Latera Implant for Nasal Valve Collapse

While traditional treatment of nasal valve collapse required a full surgical reconstruction, the Latera implant offers a minimally invasive alternative. Latera is an absorbable implant designed to support the upper and lower lateral cartilage of the nose. When placed inside the nasal wall, it provides immediate structural support and is gradually absorbed over approximately 18 months — reducing nasal airway obstruction and helping patients breathe better, with the supporting effect persisting after the implant material itself has dissolved.

The nasal valve is the narrowest segment of the entire nasal airway — which means that when it weakens or collapses, even a small degree of narrowing produces significant breathing obstruction. Diagnosing and treating nasal valve collapse correctly requires a surgeon with specific expertise in this region of the nose. Dr. Maurice Khosh is the author of “Surgical Management of Nasal Valve Obstruction,” published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, and brings three decades of nasal airway surgery experience to the diagnosis and treatment of nasal valve collapse. Dual board-certified — including by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery — and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Khosh has been recognized as a perennial Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

What Is Nasal Valve Collapse?

The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, located in the middle and lower portions of the nose where airflow is most easily restricted:

• The Narrowest Point: Because the nasal valve is the narrowest segment of the airway, it is the area most vulnerable to airflow restriction
• Cartilage-Supported Region: The valve depends on the upper and lower lateral cartilages to maintain its shape and stay open during breathing
• When the Valve Collapses: When these cartilages are weak or become weakened, the valve can collapse inward — particularly during inhalation — restricting airflow and producing the sensation of nasal obstruction
• Often Under-Recognized: Nasal valve collapse is a frequently under-recognized cause of chronic nasal obstruction, sometimes misattributed to allergies or other conditions

Symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse

The symptoms of nasal valve collapse can significantly affect quality of life:

• Nasal Obstruction: A persistent sensation of blocked or restricted breathing through the nose
• Congestion and Stuffiness: Ongoing nasal congestion that does not fully respond to medication
• Difficulty Breathing During Activity: Worsening obstruction during exercise or exertion
• Sleep Disruption: Difficulty breathing through the nose during sleep, affecting sleep quality
• Nosebleeds: Recurrent bloody nose in some patients
• Crusting: Crusting around the nostrils in some cases
• The “Breathe Right Strip” Test: Many patients with nasal valve collapse notice improvement when using an external nasal strip that pulls the nasal walls outward — a clue that points toward valve collapse as the cause

Causes of Nasal Valve Collapse

Nasal valve collapse can develop from several causes:

• Previous Nasal Surgery: Inflammation or over-resection of supporting cartilage after rhinoplasty or other nasal surgery is a common cause
• Trauma: Nasal injury that damages the supporting cartilage
• Enlarged Tissues: Enlarged turbinates or other tissues that contribute to obstruction
• Inherited Anatomy: Naturally weak or narrow nasal valve anatomy present from birth
• Congenital Conditions: Structural variations present from birth
• Aging: Gradual weakening of the supporting cartilage with age, allowing the valve to collapse

How the Latera Implant Works

The Latera implant addresses nasal valve collapse by reinforcing the weakened cartilage:

• Structural Support: The implant is placed inside the nasal wall, where it supports the upper and lower lateral cartilage and holds the nasal valve open
• Gradual Absorption: Over approximately 18 months, the implant material is gradually absorbed by the body
• Lasting Effect: As the implant is absorbed, it supports the natural healing process so that the structural improvement and breathing benefit persist after the implant material has dissolved
• No Permanent Hardware: Because the implant is fully absorbable, no permanent material remains in the nose

“Nasal valve collapse is one of the most satisfying conditions to treat because it’s so often missed. Patients come in having tried allergy medications and nasal sprays for years without relief, when the actual problem is structural — the nasal valve is collapsing when they breathe in. For the right candidates, the Latera implant can restore that support through a quick in-office procedure, without the recovery of a full surgical reconstruction. The key is making the correct diagnosis in the first place.” — Dr. Maurice Khosh

The Latera Implant Procedure

One of the primary advantages of the Latera implant is the simplicity of the procedure:

• Quick In-Office Placement: The implant is placed within a few minutes
• Local Anesthesia Only: The procedure is performed using only local anesthesia
• No External Incisions: There are no external incisions and no visible scarring
• No Donor Cartilage Required: Unlike traditional surgical reconstruction, the Latera implant does not require harvesting cartilage from the septum, ear, or rib
• Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities quickly with minimal recovery

Who Is a Candidate for the Non-Permanent Latera Implant?

The Latera implant is appropriate for specific patients:

• Confirmed Nasal Valve Collapse: Patients whose nasal obstruction is specifically due to nasal valve collapse, confirmed through examination
• Positive Response to the Strip Test: Patients who notice breathing improvement when the nasal walls are pulled outward
• Seeking a Less Invasive Option: Patients who want to avoid or are not candidates for full surgical reconstruction
• Realistic Expectations: Patients who understand that the implant addresses valve collapse specifically, not other causes of nasal obstruction such as septal deviation or chronic sinusitis
• When Other Procedures May Be Needed: Some patients have multiple contributing causes of obstruction (such as a deviated septum alongside valve collapse) and may need additional procedures for complete relief — this is determined during the evaluation

Latera vs. Traditional Nasal Valve Surgery

Understanding the options helps patients make an informed decision:

• Latera Implant: Minimally invasive, in-office, local anesthesia, no donor cartilage, absorbable, minimal downtime — ideal for appropriate candidates with isolated valve collapse
• Traditional Surgical Reconstruction: More involved; uses cartilage grafts (from septum, ear, or rib) to permanently reinforce the valve — appropriate for more severe collapse or for patients who need other nasal work performed at the same time
• Choosing the Right Approach: The right option depends on the severity of the collapse, whether other nasal conditions are present, and the patient’s preferences — an honest assessment is part of the consultation

Why Choose Dr. Khosh for the Latera Implant

• Published Authority on Nasal Valve Obstruction: Author of peer-reviewed research specifically on surgical management of nasal valve obstruction — the exact region the Latera implant treats
• Otolaryngology Board Certification: Board certification in the specialty most directly concerned with nasal airway disorders
• Three Decades of Nasal Airway Surgery: Refined experience diagnosing and treating nasal valve collapse and other causes of nasal obstruction
• Accurate Diagnosis: Expertise in correctly identifying nasal valve collapse, which is frequently misattributed to other conditions
• Full Range of Options: Both the Latera implant and traditional surgical reconstruction available, with honest guidance on which is right for each patient
• Dual Board Certification: Combined facial plastic and head and neck surgery expertise
• Park Avenue Convenience: Private Upper East Side practice serving patients from across Manhattan and the tri-state area

Schedule a Latera Implant Consultation in NYC

If you are experiencing nasal obstruction or breathing problems — particularly if previous treatments have not provided relief — the Latera implant may be a solution worth exploring. The first step is an evaluation to determine whether nasal valve collapse is the cause of your symptoms. Contact our office today to learn more about Latera and schedule a consultation at Dr. Khosh’s Manhattan office, or call (212) 339-9988.