The nasal valve is the entrance of the nose just past the nostrils. The valve is made up of several components including cartilage inside the nose. For some, the cartilage of the nose becomes weak causing collapse with deep inspiration.
If the nasal valve collapses enough it can contribute to nasal blockage, mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Dr. Pasha has a unique approach to address the nasal valve. He avoids utilizing struts, cartilaginous grafts, and foreign material to suspend the nostrils open risking collapse or relaxation from the tension over the long-term. Rather, Dr. Pasha addresses the columella, the strip of skin running from the tip of the nose to the upper lip, which separates the nostrils. If the columella is contributing to nasal valve collapse, Dr. Pasha shapes the columellar cartilage and skin to a more normal position and shape. This procedure is also done through small incisions inside the nose without any outside scars and has better long-term outcomes since there is no tension on the nostrils.
The total time for both these operations is 20-30 minutes and is performed using general anesthesia (while you are asleep). You should anticipate going home the same day unless other medical conditions complicate recovery. This procedure is highly tolerated.
Dr. Pasha routinely combines septoplasties with nasal valve reconstruction procedures to widen the nasal cavity.
