Breathing through your nose should be effortless, but for many people, it’s a daily struggle. Nasal congestion that doesn’t go away, snoring, or feeling constantly blocked despite trying sprays or medications might actually be a sign of a condition known as nasal valve dysfunction.
At Melbourne ENT, located in St Kilda East, Victoria, Dr Simon Braham and Dr Stephen Kleid, leading ENT surgeons with over three decades of experience, provide expert diagnosis and surgical solutions for patients suffering from this often-misunderstood problem. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about nasal valve dysfunction, who it affects, how it’s treated, and why Dr Braham and Dr Kleid are part of Melbourne’s most trusted ENT specialists.
What Is Nasal Valve Dysfunction?
Nasal valve dysfunction, also called nasal valve collapse or side wall collapse, is a structural condition affecting the narrowest part of your nasal airway. When the internal or external valve weakens or collapses inward as you breathe in, airflow becomes restricted, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.
The internal nasal valve is where the upper lateral cartilage meets the septum, and the external valve includes the nostrils and surrounding soft tissue. If either part collapses or becomes too narrow, airflow drops significantly. This isn’t just inconvenient, it can seriously impact sleep, daily function, and even athletic performance.
Who Is Affected By Nasal Valve Dysfunction?
Many patients don’t realise that what they’re experiencing is nasal valve dysfunction. If you find yourself constantly congested, relying on decongestants that don’t help, or breathing through your mouth more often than not, it could be a sign.
People most commonly affected include those with a history of nasal trauma or previous nasal surgery such as rhinoplasty or septoplasty, athletes or fitness enthusiasts who struggle with nasal airflow, individuals with visible nostril collapse during inhalation, sleep apnoea patients who struggle with nasal CPAP, and anyone with a congenital structural issue or narrow nasal passages.
As Dr Braham often explains, “Many patients think their congestion is just allergies or a cold that won’t go away, when in fact, the real issue lies in the nasal structure itself.”
Benefits Of Treating Nasal Valve Dysfunction
Treating nasal valve dysfunction isn’t just about opening up the nose, it’s about restoring comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
✓ Functional Benefits
Patients often notice a dramatic difference in how they breathe after surgery. They sleep better, breathe more easily during exercise, and stop relying on sprays or medications. Better nasal airflow also means improved oxygen intake, reduced snoring, and less mouth breathing.
✓ Aesthetic Benefits
Although the surgery is primarily functional, it can subtly improve nasal appearance. By reinforcing the nasal sidewalls and preventing collapse, it restores symmetry to the nostrils and creates a more harmonious look, especially when combined with other nasal procedures.
✓ Long-Term Improvements
Best of all, results tend to be long-lasting. Many patients find they no longer suffer recurring sinus infections or constant dryness. The improvement in energy, sleep, and daily comfort is often life-changing.
What To Expect At Your Consultation With Dr Simon Braham
At your initial appointment at Melbourne ENT, Dr Braham will take the time to truly understand your concerns. He’ll review your medical and surgical history, ask about your symptoms, and conduct a detailed examination of your nasal anatomy. Including a nasal endoscopy to view the internal structures.
Dr Braham is known for his approachable manner and clear communication. He’ll walk you through the diagnosis, explain whether surgery is the right option, and outline what results you can realistically expect. You’ll leave with a clear, personalised treatment plan.
How Nasal Valve Surgery Is Performed
Surgery to correct nasal valve dysfunction is performed under general anaesthesia at fully accredited facilities such as Masada Private Hospital or Sunbury. Dr Braham typically uses cartilage grafts, often from the nasal septum or ear, to support and widen the narrowed area.
The procedure involves small internal incisions, so there are minimal visible scars. Depending on your individual needs, Dr Braham may use spreader grafts or alar batten grafts to support the valve structure. Sometimes, subtle reshaping of the nasal sidewall or tip is also done to ensure both function and appearance are optimised.
The Latera implant is a new procedure using a resorbable implant to support the segment of lateral wall collapse.
Most procedures take one to two hours, and patients can usually return home the same day.
What Is Recovery Like?
– Week 1
You may experience swelling, bruising, or some nasal stuffiness, but pain is generally mild and manageable with prescribed medication. Dr Braham will remove any splints or packing within five to seven days. Nasal rinses and ointments help keep everything clean and comfortable.
– Weeks 2 To 4
Swelling decreases, breathing improves, and most people return to light activities or work within a week or two. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should still be avoided.
– One Month And Beyond
Final results gradually appear over several weeks. Most swelling resolves within a month, but subtle improvements continue for up to six months. Dr Braham will see you for follow-ups to ensure your healing stays on track.
Understanding The Risks
As with any surgery, nasal valve repair does carry some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, graft displacement, or scar tissue formation. However, complications are rare, especially in the hands of a highly experienced surgeon like Dr Braham.
His meticulous technique and use of evidence-based protocols help ensure that outcomes are both safe and effective. You’ll receive full post-op instructions and direct access to the clinic should any concerns arise.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether it’s combined with other nasal procedures. At your consultation, Dr Braham will provide item numbers so you can check with your health fund.
Why Choose Dr Simon Braham?
Dr Braham isn’t just another ENT surgeon, he’s a recognised leader in nasal and sinus surgery with extensive training in both Australia and the U.S. His public and private hospital roles reflect his dedication to accessible, high-quality care. Patients praise him for his thoroughness, patience, and the way he explains even the most complex topics with clarity.
“I focus on restoring function first,” he says. “And where appropriate, we blend it with natural, aesthetic results.”
Whether you’re struggling with persistent congestion, snoring, or a previously botched nasal surgery, Dr Braham brings not only surgical expertise but genuine empathy to every patient interaction.
FAQs About Nasal Valve Dysfunction
Why does my nose feel blocked only when I lie down or exercise?
Nasal valve collapse can be positional or activity-related. When lying flat or increasing airflow during physical exertion, weakened nasal valves may collapse inward, causing temporary obstruction that disappears when you sit up or rest.
Can nasal valve dysfunction contribute to headaches or facial pressure?
Yes, when airflow is limited, it can lead to secondary symptoms such as sinus pressure, tension headaches, and a sensation of fullness, especially if the dysfunction contributes to poor sinus drainage or chronic mouth breathing.
I had rhinoplasty years ago. Could that have triggered nasal valve issues now?
Absolutely. Previous nasal surgeries can unintentionally weaken structural support in the nasal valve area. Even if symptoms appear years later, the cause may be related to earlier modifications to your nasal framework.
Will nasal valve surgery change how my voice sounds?
Some patients report a subtle change in voice resonance due to improved nasal airflow. This change is typically positive, as nasal obstruction can make speech sound more nasal or congested.
Can I use nasal strips or internal stents long-term instead of surgery?
Yes, while nasal strips or stents may provide temporary relief, they do not correct the structural cause. Over time, they may become less effective or inconvenient, especially during sleep or exercise.
Is it normal for one nostril to collapse more than the other?
Yes, nasal valve dysfunction is often asymmetrical. One side may be more structurally compromised due to trauma, surgery, or natural anatomy, making symptoms more pronounced on that side.
Could this condition be why I can’t tolerate CPAP therapy for sleep apnoea?
Yes. Many CPAP users struggle because nasal obstruction reduces airflow tolerance. Addressing nasal valve dysfunction can improve comfort and compliance with CPAP devices, enhancing sleep apnoea management.
Medical References
- Nasal valve obstruction: a comprehensive analysis of the current management controversies. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11983596/
- Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Treatment of the Nasal Valve in Patients with Septal Deviation. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4168&context=uthmed_docs
- The Impact of Bioabsorbable Nasal Implants, Nasal Radiofrequency Remodeling, and Nasal Valve Repair: A Retrospective Case-Control Study. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12046381/
- The Effect of Radiofrequency Therapy for Nasal Valve Collapse in Endurance Athletes: A Prospective Pilot Study. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879729625000249
- Management of Nasal Valve Dysfunction. Web of Medicine. https://webofjournals.com/index.php/5/article/view/2877
- The Nasal Valve, Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, Volume 58, Issue 2, April 2025. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/otolaryngologic-clinics-of-north-america/vol/58/issue/2
- Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Treatment of the Nasal Valve Results in Sustained Symptom Improvement. American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Journal. https://aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ohn.1118
Is Nasal Valve Surgery Right For You?
If you’ve been living with blocked breathing, snoring, or nasal discomfort, you don’t have to just put up with it. Nasal valve dysfunction is more common than you think and highly treatable.
Booking a consultation with Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT is the first step toward breathing more freely and feeling like yourself again.
Book Your Consultation Today
Ready to explore your options? Contact Melbourne ENT to schedule a consultation with Dr Simon Braham. Call us at (03) 9038 1311 or visit our contact page.
Experience expert care and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs – breathe easier with the support of Melbourne ENT.
Further Reading
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Concerns and Conditions
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Sleep Apnoea Surgery in Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Crooked Nose Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Deviated Septum Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Broken Nose Melbourne
Why Choose Dr Kleid ?
Dr Stephen Kleid,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty and a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.
Qualifications
- AHPRA (Medical Board)
- MB, BS; FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)
- AAFPS – Member of the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- AAFPRS – (International Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons)
Dr Kleid’s Procedures
Why Choose Dr Braham ?
Dr Simon Braham,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Simon Braham MBBS (Hons) FRACS is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne, performing tonsil, grommet and sinus surgery for children & adults. He helps patients with breathing issues, snoring concerns and sleep disturbances.
Dr Braham’s Procedures
How can we help?
The Melbourne ENT Team takes pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the St Kilda East clinic in Melbourne between 9am – 5 pm on Weekdays.
What Next?
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Please read our website and blogs to find out more about your procedure and concerns
- For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment Options.
- Talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- We encourage you to bring a friend or family member to accompany you, as they can provide an extra perspective and support throughout the process.
- It is important to take thorough notes and carefully review all the documents provided to you.
How to Book a Consultation
- A referral from your GP or Specialist is necessary to see a surgeon for a consultation.
- Dr Kleid’s Nose Surgery consultation fee is $600 which includes a nasendoscopy ($300).
- Please contact us to book your consultation.