VIVAER Nasal Airway Remodeling in Houston

Nasal airway surgery involves repairing parts of the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is a tunnel that runs from your nose to the upper part of your throat. This surgery can restore airflow and the full function of a damaged nasal cavity.

Dr. Nguyen, an expert in nose and throat conditions, performs nasal airway remodeling procedures for Houston, Cypress and Jersey Village residents. Learn more about this procedure, then book an assessment or contact our office today.

Do I Need Nasal Airway Surgery?

Your doctor may suggest nasal airway surgery when a damaged nasal cavity is blocking the flow of air through the nose. This blockage can cause chronic mouth breathing, headaches, snoring and repeated infections. Nasal airway surgery is usually the last option after other less invasive and low-risk treatment options.

Types of Nasal Airway Procedures

Your doctor may carry out this surgical procedure in one of three ways:

• Open surgery: The surgeon makes an incision in the nose to access the surgical area. This gives the surgeon a broader view of the parts that need to be operated on. Open surgery requires a larger incision than endoscopic surgery, and it takes a longer time to recover.
• Endoscopic minimally invasive surgery: This procedure requires the use of an instrument called an endoscope — a thin instrument with a camera and light at the tip. This camera transmits pictures of the internal parts of your nose to a video screen during surgery. The recovery time for endoscopic surgery is usually faster.
• VIVAER: A short, non-invasive procedure performed in the office. VIVAER does not involve any incisions, so the recovery period is short. With radiofrequency energy, the nasal cavity is gently reshaped, and patients start to notice an improvement in their breathing shortly after the procedure is completed.

Benefits of VIVAER

Our VIVAER procedure offers Houston residents the following benefits:

• No hospital admission: The procedure is performed in an office setting.
• Speed: VIVAER usually takes no more than 15 minutes.
• Fast recovery: You can resume your normal activities within an hour.
• Non-invasive: There are no incisions or cuts on your nose, no implants are used, and there’s no damage to body tissues.

This procedure has a good response rate and no known side effects.

How to Prepare for Nasal Airway Surgery

Adequate preparation for this procedure can increase your comfort and the outcome of the surgery. Here are some steps to take before nasal airway surgery:

• Provide detailed answers to questions about your medical history and medications, including drugs bought over the counter, prescription medication and herbal treatments.
• Get preoperative lab tests. These include CT, MRI scans and X-rays.
• Arrange for someone to drive you after the procedure.
• Avoid eating or drinking before the procedure, as recommended by your doctor.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before the surgery.
• Stop taking medications like aspirin that thin your blood and make it difficult for it to clot.
• Be prepared to ask your doctor as many questions as you can about the recommended surgical procedure.

Book an Appointment With Dr. Nguyen

If you’re having difficulty breathing or want to get a quick assessment of your nasal cavity, contact Houston Sinus & Allergy today. Dr. Nguyen is an ENT specialist who provides VIVAER nasal procedures and nasal airway remodeling for residents of Houston, Cypress and Jersey Village. Book an assessment today!