Nasal Valve Repair for Nasal Collapse in Austin, TX
Nasal valve collapse is one of the most common — and most overlooked — causes of significant nasal obstruction. If the sides of your nose collapse inward when you breathe deeply, Capital ENT’s board-certified ENT surgeons can restore your nasal airway with VivAer and LATERA — minimally invasive procedures performed at our Austin office.
Understanding Nasal Valve Collapse
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway — the area just inside the nostril opening. It accounts for the greatest resistance to airflow in the entire respiratory tract. When the cartilage or soft tissue supporting the nasal valve is weak, it collapses inward during inhalation, dramatically reducing airflow.
Capital ENT offers two minimally invasive approaches for nasal valve repair: VivAer, a non-surgical in-office procedure that uses low-power radiofrequency energy to gently remodel nasal cartilage and open the internal nasal valve; and LATERA, an absorbable implant placed alongside the nasal cartilage to provide lasting structural support against collapse. Both preserve the external appearance of the nose.
- VivAer — non-surgical, in-office radiofrequency treatment (~15 min)
- LATERA absorbable implant — structural support without cartilage grafting
- Purely functional — does not change the appearance of the nose
- Can be combined with septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or FESS
- Performed at our Austin office — no hospital visit required
When Nasal Valve Repair Is Recommended
Obstruction That Worsens With Breathing In
The hallmark of nasal valve collapse is obstruction that dramatically worsens on inhalation. The Cottle maneuver — gently pulling the cheek laterally to open the nasal valve — provides immediate temporary relief and confirms nasal valve collapse as the cause of obstruction. If this simple test opens your airway, VivAer or LATERA may significantly improve your breathing.
Request EvaluationNasal Collapse After Prior Nasal Surgery
Prior nasal surgery is one of the most common causes of nasal valve collapse. Cartilage that was altered during a previous procedure may no longer provide adequate structural support. When this happens, VivAer or LATERA can restore support and open the airway without altering the cosmetic result of the prior surgery.
Request EvaluationTraumatic or Congenital Nasal Weakness
Nasal trauma, congenitally weak lower lateral cartilages, or age-related loss of cartilage strength can all cause nasal valve collapse even without prior surgery. Patients with thin, narrow noses or those who have experienced nasal fractures are at increased risk and may benefit from VivAer remodeling or LATERA structural support.
Request EvaluationVivAer and LATERA — Open Your Airway in the Office
VivAer uses low-power radiofrequency energy to gently remodel the cartilage of the internal nasal valve, widening the airway from the inside. The treatment takes about 15 minutes at our Austin office under local anesthesia — no incisions, no packing, no general anesthesia. Most patients return to normal activity the same day.
LATERA is a small absorbable implant placed alongside the upper and lower lateral cartilages to provide lasting structural support against collapse. It gradually absorbs over 18 months while the nasal tissue retains the support gained. Both procedures preserve the external appearance of your nose and are performed at our Austin office.
Schedule a ConsultationVivAer
In-Office RF Treatment
- ~15 minutes under local anesthesia
- No incisions, no packing, no general anesthesia
- Remodels internal nasal valve cartilage with low-power RF energy
- Same-day return to normal activity
LATERA
Absorbable Implant
- Small implant placed alongside the lateral cartilages
- Provides lasting structural support against collapse
- Gradually absorbs over 18 months
- Preserves nasal appearance entirely
Better Breathing — Same Nose
Nasal valve repair with VivAer or LATERA is performed purely to restore breathing function — it does not change the outward appearance of your nose. VivAer remodels cartilage from inside the nostril, and LATERA is placed through a small internal incision. Neither procedure alters the shape or size of the nose.
This means the goal is a better airway, not a different-looking nose. Patients who want to improve their breathing without any cosmetic change are ideal candidates for these procedures.
- Purely functional repair — no visible change to nasal appearance
- No external incisions — both procedures work through the nostril
- Frequently performed alongside septoplasty and turbinate reduction
- Insurance typically covers functional nasal valve repair
Nasal Valve Repair at Capital ENT & Sinus Center
VivAer & LATERA
Capital ENT offers VivAer, a 15-minute in-office radiofrequency procedure, and LATERA, an absorbable structural implant — two minimally invasive approaches to nasal valve repair with no cartilage grafting required.
Minimally InvasiveFunctional Focus
Nasal valve repair at Capital ENT is performed to restore breathing function, not to change the appearance of your nose. Your cosmetic result is preserved while your airway is improved.
Preserves AppearanceCombined Procedures
Nasal valve repair is frequently performed alongside septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) — addressing multiple sources of nasal obstruction in a single visit.
ComprehensiveAustin Office
VivAer and LATERA procedures are performed at our Austin office — no hospital visit or general anesthesia required. Consultations available same-week at Capital ENT's Austin location.
Austin LocationNasal Valve Repair FAQ
The Cottle maneuver is a simple self-test: place your fingertips on your cheeks beside your nose and gently pull the cheek laterally (outward) while breathing in. If this dramatically improves your breathing, nasal valve collapse is likely contributing to your obstruction. An ENT evaluation with nasal endoscopy will confirm the diagnosis and identify which type of valve collapse is present.
The internal nasal valve is the angle between the upper lateral cartilage and the septum — the narrowest part of the nasal airway. The external nasal valve involves the alar rim and lower lateral cartilage — the nostril opening. Many patients have both types of collapse. VivAer radiofrequency remodeling addresses the internal nasal valve, while LATERA provides structural support to both the upper and lower lateral cartilages. Your physician will assess which approach best fits your anatomy during your consultation.
Functional nasal valve repair performed to improve breathing is generally covered by most major insurance plans when medical necessity criteria are met. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate prior to scheduling.
Recovery depends on the procedure. VivAer is performed in the office and most patients return to normal activity the same day with minimal discomfort. LATERA is also minimally invasive, with most patients resuming normal activity within a day or two. Full improvement in breathing may continue over several weeks as any minor swelling resolves.
VivAer uses low-power radiofrequency energy to gently remodel the cartilage of the internal nasal valve, widening the airway from the inside. The procedure takes about 15 minutes in the office under local anesthesia. There are no incisions, no packing, and no general anesthesia required. Most patients experience significant improvement in nasal airflow within days of the procedure.
Stop Your Nose From Collapsing When You Breathe
Our ENT surgeons will evaluate your nasal airway and determine whether nasal valve repair is the right solution for your breathing difficulty. Same-day and next-day consultations are often available.