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What Is Nasal Valve Repair?

Nasal valve repair is surgery to widen or support a narrowed part of the nasal airway. The nasal valve can collapse during breathing when its supporting tissues are weak or poorly positioned. The repair aims to improve airflow through the affected side of the nose.

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What Is Nasal Valve Repair?

Nasal valve repair is surgery to widen or support a narrowed part of the nasal airway. The nasal valve can collapse during breathing when its supporting tissues are weak or poorly positioned. The repair aims to improve airflow through the affected side of the nose.

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When Is Nasal Valve Repair Considered?

A clinician may consider repair when nasal valve narrowing or collapse causes persistent breathing difficulty. Examination helps identify whether the internal valve, external valve, or another part of the nose is responsible. Nasal strips or internal dilators may provide temporary relief for some people.

How Is the Nasal Valve Repaired?

The technique depends on where the airway narrows. A surgeon may place cartilage grafts, use sutures, or add another form of support to widen the passage. Septoplasty or turbinate surgery may be performed at the same time if those structures also obstruct breathing.

What Happens During Recovery?

Swelling and congestion can temporarily make nasal breathing difficult after surgery. The care team provides instructions about cleaning the nose, protecting it from pressure, and returning to activities. Recovery time varies with the repair and any procedures performed alongside it.

What Are the Risks and Limitations?

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, persistent obstruction, and a change in nasal shape. A graft or other support may fail to produce the expected improvement. Breathing problems from allergies or other nasal conditions may still need separate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nasal Valve Repair

Is nasal valve repair the same as septoplasty?

No. Nasal valve repair supports or widens the valve area, while septoplasty straightens a deviated nasal septum. Both procedures may be needed when both structures restrict airflow.

Will nasal valve repair change the appearance of the nose?

A structural repair can change nasal contours, although the goal may be to improve breathing. The surgeon can explain the expected appearance for the proposed technique.

Does every repair require a cartilage graft?

No. Some repairs use sutures or other support methods. The choice depends on the location and cause of the narrowing.

Can nasal strips replace surgery?

Nasal strips or dilators may ease symptoms while they are in use. They do not permanently correct weakened nasal valve structures.

References

Clinical consensus statement: Diagnosis and management of nasal valve compromise. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20620619/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Minimally Invasive Nasal Valve Repair: An Evaluation Using the NOSE Scale. JAMA Network. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/496057. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Nasal Valve Collapse: Symptoms, Causes, Test & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24977-nasal-valve-collapse. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Nasal Valve Repair. Jefferson Health. https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/nasal-valve-repair. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Position Statement: Nasal Valve Repair. American Academy of Otolaryngology?Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.entnet.org/resource/position-statement-nasal-valve-repair/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.