Nasal valve collapse occurs when the narrowest part of the nasal airway — located where the upper and lower cartilage sections meet, or further back near the turbinates — weakens or narrows, often noticeably worsening when you inhale deeply. It can be caused by naturally weak cartilage, previous rhinoplasty that over-narrowed the area, aging-related tissue changes, or structural issues from birth.
Treatment typically involves placing a spreader graft — a strip of cartilage inserted to widen and reinforce the narrowed passage — restoring adequate airflow while maintaining or improving the external appearance of the bridge. This is often necessary in revision cases specifically, when a previous rhinoplasty over-narrowed the bridge without accounting for this internal airway.
Consultation Tip
Try gently pulling the skin on your cheek outward, away from your nose, while breathing in — if this noticeably improves your breathing, it's a strong indicator of nasal valve collapse worth mentioning specifically during your consultation.
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— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery