Nasal Valve Collapse Treatment in Cincinnati
Nasal valve collapse can lead to nasal obstruction and is often associated with aesthetic problems with the nose. Dr. Jeffrey Harmon is an expert at treating nasal valve collapse and its associated functional and aesthetic problems.
Contact Us
What Is Nasal Valve Collapse?
A collapsed nasal valve refers to narrowing of one or both of two (2) areas of the nose:
- External nasal valve – Composed of the c-shaped nasal tip cartilage (lower lateral cartilage), the external nasal valve is the first opening into the nose. It is visible without the need for specialized instruments. External nasal valve collapse can be static and narrow or dynamic collapse with breathing. It is secondary to weak nasal tip cartilage. Simulation of treatment for external nasal valve collapse is often performed during physical examination using the cottle maneuver, where a physician stents the external nasal valve open by pulling on the cheek lateral to the nose.
- Internal nasal valve – The narrowest part of the nasal cavity, the internal nasal valve, is composed of the interface between the nasal septum and the cartilage “roof” in the middle of the nose (upper lateral cartilage). This area cannot be seen without specialized instruments. Very little narrowing is required to have a significant effect on nasal breathing. The obstruction here is static, never dynamic. Internal nasal valve collapse treatment can be simulated using the modified cottle maneuver, where a q-tip or similar instrument is used to widen the internal nasal valve temporarily.
What Causes a Collapsed Nasal Valve?
There are three (3) primary causes of nasal valve collapse:
- Genetics – Some patients are born with a narrowed internal nasal valve and/or weak cartilages at the external nasal valve.
- Previous rhinoplasty surgery – Previous surgery can lead to nasal valve collapse due to intentionally narrowed cartilage or due to problems healing i.e. scarring.
- Trauma – Severe blunt or soft tissue trauma can lead to nasal valve collapse. Dog bites are one common example of severe soft tissue trauma.
What Can Nasal Valve Collapse Be Confused With?
Nasal valve collapse can be confused with other conditions in the nose that can cause nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing. A deviated septum is frequently confused with nasal valve collapse because both can cause nasal obstruction and both often exist together in patients. Rarely, a mass in the nose can cause nasal obstruction. Nasal masses are generally treated by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons.
How Is a Collapsed Nasal Valve Repaired?
Nasal valve collapse is treated with rhinoplasty surgery. The nasal valve collapse surgical procedures listed below are typically performed using the open rhinoplasty approach involving a very small incision at the base of the nose connected to multiple incisions inside the nose.
The goal of treating external nasal valve collapse is to strengthen and support the lateral extent of the nasal tip cartilage with grafts from the nasal septum, ear, or rib. Grafts include lateral crural strut and alar batten grafts. Each holds the weakest portion of the nasal tip cartilage out, reducing its risk of collapse.
The goal of treating the internal nasal valve is to widen it, even a small amount. That is because even a small amount of widening can have a significant effect on airflow in the nose. The source of cartilage grafts to treat internal nasal valve collapse are the same as those for the external nasal valve. The most common graft used is called a spreader graft.
Why Is Dr. Jeffrey Harmon an Expert at Treating Nasal Valve Collapse?
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon is an expert at treating the full range of concerns patients have about their nose in Cincinnati, including nasal obstruction due to a collapsed nasal valve. And, as a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is fellowship trained in cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery, he is supremely qualified to balance the aesthetics of the nose while also improving its function. He is also able to treat other causes of nasal obstruction, such as a deviated nasal septum, while treating nasal valve collapse, if necessary.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.