Nasal Valve Collapse 

Many of us liken a dripping or bleeding nose to a faucet.  Well, your nose is indeed just like a faucet: it has valves inside to regulate airflow!

The nasal valves are located inside the tip of your nose, where your nostrils meet the bridge of the nose. The nasal valves opens when you inhale so that air can enter freely.  If, instead of expanding with inhalation, the nostril collapses, you may have a functional nasal valve collapse.  In this case, the nostril typically appears normal at rest.  In structural nasal valve collapse, there is a pinched look to the nostrils at rest, and the nostril does not open with inhalation, creating both a functional and aesthetic problem. 

Causes of nasal valve collapse include structural birth defects such as a cleft nose and acquired defects resulting from cocaine abuse, trauma, or even a complication of nasal surgery.  Because nasal valve collapse must be repaired structurally, surgery is the only permanent solution.  While many surgeons use cartilage grafts to improve valve function, these grafts may not always be strong enough to provide long-term and desired results.  In addition, these cartilage grafts typically broaden the tip of the nose, leaving a less than ideal aesthetic result.  Dr. Yagoda has developed a newer grafting technique that uses the same material typically used in joint replacement surgery.  This allows her to more quickly and precisely restore nasal valve function without widening the nasal tip.  In fact, this technique allows her limitless possibilities to improve nasal cosmetic appearance. 

As both an otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Yagoda is able to both restore the function of the nose along with improving its appearance. Call our office today to schedule your comprehensive consultation.

Read about Dr. Yagoda's Integrative Post Operative Care Program