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Nasal Valve Collapse Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is nasal valve collapse?

The nasal valve is the narrowest segment of the nasal airway and accounts for much of the resistance to airflow. It has two parts:

• Internal nasal valve – the angle between the septum and the upper lateral cartilage, roughly behind the bridge of the nose.
• External nasal valve – the nostril opening, supported by the lower lateral (alar) cartilage.

Nasal valve collapse occurs when these structures are too narrow or too weak to stay open. On inhaling, negative pressure pulls the side walls inward, further narrowing the airway.

Symptoms

• Nasal blockage on one or both sides, worse with deep breaths or exercise
• Visible inward movement of the nostril or side wall when sniffing
• Better breathing when the cheek is pulled outward
• Snoring and mouth breathing at night
• Limited improvement with sprays, because the problem is structural

Causes

• Naturally narrow or weak nasal cartilages
• Previous nasal surgery, particularly rhinoplasty that reduced cartilage support
• Trauma, including a nasal fracture
• Aging, which weakens cartilage and soft tissue support
• A high septal deviation narrowing the internal valve

How it is diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim observes the nostrils and side walls during quiet and forced breathing. The Cottle maneuver, gently pulling the cheek outward, and a modified version using a small instrument to support specific areas help show whether valve support improves airflow. Nasal endoscopy assesses the septum, turbinates and other causes of obstruction, since valve collapse often coexists with them. A CT scan may be used to evaluate internal anatomy if surgery is being considered.

Treatment options

Non-surgical

• External nasal strips that lift the side walls
• Internal nasal dilators or cones worn at night or during exercise
• Treating mucosal swelling with steroid sprays when rhinitis adds to blockage

Nasal valve reconstruction

When symptoms are significant and confirmed to arise from the valve, nasal valve reconstruction strengthens or widens it, typically using cartilage grafts such as spreader grafts or alar batten grafts, often taken from the septum. It is a functional procedure aimed at breathing. At our clinic it is a non-covered (non-insurance) item, so costs are explained before scheduling.

Associated problems can be corrected in the same session, for example septoplasty or turbinate reduction.

When to see an ENT

Consider an assessment if your nose blocks when you breathe in hard, during exercise, or if breathing worsened after previous nasal surgery or injury. Seek prompt care for sudden new blockage with swelling, pain or deformity after trauma.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Functional nasal reconstruction is an area where Dr. Kim Yoo Suk has academic depth: he served as secretary of the Korean Rhinologic Society's facial plastic division and published on rhinoplasty grafting during his professorship. He explains options in English. See our location for directions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my nasal valve is collapsing?

A common sign is that breathing improves when you gently pull your cheek outward beside the nose, or that the nostril sucks inward when you breathe in deeply. These are clues only; an ENT examination confirms whether the valve is the main cause.

Will nasal valve surgery change how my nose looks?

The primary goal is improved breathing. Grafts placed to support the valve can occasionally make subtle changes to the width of the middle or lower nose. Dr. Kim will discuss any expected visible change before surgery.

Do nasal strips fix valve collapse?

Nasal strips and dilators support the valve temporarily while worn and can be very helpful at night or during sport. They do not permanently correct weak cartilage. If they help noticeably, that also supports the diagnosis of valve collapse.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.