Surgical solution: nasal valve collapse.

Abstract

49-YEAR-OLD PATIENT was seen in consultation for evaluation of chronic nasal airway obstruction. In 1967, he underwent a septorhinoplasty with significant skeletal reduction to improve the form and function of his nose. His airway was worse postoperatively. The patient noted improvement in his breathing with lateral traction on the soft tissues of the cheek. He has inhalant allergies to dust, mold, and pollen. He takes oral antihistamines with only minimal improvement of his breathing. He notes total nasal airway obstruction with sniffing. Physical examination reveals collapse of the right nasal bone and a deformity at the inferior aspect of the nasal bones at the junction with the upper lateral cartilage (Figure 1 through Figure 3). The anterior nasal spine is deviated to the left. The nasal septum is deviated to the left also. A cotton-tip applicator placed intranasally at the caudal margin of the upper lateral cartilage provides remarkable improvement in the nasal airway.