Experiencing Breathing Issues?
Learn More About Sinus Breathing Relief in Los Angeles
At Westside Sinus, we offer many types of sinus relief options, such as turbinoplasty, Latera Implants, and Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling. Each of these treatments are extremely effective and lasting. However, you may be wondering what is the best option for you. If you are interested in learning more about each of these revolutionary treatments, as well as what is a better solution for your situation, then continue reading.
An Explanation of Nasal Airway Obstruction
Nasal airway obstruction is often referred to as a “congested or blocked nose.” Most times, the nasal valve is an area in which nasal airway obstruction occurs. The nasal valve is inside of the nose and is made up of three main structures that form a triangular opening. which are:
- Septum: The narrow ridge of bone and tissue between the two nostrils
- Turbinates: Finger-shaped tissues that direct and warm air as it enters the nasal cavity
- Lateral Wall: The side tissue and cartilage that form the outer wall of the nose
Enlargement of any of these structures narrows the nasal valve, which decreases the overall airway area, and obstructs airflow. Additionally, a collapse of the lateral wall can contribute to decreased nasal airflow. This enlargement and collapse may be addressed non-surgically in the office setting. When nasal valve obstruction is significantly caused by a deviated septum or missing cartilage support, a surgical procedure to correct these issues may be necessary.
- Turbinoplasty is a minimally-invasive in-office procedure for addressing enlarged turbinates
- Latera Implants are minimally-invasive options for addressing a weak or a collapsing lateral wall
- Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling is a quick and effective in-office procedure for correcting enlargement or swelling of structures within the nasal valve
Below, you will find more details of each procedure:
1. What is Turbinoplasty?
The nasal turbinates are soft tissues that are on the inner sidewalls of the nasal cavity. They are responsible for humidifying air that enters the nose and maintaining a moist comfortable sensation. When turbinates are too large, or ‘hypertrophied,’ this can cause a condition called ‘turbinate hypertrophy.’ Patients with turbinate hypertrophy frequently complain of a transient congestion that may alternate from one side of the nose to another.
Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy
Turbinate hypertrophy is often associated with the following symptoms:
- Sinus pressure
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Sleep apnea
- Snoring
- Fatigue
The first-line treatment of nasal turbinate reduction in Culver City is topical nasal allergy sprays. If the congestion persists, then a very effective and minimally invasive solution takes place, which is the in-office turbinoplasty.
Types of Turbinoplasty
Surgical turbinoplasty: The surgical turbinoplasty procedure uses a special tool, called a microdebrider, to reposition the turbinate, and sometimes involves shaving away some bone and tissue. This procedure may require either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, so you are asleep during the procedure and don’t feel any pain.
Radiofrequency or laser ablation: Another option of turbinate reduction is to shrink the turbinate tissue using radiofrequency energy or a laser. This is done by gently passing through the nose with a narrow tube. This technique is done in-office, as it only requires a local anesthetic and you’ll be awake and pain-free during the short procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery for Turbinoplasty
Aftercare instructions and recovery times vary from patient to patient, with recovery from surgical turbinoplasty taking slightly longer than recovery from the radiofrequency or laser techniques. Patients typically experience mild pain, fatigue, nasal stuffiness, and mild nasal drainage after the procedure. The mild pain associated with this type of surgery is well controlled with pain medications. Stuffiness due to swelling typically starts to improve after the first week. You may notice normal drainage of some mucus and blood from your nose after surgery, which is part of the normal course of healing.
If you are in need of sinus surgery turbinate reduction, our practice offers effective and lasting turbinate reduction surgery in Culver City. Our team of skilled surgeons are qualified to perform nasal turbinate reduction in Culver City.
2. What Are Latera Implants?
Latera implants help with a variety of nasal cavity issues, by supporting both upper and lower lateral cartilage, allowing the nasal wall to easily function. Sinus relief in Culver City is relatively simple with this type of treatment. By using a minimally invasive method, these implants will support the lateral cartilage in the nose and they naturally absorb. One of the reasons Latera Implants are so popular is because of their ability to absorb for over 18 months. This means that future treatment options are still available if needed.
By inserting a small implant into the nasal sidewall, the polymer material will dissolve naturally over a period of time. The treatment is a quick and effective way to help patients breathe better. Since the treatment is minimally invasive, there is no cosmetic difference to the appearance of the face.
For those with a nasal valve collapse, Latera Implants can make a huge difference in quality of life. Reduced nasal congestion, improved air flow during exercise or exertion and enhanced sleeping are all benefits to using Latera Implants when finding nasal obstruction relief in Culver City. Patients report a 57.7% reduction in nasal obstruction symptoms after two years.
How Do I Know if I Need Latera Implants?
While there are many possible causes for this, nasal obstruction is common. Because of nasal blockages, breathing through the nose is especially difficult while breathing through the mouth is unaffected. Nasal obstruction can be diagnosed by a doctor specializing in sinus relief. If you suspect you may have nasal obstruction symptoms, feel free to contact us for sinus relief in Culver City.
Nasal implants are safely used to help with a variety of symptoms. If you experience nasal congestion or feel as if you consistently have a “stuffy nose”, your nose may have structural issues. Trouble sleeping or breathing while exercising are common complaints of those who suffer from this type of condition. If you experience these problems, then Latera Implants may be a good option for you.
3. What is Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling?
Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling involves a system of carefully controlled radiofrequency energy that quickly and efficiently reshapes the tissues inside of the nose. Once achieved, patients experience an immediate improvement in the flow of air through the nose. Best of all, no surgical incisions need to be made. The nasal valve area, which will usually be the primary area that has been affected by congestion issues, can now be opened and corrected during a single office visit. In all but a very few cases, this procedure can be performed using nothing but a very mild local anesthetic.
After you are numb, the doctor will use a small stylus to deliver radiofrequency energy to the affected area in your nasal valve region. The purpose of this application will be to alter the shape of the region where your nasal cartilage meets your septum.
Once this alteration has been safely made, your valve will permanently open and be able to do its job once more. This means that airflow to the region will receive an increase of significant proportions. The ultimate goal of this operation is simply to enable you to breathe through your nose without undue stress or pain.
Benefits of Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling
There are many benefits associated with Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling. These include the following:
- The procedure requires no surgical incisions of any kind
- No scarring
- Quick recovery time
- No external structural changes to your nose
- There is normally no redness or swelling of any kind following the procedure