By Dr. Brad Bichey, MD MPH ·
VivAer
VivAer Nasal Procedure
What is VivAer?
VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling is a procedure that uses leading-edge radiofrequency energy technology to remodel or reshape the nasal passages and to open the nasal valve. It is a non-invasive, office-based procedure that requires no cutting and does not alter the outward appearance of the nose.
Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from nasal conditions that obstruct their nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe in addition to other symptoms. Traditionally, these conditions would be treated using invasive surgeries that are painful and require long recovery periods. But now, many doctors are using VivAer, which has proven safe, effective, and minimally invasive.
In clinical trials for VivAer treatments:
- 97% of patients reported significant improvement in their ability to breathe
- 89% of patients reported getting a better night’s sleep
How Does the VivAer Nasal Procedure Work?
The VivAer nasal procedure is typically performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor right in their office. As it is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment, there is no need to go to the hospital to have it done.
Before the procedure, you will likely have a consultation with your ENT to discuss treatment options for your nasal condition. Before suggesting the VivAer procedure, your doctor might first suggest some at-home treatments and medications, such as nasal dilators, nasal sprays, steroids, and antihistamines.
However, if traditional at-home treatments and medications fail to work for your nasal obstruction, then your doctor may consider you a candidate for the VivAer treatment.
When you go into the doctor’s office for the procedure, the ENT will first start by numbing the inside of your nose with a local numbing anesthetic to make the treatment more comfortable. Then they will use the VivAer device—a small wand-like stylus that emits low-temperature radiofrequency energy—to treat your nasal passages.
They will do this by inserting the wand into the nose and then using the tip of the wand to treat the cartilage and tissues causing the obstruction. The energy emitted from the wand essentially reshapes the nasal passage and the collapsed nasal valve, creating more room and opening up the passage.
There is no cutting occurring during the procedure, and there is typically no pain. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure, but that is it. The VivAer device can also be used to target other problem areas in the nose that may be swollen due to nasal allergies, such as the turbinates.
Once the procedure is over, you should feel minimal discomfort and can often immediately return to your normal activities for the day.
If a stuffy nose is a near-daily problem and you'd rather avoid traditional surgery, chat with us to find an ENT near you who offers VivAer and can tell you whether it's a good match for your anatomy.
What is Nasal Obstruction?
In the general sense, nasal obstruction is when airflow is restricted in and out of the nose. This can happen for many reasons, including something getting lodged or stuck in the nose. However, the most common cause is nasal tissue swelling that results from an anatomical deformity or the narrowing of the nasal passages due to congestion.
It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from some form of nasal obstruction each year due to inflammation and congestion caused by the common cold or allergies. However, for some, nasal obstruction can be a chronic condition that can impact their day-to-day life long-term.
Your body needs to breathe properly to function properly, so when the nasal passages are obstructed, it can cause a lot of problems. For example, when congestion in the nose hinders your breathing, your body automatically starts breathing through your mouth, which causes vibrations and negative pressure behind the ear that lead to snoring and impaired sleep.
Other symptoms of nasal obstruction can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Postnasal drip
- Runny nose
- Facial pain and pressure
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Changes in mood (due to lack of sleep)
Overall, people who suffer from chronic nasal conditions like nasal obstruction have a reduced quality of life, primarily due to the snoring and mouth breathing that makes it difficult to get restful sleep. And over time, lack of sleep can lead to many other problems that can negatively affect both your physical and your mental health.
What Can Cause Nasal Obstruction?
Nasal obstruction is primarily caused by a narrowing or blockage in the nasal airway due to tissue swelling or anatomical deformities. Specifically, common causes of nasal obstruction can include:
- Seasonal allergies
- Chronic sinusitis
- Sinus infections
- Environmental irritants such as dust, mold, or smoke
- Cold or flu
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Nasal tumors
- Enlarged adenoids
- Enlarged turbinates
Reasons You May Want to Consider a VivAer Treatment
The VivAer nasal procedure may be right for you if you are suffering chronically from nasal obstruction. If you have tried traditional at-home treatments and medications to no avail and are still suffering, then you may want to speak to your doctor about VivAer.
Specifically, if you feel congested all the time, are having trouble breathing, and your sleep is being disrupted, then VivAer might be the answer. It is especially helpful for those who have a narrowing or weakness in the nasal valve or nasal obstruction due to any of the causes listed above, such as chronic sinusitis or a structural deformity like enlarged turbinates.
Benefits of VivAer
Clinical trials have shown promise for those suffering from chronic nasal obstruction. Just one treatment can significantly improve nasal breathing.
There are many benefits to having the VivAer procedure, such as:
Non-Invasive
With VivAer's advanced technology, there is no need for any cutting. The tissue and mucosal lining in the nose remain intact. The radiofrequency energy that the device emits gently reshapes the tissue with minimal pain and discomfort.
Simple and Fast Procedure, Performed In Office
The VivAer nasal procedure only takes about 15 minutes and can be performed right in your doctor’s office. There is no need to go to the hospital as it is non-invasive and non-surgical.
Minimal Discomfort and Fast Recovery
Because the procedure is non-invasive and doesn’t require any surgical cutting, there are minimal side effects. Patients can often return to their daily activities right away. There may be some slight discomfort, but that is it. As soon as you leave the doctor’s office, you can resume your usual routine.
Preserves Outward Appearance
With traditional surgical procedures for nasal obstruction, the outward appearance of the nose can be affected. However, with VivAer, the gentle radiofrequency treatment does not result in any external changes to your nose structure.
Clinically Proven Safe and Effective
Multiple clinical trials and studies have shown VivAer to be a safe and effective treatment option for nasal obstruction. More than 90% of patients who have had the procedure have experienced significant improvement in breathing and sleep quality.
Who is a Candidate for VivAer Treatment?
VivAer nasal airway remodeling can help a wide range of patients suffering from nasal conditions like nasal obstruction. The best way to see if you are a candidate is to speak to your doctor.
VivAer may be right for you if:
- You respond well to the Cottle Maneuver diagnostic test
- You have moderate to severe nasal obstruction
- Your nasal obstruction has not responded to medication therapy
- You want to avoid surgery and a prolonged recovery
- Your nasal valve is the primary cause of your nasal obstruction
How Long Does VivAer Last?
Clinical trials have shown long-lasting improvement in patients who have had the VivAer nasal procedure. More than 90% of patients reported improvement in breathing by one month, with symptoms further improving after three months and lasting up to 24 months.
What Are the VivAer Nasal Procedure Risks and Side Effects?
As VivAer is a minimally invasive procedure requiring no cutting, recovery time is quick, and there are few to no side effects. However, you may experience mild tenderness and inflammation for the first few days after the procedure.
There may also be some temporary crusting and congestion for the first two to three weeks after the VivAer treatment, but this should clear up on its own. You may use a saline solution to help clear the nasal passages out if needed.
In rare cases, you could have some mild bleeding, and an infection could develop—but these can easily be treated by your doctor.
Talk to a Doctor About VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling
Most VivAer patients see significant improvement after just one treatment with little to no side effects. If you are suffering from chronic nasal obstruction and need relief, talk to your doctor today to see if VivAer might be right for you.