Enhance your breathing effortlessly with a quick, minimally invasive implant procedure that supports the nasal valve. Experience long-term relief and improved nasal breathing with this simple solution designed for lasting comfort.
At SoCal ENT, our focus is on restoring natural, effortless breathing through advanced, patient-centered care. Our board-certified ENT specialists are highly experienced in performing the LATERA nasal implant procedure, a minimally invasive solution designed to support weakened nasal walls and relieve chronic nasal obstruction.
Using precise, modern techniques, we ensure a comfortable experience and results that feel natural and lasting. With a commitment to individualized care, SoCal ENT helps patients breathe more freely and confidently — every day.
LATERA is a minimally invasive treatment that restores proper nasal airflow by supporting the nasal valve—the narrowest part of the nasal airway. Using a small, dissolvable implant, the procedure reinforces weakened nasal sidewalls that can collapse inward during breathing, a condition known as nasal valve collapse or vestibular stenosis.
By stabilizing the nasal structure, LATERA helps open the airway, reducing congestion and improving breathing during daily activities, exercise, and sleep—all without the need for traditional surgery.
The LATERA procedure is a quick, minimally invasive treatment performed under local anesthesia in our office or, if combined with other nasal procedures, in an operating room setting. During the procedure, a small, dissolvable implant is carefully placed within the nasal wall to reinforce the nasal valve and prevent it from collapsing inward during breathing.
Most patients find the experience comfortable, with little to no pain, and the entire process typically takes just a few minutes. The implant gradually dissolves over time while promoting long-term structural support for improved airflow and easier breathing.
LATERA is designed to treat nasal obstruction resulting from nasal valve collapse, a common yet often overlooked cause of chronic breathing difficulty. When the nasal sidewalls weaken or collapse inward during inhalation, it can lead to:
By reinforcing the nasal valve area, LATERA restores stability, helping patients breathe freely again without the need for extensive surgery.
LATERA is designed to treat the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway responsible for controlling airflow through the nose. By reinforcing this key structural area, the procedure restores stability to the nasal passages — improving breathing, reducing congestion, and enhancing overall nasal function without altering the external appearance of the nose.
You may be a good candidate for LATERA if you experience chronic nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through your nose, or rely on nasal strips for relief. A simple in-office evaluation—such as the Cottle Maneuver, where gently lifting the cheek improves airflow—can help indicate nasal valve collapse.
During your consultation at SoCal ENT, our specialists will perform a detailed nasal examination to determine whether LATERA is the right solution for your breathing concerns and overall nasal structure.
Recovery after LATERA is generally smooth and fast. Patients may experience mild congestion, pressure, or tenderness for a few days, which gradually subsides as the nasal tissue adjusts. Most individuals return to regular activities within 24–48 hours.
Our team provides clear aftercare guidance, including instructions on managing temporary swelling and keeping the nasal passages clear, to support a comfortable and successful recovery.
Most patients begin to notice easier breathing within the first few days following their LATERA procedure. As the nasal passages heal and the implant integrates, airflow continues to improve over the next several weeks.
Although the implant gradually dissolves, it encourages the body to form natural structural support, which maintains the results long after. Many patients experience lasting relief from congestion and obstruction for a year or more — often with sustained improvement in overall breathing comfort and quality of life.
Patients usually feel little discomfort during or after the procedure.
The process is quick, often wrapping up in just minutes.
Patients typically resume normal activities soon after the procedure.
Every procedure carries potential risks like infection or bleeding. Your doctor will talk to you about these.
Expect lasting results that can extend over a year.
Your insurance might cover LATERA, but it's wise to confirm with your provider first.
