Nasal Breathing Treatment
Breathe More Freely with Nasal Valve Support
Nasal valve collapse can make it difficult to breathe comfortably through your nose, even when nasal sprays or allergy medications provide little relief. LATERA® is an absorbable nasal implant designed to support the nasal sidewall and address nasal valve collapse.
Featuring LATERA® technology from Stryker
Does This Sound Familiar?
When Breathing Through Your Nose Feels Harder Than It Should
Nasal valve collapse occurs when the sidewall of the nose moves inward during breathing and restricts airflow. Many patients describe a blocked feeling that nasal sprays and allergy medications do not seem to improve.
Difficulty Breathing Through Your Nose
Persistent nasal obstruction even after trying nasal sprays or allergy medications.
Breathe Right® Strips Help
Some people notice significantly easier breathing when external nasal strips support the sides of the nose.
Pulling Your Cheek Improves Airflow
Patients may notice better nasal airflow when gently pulling the cheek or side of the nose outward.
Understanding Nasal Valve Collapse
The nasal valve is one of the narrowest areas of the nasal airway. When the cartilage supporting the sidewall of the nose is weak, the nasal wall can move inward during breathing and restrict airflow.
An ENT physician can evaluate the nose and determine whether nasal valve collapse is contributing to nasal obstruction.
An examination may include observing the nostrils while you breathe and assessing whether gently supporting the cheek improves nasal airflow.
A Modern Treatment Option
What Is LATERA®?
LATERA® is a small absorbable nasal implant designed to support the lateral wall of the nose.
The implant is positioned within the nasal sidewall to provide structural support in an area affected by nasal valve collapse. Over time, the implant is absorbed by the body.
Treatment recommendations depend on each patient's nasal anatomy, symptoms and examination.
How LATERA® Treatment Works
Evaluation
Dr. Sonkarley evaluates the nasal airway and determines whether nasal valve collapse may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
Treatment
The nasal area is numbed with local anesthetic and the LATERA® implant is positioned using a small delivery applicator.
Support
The implant supports the nasal sidewall while healing occurs and is gradually absorbed by the body.
See How It Works
Watch the LATERA® Patient Animation
Watch this short educational animation from Stryker to better understand nasal valve collapse and how the LATERA® implant is designed to support the nasal sidewall.
Educational video placeholder. Final procedure-specific video content will be added later.
Treatment recommendations should be discussed with your physician.
What Can I Expect?
Treatment may be performed using local anesthesia in the office setting. Patients receive specific preparation and aftercare instructions from the practice based on their individual health history.
Before Treatment
Dr. Sonkarley will review the patient's medications, symptoms and treatment plan. Patients should follow all individualized pre-procedure instructions provided by the office.
During Treatment
The treatment area is numbed and the implant is positioned through a small delivery applicator.
After Treatment
Some patients may experience temporary tenderness or minor bleeding around the treatment area. Patients receive individualized aftercare and follow-up instructions.
Please follow the instructions provided by Dr. Sonkarley and your prescribing physician regarding any medications before or after treatment.
Treatment Is Personalized to Your Nasal Anatomy
Nasal obstruction can have different causes, and treatment recommendations vary from patient to patient. Depending on the examination, your physician may discuss options such as conservative nasal support devices, treatment of nasal swelling, nasal valve procedures or other surgical approaches.
Schedule an EvaluationFrequently Asked Questions
Explore Other Breathing & Sinus Treatments
Inferior Turbinate Reduction
For enlarged turbinates that contribute to persistent nasal obstruction and congestion.
Could Nasal Valve Collapse Be Affecting Your Breathing?
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Price Sonkarley to discuss your symptoms and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.