Nasal obstruction is a leading cause of breathing problems and discomfort. In some cases, breathing problems are mild; however, in other cases, partial breath way obstruction can lead to severe medical episodes such as anxiety and panic attacks, loss of consciousness, and cardiac issues. 

Traditionally, treatments for nasal valve obstruction have been lengthy. Invasive surgeries involving the use of implants to open and prop the airways or surgical incisions made to remove the tissue causing the blockage were the standard.  

With constant technological advances in the field, otolaryngologists now have less invasive yet highly effective procedures that can modify the nasal valve and treat nasal obstruction, without the need for extensive surgery. 

Radiofrequency treatment for nasal valve modifications is one such cutting-edge technology. 

The Nasal Valve

The majority of air entering our body comes through the nose, where air is filtered, warmed, and humidified before entering our lungs. 

The narrowest, thus limiting, anatomical part of the nasal airway is the nasal valve, composed of mucus membrane and cartilage. Any alteration or tissue displacement in this nasal valve tissue can cause symptoms of nasal obstruction or congestion. 

In the past, when tissue in the nasal valve grew or expanded, it was treated by surgically removing the skin or inserting an implant to prop open the valve. Radiofrequency treatments free up the passageway without the need for either of these invasive solutions. 

Radiofrequency Treatment

In many cases of nasal valve obstruction, cells and tissue in the nasal valve grow and expand, limiting airflow. 

With new radiofrequency technology, products such as the Vivaer device, low-temperature, non-destructive energy is focused on the tissues and membranes of the nasal valve. This energy induces shrinkage to reduce the presence of these structures and increase airflow space.

Surgeons use the Vivaer device, which looks like a slim wand, in conjunction with a micro camera to place inside the patient’s nose. They then apply the radiofrequency energy to obstructions in the nasal valve. 

The treatment is rapid, performed in our clinic (with no need for trips to the hospital or recovery), and results are felt immediately. Without the need for surgery or any foreign bodies implanted, a radiofrequency treatment can effectively and elegantly solve nasal valve obstruction. 

Benefits and Limitations of Radiofrequency Treatment

Radiofrequency treatment modifies the nasal valve’s internal structure to provide relief from nasal valve collapse and obstruction, without the need for structural surgery.

In some cases, however, airway obstruction is caused by more than minor blockages in the nasal valve and will require functional rhinoplasty surgery. Radiofrequency treatment will also not change the nose’s aesthetic appearance, such as with a cosmetic rhinoplasty.  

Radiofrequency Treatment in Chicago, Illinois 

Dr. Jay M. Dutton of the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago is one of the leading ear nose and throat surgeons in the United States, offering the latest, safest, and most effective treatments. With double board certification in Otolaryngology – Face and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, he provides his patients unparalleled expertise and satisfaction. 

Arrange your consultation today by calling 630 574 8222 or by filling out his online contact form.

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Chronic rhinitis is a concern faced by over 24 million individuals in the U.S. Characterized by a persistently congested, stuffy, and runny nose, chronic rhinitis can impact breathing, the senses of smell and taste, and lead to snoring.

Until recently, treatments for chronic rhinitis depended on a regimen of decongestion pills and nasal sprays – none of which offer a permanent solution to the problem.

Fortunately for the millions of people who deal with chronic rhinitis daily, revolutionary cryotherapy technology can permanently fix the issue and provide patients with congestion-free nasal passages for the rest of their lives.

What is Chronic Rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis is the result of inflamed nasal linings, which leads to excessive mucus secretion. The condition can be triggered by allergies, can be non-allergenic, or can be a combination of both.

Previously, solutions for chronic rhinitis have been steroid drops, nasal spray, or immunotherapy treatments like antihistamines, allergy shots, and antibiotics. While some of these treatments do reduce the mucus production and provide temporary relief, none of them directly address the cause of rhinitis – inflamed nasal linings.

A Permanent Solution to Inflamed Nasal Linings

The benefits of cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, are beginning to prove themselves in the health and medical industry. As a relatively new technique, cryotherapy involves exposing the body, or parts of the body, to freezing or near-freezing temperatures.

It has been used to treat muscular ailments, joint inflammation conditions, and various other concerns. Fortunately for people suffering from chronic rhinitis, doctors have developed a cryotherapy device specifically designed to target the nasal linings and directly treat the underlying cause of chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip.

Using a small, hand-held device, Dr. Dutton will perform the nasal cryotherapy treatment under local anesthesia – you won’t feel a thing. The cryotherapy device is precisely placed onto the inflamed areas of the nasal lining, exposing the tissue to freezing temperatures.

By targeting small areas of internal nasal tissue, the inflamed areas freeze, shrink, and are gradually eliminated by the body after treatment. This provides patients with a safe, effective treatment for inflamed nasal linings, which stops the overproduction of mucus and completely eradicates post-nasal drip, congestion, and the runny nose.

Because there’s no heat, cutting, or sutures involved, the procedure is highly effective and has a rapid recovery time. There is a minimal effect on connective tissues, and the results are long-lasting, if not permanent.

Learn More

To discuss this cutting-edge technology that can forever solve your post-nasal drip, reach out to Dr. Jay M. Dutton, Chicago’s leading rhinoplasty expert. Dr. Dutton’s extensive training and experience make him a highly skilled specialist when it comes to treating the nose and nasal tissues.

Please contact 630 574 8222 or fill out his online form now to revitalize your days and nights.

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If you are thinking about rhinoplasty, schedule your consultation today with Dr. Jay M. Dutton!

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If you’re interested in an eyelid lift, contact us today.

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If you’re interested in a browlift, contact us today.

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If you’re interested in Balloon Sinus Dilation, contact us today.

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If you’re interested in a rhinoplasty procedure, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

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If you experience any of the following, a lip lift may be the solution for you:

• Your lips have thinned due to aging
• You desire more volume in your lips
• You would like to reshape your lips
• You are prepared for a surgical procedure

Schedule your consultation, here, to determine if a lip lift is right for you.

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• Z-plasty is a plastic surgery technique that skilled surgeons use to improve the appearance of scarring.
• Dr.Dutton innovated a minimally invasive nasal obstruction correction surgery using Z-plasty inside the nose.
• It can also be used in the correction of nasal valve collapse.

Schedule a consultation to learn if Z-plasty can benefit your nasal surgery.

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• Provides youthful facial contours.
• Restores facial volume lost to aging.
• Promotes skin elasticity.
• Elevates and supports facial tissue.
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin.

If you are considering a facelift, we’d love to answer any questions you may have. Schedule a consultation, here.

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