Say Goodbye to Collapsed Nostrils and Shortness of Breath: Nasal Valve Surgery
Do you have trouble sleeping at night, or do you feel your nostrils collapsing inward when you exert yourself or take deep breaths? By strengthening the nasal valve, the narrowest air passage in your nose, we permanently restore that uninterrupted and powerful breathing you've been longing for.
What is Nasal Valve Insufficiency and How Does it Affect Life?
The nasal valve is the narrowest air passage located just inside the nose and is the most important structure for regulating the pressure of the air we breathe. Weak cartilage from birth, aging, trauma, or previous unsuccessful rhinoplasty surgeries can cause the cartilage in this area to lose its strength. When a patient takes a deep breath, the weakened nasal wings (sidewalls) collapse inward due to a vacuum effect, completely blocking the airway. Nasal valve surgery is the process of strengthening these weakened walls, usually with the patient's own cartilage tissue (like tent poles), and permanently keeping the airway open.
- Those whose nostrils (outer walls) collapse noticeably inward when taking a deep breath.
- Those who experience nasal narrowing in a "pinch-like" manner after rhinoplasty.
- Those who feel incredibly relieved when they gently stretch their cheeks towards their ears with their hands and breathe (Cottle Test)
- Those who experience severe shortness of breath during sleep and have to use nasal strips.
- Those who tire easily during exercise and constantly feel the need to breathe through their mouth.
A strong roof means a lifetime of freedom.
In patients presenting with nasal congestion, the focus is often solely on nasal polyps or deviated septum, and nasal valve collapse may be overlooked. At Dr. Nurten Küçük's clinic, I address every case of shortness of breath with a holistic anatomical assessment. If your problem is structural weakness in the nostrils, simply correcting the cartilage curvature will not give you that deep breath. With my experience in functional rhinoplasty, I support the supporting columns of your nose using your own natural cartilage (grafts), permanently halting inward collapse and guaranteeing that free breath for life.
Natural Support with Your Own Tissue
Instead of using an external synthetic material to support the weakened nasal valve, natural cartilage pieces, usually taken from the nasal septum itself, are used. There is absolutely no risk of rejection or allergic reaction from the body.
Scarless and Harmonious Surgery
The procedure is usually performed through incisions made inside the nose (closed technique) or, very rarely, through a small incision at the tip of the nose. After healing, there is no noticeable scar that would detract from aesthetics.
Goodbye to Tapes, Uninterrupted Sleep
Following the healing process and the reduction of swelling, our patients experience an incredible increase in their exercise capacity, a sound night's sleep, and completely eliminate their dependence on nasal decongestant strips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have nasal valve insufficiency?
Stand in front of a mirror and take a deep, quick breath through your nose. If your nostrils (the side walls just above the nostrils) are visibly sticking inward and obstructing your airway, this is a clear indication of a structural weakness (nasal valve insufficiency).
Can rhinoplasty (nose surgery) cause this problem?
Unfortunately, yes, in inexperienced hands. If the nose is reduced too much during rhinoplasty and excessive amounts of cartilage supporting the side walls are removed, the tissues shrink after healing and "pinch clamping" (collapse) occurs. Nasal valve surgery is the most crucial step in revision (correction) procedures following such aesthetic procedures.
Will there be any change in the external shape of my nose after the surgery?
Because supporting cartilage (spreader graft, etc.) is placed in the nasal sidewalls, noses that were previously clipped, narrowed, and collapsed regain their healthy, natural fullness after surgery. This makes the nose look much more balanced and smooth in relation to your face.
Can this procedure be performed simultaneously with nasal bone curvature (deviation) treatment?
It absolutely must be done and is often done in combination. We usually need cartilage to support the nasal valve area. We take this cartilage from the curved parts of the nasal septum, and we both correct that curvature (septoplasty) and strengthen the side walls with the straight cartilage we obtain.
Take the first step towards an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
For an initial consultation, examination, and personalized treatment plan, please contact us immediately.