Vestibular Stenosis
Vestibular Stenosis
Another related but distinct phenomenon to internal valve collapse is the occurrence of vestibular stenosis. The nasal vestibule is the region of the nose within the nostril, just in front of the internal valve. Previous surgery can cause webs of scarred skin or mucosa (lining tissue) to form between the septum and the nasal sidewall or turbinates, and may narrow the valve through scar contracture. This scar tissue can narrow the nasal passageway and cause significant troubles with your breathing.
Vestibular stenosis is categorized by degrees of severity ranging from grade I (mild) to grade IV (most severe). Surgical correction of this problem can be one of the most difficult problems faced by the rhinoplastic surgeon and, so, a key to management of nasal valve dysfunction is an understanding of prevention in the first place. Once present, surgical correction can entail:
- Simple release of synechia (scar tissue), when the scar is thin, with placement of Silastic splints (a thin plastic spacer that allows re-lining of the tissues without reformation of the synechia)
- Synechia release with placement of skin or mucosal grafts and splint placement
- Complicated surgical procedures including Z plasty (rearrangement of tissues) or composite grafting with possible repeat surgeries to correct scarring
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Procedure Details: Los Angeles RhinoplastyNose Surgery