By Daniel Givens MD FACS| Dubuque ENT, Dubuque, Iowa
If you struggle with chronic nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through your nose—especially during exercise or at night—you may be dealing with more than allergies or a deviated septum. One often-overlooked cause of nasal obstruction is nasal valve collapse, which can significantly impact airflow.
At Dubuque ENT, Dr. Givens specializes in identifying and treating these structural issues through advanced surgical techniques that improve both nasal function and appearance.
What Is the Internal Nasal Valve?
The internal nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, located just behind the nostrils. It plays a critical role in regulating airflow as you breathe. When the internal nasal valve weakens or collapses inward during inspiration, it can cause significant nasal obstruction, even if the septum and turbinates are normal.
How To Tell If You Have Valve Collapse
A simple at-home test called the Cottle maneuver can help identify whether the internal nasal valve may be contributing to your breathing issues. To perform it:
- Place two fingers on your cheeks, on either side of your nose.
- Gently pull the skin outward, away from the nose.
- Try to breathe in through your nose.
If your breathing improves significantly with this maneuver, it suggests that the internal nasal valve may be collapsing and obstructing airflow.
Additionally, if your nostrils collapse visibly when you inhale, especially the lower portion of the nostril, this points to external nasal valve collapse—another common source of breathing difficulty. Patients often have internal and external nasal valve collapse, requiring a more comprehensive approach.
Surgical Correction with an Open Rhinoplasty Approach
Dr. Givens corrects nasal valve collapse using an open rhinoplasty approach. This method involves a small incision between the nostrils and internal incisions that allow for maximum visibility and precision during surgery. This approach enables the placement of support grafts and other structural reinforcements to rebuild and support the valve areas, improving airflow while maintaining or enhancing the natural appearance of the nose.
This is not simply a cosmetic procedure. When performed to improve breathing by addressing structural issues like valve collapse, nasal valve reconstruction is typically covered by insurance. However, patients who also wish to refine the appearance of their nose can opt for combined functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. In those cases, the functional portion may be covered by insurance, while the cosmetic changes would not be.
Advanced Techniques for Better Results
Dr. Givens at Dubuque ENT utilizes the latest technology, including ultrasonic (piezo) rhinoplasty, which uses a precise powered device to reshape bone with less trauma than traditional tools like rasps or chisels. This technique offers:
- Greater precision
- Reduced swelling and bruising
- Faster recovery
- More refined aesthetic results
He also applies modern surgical principles such as the polygon concept, which emphasizes a holistic view of the nose’s structure—balancing function and aesthetics for more natural, long-lasting outcomes.
Don’t Settle for Nasal Obstruction
If breathing through your nose feels like a struggle and simple treatments haven’t helped, it may be time to consider whether nasal valve collapse is the root cause. With advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Givens can help you breathe better and feel better, all while maintaining or improving your nasal appearance.
Contact Dubuque ENT today to schedule a consultation and determine whether nasal valve reconstruction through open rhinoplasty is right for you.
Dr. Givens is a Double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (ENT) at Dubuque ENT in Dubuque, Iowa, offering comprehensive solutions for nasal obstruction and aesthetic nasal refinement using the latest surgical technologies and techniques