What Is Nasal Valve Repair? (Fixing Nasal Valve Collapse)

Nasal valve collapse is when the narrowest part of the airway caves in as you breathe, causing stubborn nasal obstruction. Nasal valve repair reinforces that area to restore breathing — without changing how your nose looks. Dr. Hootan Zandifar explains.

What Is Nasal Valve Repair?

The nasal valve is the narrowest part of your nasal airway. When its walls are weak or too narrow, they collapse inward as you breathe in — blocking airflow, often worse during exercise or sleep. Nasal valve repair reinforces that part of the airway so you can breathe freely again, while keeping the nose looking natural.

Signs You May Have Nasal Valve Collapse

Difficulty breathing through the nose that worsens with deep breaths, a sense that the nostril ‘sucks in,’ relief when you gently pull the cheek outward, snoring, and disrupted sleep. It can be present from birth, follow prior nasal surgery, or develop with age.

How It’s Repaired

Depending on the cause, repair ranges from functional rhinoplasty techniques and cartilage grafting (spreader or alar batten grafts) that reinforce the sidewall, to minimally invasive options in select cases. Dr. Zandifar’s dual ENT and facial-plastic training lets him strengthen the valve — often using your own cartilage — without changing how your nose looks.

What to Expect

Valve repair is typically outpatient and may be combined with septoplasty or turbinate reduction when those also contribute. Because the repair reinforces the airway’s framework, results are durable for most patients. As a functional procedure, it may be covered by insurance when medically necessary.

Related: Nasal Valve Collapse · Call 424-349-6008 to schedule a consultation.