Nasal obstruction can interfere with breathing, sleep, and day-to-day comfort. For some people, the issue is related to nasal valve collapse—a narrowing or weakening of the sidewall of the nose that limits airflow. At St. Louis Sinus Center, our team evaluates each case carefully to determine the underlying cause of obstruction and discuss whether LATERA® may be part of your treatment options.
Concerned about persistent nasal obstruction?
LATERA® is an FDA-cleared, absorbable nasal implant designed to support the lateral nasal wall in select cases of nasal valve collapse. Its purpose is to help stabilize the area that may narrow when breathing in. Your provider will determine whether the implant is appropriate based on your anatomy, symptoms, and history of prior treatments.
LATERA® is placed during a brief, in-office procedure. After applying topical or local anesthesia to promote comfort, the implant is inserted through a small incision inside the nose. Once in place, it cannot be seen from the outside and does not change the appearance of the nose. Most procedures take only a few minutes, and patients typically resume daily routines shortly afterward.
Depending on your diagnosis, LATERA® may help:
While some individuals may experience improvement, results vary, and LATERA® is not appropriate for all cases of nasal obstruction. Success depends on individual anatomy, response to healing, and other contributing conditions.
Not all patients are candidates for procedures like LATERA®. Eligibility depends on specific anatomical findings and whether conservative treatments have already been attempted.
People may be considered for evaluation if they experience:
A full exam—often including the Cottle maneuver and internal nasal evaluation—helps confirm whether nasal valve collapse is present or if symptoms are related to other concerns like a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or sinus inflammation.
Before discussing LATERA® as an option, your provider will review your medical history, evaluate your nasal anatomy, and talk through the treatments you’ve tried previously. You may be asked to avoid certain medications prior to the procedure, but preparation is otherwise minimal. All instructions will be explained clearly during your visit.
Recovery is generally brief. Mild pressure, swelling, or tenderness may occur for a short period, but most individuals return to normal activities within a day or two. Your provider will outline post-procedure guidelines and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.
At St. Louis Sinus Center, treatment recommendations are based on the full scope of your symptoms, anatomy, and goals. LATERA® is only discussed when it fits the clinical findings and when other approaches, such as medication or structural surgery, are not the better option. You will receive a clear explanation of all available choices so you can make an informed decision.
If nasal obstruction is affecting your daily life and you’d like an evaluation, you can contact our team to schedule a consultation at our St. Louis or Festus location.
Individual results may vary.
The effectiveness of treatments can differ based on individual circumstances.