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Nasal Valve Collapse Repair

The nasal valve is the internal aspect of the front the nose; where the greatest resistances to airflow normally occur. The BreathRight strips worn by football players on the field help to keep the nasal valve open during vigorous exercise. Although nasal valve collapse during vigorous respiration is normal, its collapse during normal breathing is abnormal and can results in nasal blockage, snoring, and mouth breathing. Patients with nasal valve collapse often pull up the cheek on the affected side to breath better.

Nasal valve obstruction is an often-overlooked cause of nasal obstruction and may require nose surgery with cartilage grafting, for permanent symptom relief. The most common cause of nasal valve collapse is previous rhinoplasty; followed by nasal trauma and congenital weakness of the nose cartilages. Examination of patients with nasal valve collapse will show pinching of the nose and dynamic collapse of the nasal sidewalls during respiration. Individuals with previous rhinoplasty often manifest symptoms of an overdone nose job, including a pinched or over narrowed nose.

Nasal Vestibular Stenosis Repair

Although internal or external stents can improve nasal obstruction from nasal valve collapse, they do not offer a permanent solution to the problem. The most appropriate treatment for nasal valve obstruction involves restoring structural support to this area of the nose. The nasal valve can be divided into an external and an internal portion. The external nasal valve is situated low in the nose in the nasal tip region. The internal nasal valve is higher, in the middle third of the nose. Surgical correction of one or both parts of the nasal valve requires cartilage grafting to add support and stability. In rare occasions, when the nostrils were excessively narrowed during cosmetic rhinoplasty, a composite graft of skin and cartilage is used to widen the nostril.

Dr. Khosh is an expert in diagnosis and treatment of nasal valve obstruction and nasal vestibular stenosis repair. He published one of the first scientific articles, in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, pertaining to management of nasal valve obstruction. Dr. Khosh has lectured nationally and offered seminars on the “Prevention and treatment of nasal valve collapse during rhinoplasty”. If you suffer from nasal obstruction following rhinoplasty or nasal trauma, we invite you to contact us today to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Khosh, to learn about the cause and the treatment options.

Nasal valve repair New York, NY

Case Study

This 58-year-old requested consultation for repair of nasal obstruction following a prior rhinoplasty. There was evidence of internal and external nasal valve collapse, including pinched appearing lower nose, retracted nostrils, and excessive show of the columella. An open rhinoplasty approach and septum cartilage grafts were used for repair of the nasal obstruction.

  • Patient: 58-year-old requesting consultation for nasal obstruction following rhinoplasty
  • Problem: Bilateral internal and external nasal valve collapse
  • Procedure: Repair of nasal valve obstruction with cartilage grafts, revision rhinoplasty

Disclaimer: These are actual results for patients of Dr. Maurice Khosh. Plastic and cosmetic surgery results can vary between patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgical correction of nasal valve collapse can be performed under sedation or general anesthesia in an operating suite.

No. In cases of severe nasal valve collapse, the “pinched” appearance of the nose is corrected after nasal valve repair. In cases where the nose is not “pinched”, nasal valve repair has minimal to no effect on the cosmetic appearance of the nose.

Nasal valve repair requires cartilage for structural support of the nose. If there is no cartilage left inside the nasal septum, ear cartilage, or rib cartilage may be used.

A composite graft is a generic term that describes a graft that has more than one component. In nasal vestibular stenosis, combination grafts of skin and cartilage can be used from the ear. This provides stability and tissue coverage for a narrowed region of the nose.

Spreader grafts in nasal reconstruction describe vertical bars of cartilage that are used to widen a narrow nasal dorsum.

Alar batton grafts are cartilage grafts that are placed horizontally or obliquely in the nostril region to stabilize and strengthen the lower part of the nose.

Since nasal obstruction is a medical condition rather than a cosmetic complaint, most insurance companies are obligated to cover the costs associated with its treatment. Some insurance companies have protocols that must be met before surgery is approved. Examples of such protocols include: trial of nasal sprays, CT scan documentation, and photographic documentation of the nose.

Nasal vestibular stenosis repair is performed through the same surgical approaches that are used for rhinoplasty or nose job. Either the closed rhinoplasty or the open rhinoplasty approach provide exposure of the weak or unstable part of the nose. Cartilage grafts which are harvested from the septum, ear, or the rib are then meticulously placed to provide additional support for the nose.

The most qualified surgeons are those who have a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nose, as well as extensive experience in performance of the surgery. Dr Khosh is one of the few plastic surgeons nationwide who is an expert in diagnosis and treatment of nasal valve repair. He co-authored one of the first scientific publications on this subject in 2004.

Related Procedures

Nasal valve repair may necessitate septoplasty to harvest cartilage or address septum deviation. In cases where adequate cartilage is not available within the septum, ear cartilage can be harvested from behind the ear without affecting the shape or function of the ear. Occasionally, rib cartilage may be necessary for repair of nasal valve obstruction. When nasal valve collapse is a consequence of past rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty can be performed. In cases of trauma, repair of nasal fracture can be combined with nasal valve repair.

What Dr. Khosh's Patients Say

5.0

Based on 174 reviews

Meredith G.
Saw Dr. Khosh for a fractured nose. He reset my nose beautifully (and with little discomfort to me) and then discussed some of my sinus issues with me upon my follow up visit. Never felt like he was rushing me out and felt very confident in his abilities. I would highly recommend to anyone needing plastic or reconstructive options!
Jackie C.
Great front office, really good experience after what was a terrible accident. I was made to feel comfortable. Dr. Khosh is very good at what he does. I'm still healing but I'm confident of the results
Kaitlin M.
Dr. Khosh takes exceptional care of his patients. He has operated on me twice, each time making me feel extremely comfortable and satisfied with the results. His staff is also very kind and knowledgeable.
Diana G.
Dr. Khosh & his staff Susan & Christine are absolutely amazing! They were so supportive & helpful from beginning to end & they are just wonderful people. Thank you guys I truly appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I would recommend them to anyone & everyone!
Joann M.
After visiting and being evaluated by several doctors, I kept going back to Dr. Khosh. His tranquil spirit and professionalism were captivating. Thank you for a job well done and keeping me calm throughout the entire process. A special thanks to your staff Susan and Christine for all of their support as well. Hi highly recommend Dr. Khosh.
Leah G.
Upon hearing of the overwhelmingly positive experience a friend of mine had in choosing Dr. Khosh as her surgeon, I decided to make an appointment for my own septoplasty/rhinoplasty/turbinate reduction. Although I was slightly skeptical as the praise I had heard seemed a bit hyperbolic, all uncertainty dissipated after meeting the Doctor and his staff. My pre- and post-operative experience was excellent in terms of concerns adequately addressed prior to the surgery and mitigation of any bruising in the convalescent period. Despite my apparent predisposition to rather slower healing, a year after the surgery, my nose looks really pretty and my breathing entirely unobstructed! I highly recommend Dr. Khosh!
Courtney G.
AMAZING!!!!!! I had Dr Khosh perform lipo on my chin/neck and my result is unbelievable! Better than I could have expected! I met with a couple of surgeons and the second I met with Dr Khosh I knew he was the one I was going with. He was compassionate and explained every detail of what would take place during the surgery and what to expect during recovery. I even emailed a few times during recovery with various questions and he got right back to me asap which was really comforting! I honestly fully recommend Dr Khosh, he did an amazing job and is an amazing person.
Frieda S.
i can finally breathe!! Dr. Khosh made the entire experience a breeze, it was truly a pleasure to be under his care. I am forever thankful and highly recommend him. Not only does his work speak for himself, but he has excellent bedside manner. His kindness and patience is above and beyond. He takes the time to answer to every question you have to help you understand the process while at the same time making you feel so comfortable. From the first consultation i knew i was in good hands. I am so pleased with the result and forever thankful.
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