. The cartilage is positioned strategically to maintain an open airway during breathing.

Suture Techniques

In some cases, sutures may be used instead of or in addition to cartilage grafts. These sutures help reposition and suspend the existing nasal cartilage, preventing it from collapsing inward during inhalation. This technique can be especially effective when the cartilage is still strong enough to be supported without grafting.

Structural Stabilization and Airway Improvement

Once the grafts or sutures are in place, the surgeon carefully evaluates the nasal airway to ensure adequate support and symmetry. The reinforced nasal valves are designed to remain stable during normal breathing, reducing airflow resistance and addressing functional concerns. This structural stabilization enables patients to experience long-term relief from nasal obstruction and related breathing issues.

Nasal Valve Reconstruction Recovery

Reconstruction surgery takes just 30-45 minutes for Dr. Cilento. Afterward, you will have minor discomfort for the first two days, but the pain is not acute. Nasal bleeding is common on the first day. There will also be some crusting on the inside of your nose at the incision locations. Outside, there will be localized swelling. All of this improves gradually over the next 7-10 days.

This is not a difficult recovery, and patients can return to normal activities one day after their surgery.

Risks of Nasal Reconstruction Surgery

This is a well-tolerated procedure. Patients will usually have some bruising and swelling, and there is a minor risk of infection. The main potential side effect/complication of this surgery is that the mid-portion of the nose may become slightly wider. This is due to the grafted cartilage, but the difference in width is very minor and may not be noticeable to others. Dr. Cilento will make this as minimal as possible, while still improving airflow through your nasal valves.

Results of Nasal Valve Reconstruction

Surgical reconstruction is extremely effective. It allows the patient to maintain normal nasal airflow. This will often correct issues with sleep apnea, loud snoring, and the tendency for mouth breathing.

Am I a Candidate for Nasal Valve Reconstruction?

If you think you may have nasal valve collapse, come to see Dr. Cilento at Texas Sinus & Snoring. He’ll ask about any previous nasal surgeries, will examine your nose, and will use a nasal endoscope to have a detailed view of your nasal valves and airways.

There is a test you can perform yourself that will give you an idea if you may have nasal valve collapse. Pull your cheek upward on the side where you are having difficulty breathing (or both sides). If this seems to enable you to breathe more freely, your nasal valve could be the problem.

Benefits of Nasal Valve Reconstruction

Improves nasal airflow
Reduces nasal obstruction
Relieves chronic breathing issues
Decreases mouth breathing
Helps reduce snoring
Enhances overall breathing comfort
Provides long-lasting structural support to the nasal valves

Cost of Nasal Valve Reconstruction in Houston, TX

The cost of nasal valve reconstruction in Houston typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional nasal surgeries are performed at the same time. Factors that influence pricing include the extent of valve collapse, the techniques required for correction, and anesthesia and facility fees. In many cases, nasal valve reconstruction may be partially or fully covered by insurance when the procedure is deemed medically necessary to correct functional breathing problems rather than for cosmetic purposes.

Achieve Excellent Results with Facial Plastic Surgery!

Schedule your appointment to take the next step toward lasting nasal relief and better airflow, whether your treatment plan includes turbinate reduction or other targeted procedures. While nasal sprays may offer temporary improvement, most patients find that surgical solutions are needed to truly improve breathing and provide lasting relief. Using advanced techniques, our team carefully evaluates your medical history to identify the root cause of your symptoms and determine the most effective approach. By focusing on personalized care, we help many patients achieve more comfortable breathing and an enhanced quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between nasal valve reconstruction and sinus surgery?

Nasal valve reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to strengthen and support the nasal valves to improve nasal breathing, while sinus surgery focuses on opening blocked sinus cavities and improving drainage. Nasal valve reconstruction addresses structural collapse at the entrance of the nose and is considered a long-term solution for airflow limitation caused by valve weakness, whereas sinus surgery treats inflammation or blockage deeper within the sinuses.

Can I also address a deviated septum to relieve nasal obstruction?

Yes, a deviated septum can often be corrected at the same time as nasal valve reconstruction. When the septum is significantly crooked, it can block airflow and contribute to breathing difficulties. Correcting both issues together allows the surgeon to address multiple sources of nasal obstruction in a single, comprehensive surgical plan.

Can nasal valve collapse cause sinus problems and impair nasal function?

Yes, nasal valve collapse can contribute to chronic nasal congestion by limiting airflow through the nasal passages, which may increase the risk of frequent sinus infections and reduced nasal function. To achieve optimal results with nasal valve reconstruction, Houston residents often benefit from a thorough evaluation to determine whether valve collapse is contributing to broader sinus-related symptoms.

What is the difference between cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty?

Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on changing the appearance of the nose, while functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve breathing and nasal airflow. Functional procedures may include septoplasty or nasal valve reconstruction and are often combined with other treatments to correct structural problems. While recovery timelines vary, many patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, regardless of whether the surgery is cosmetic, functional, or a combination of both.