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Is Latera Implant Right for You?

LATERA implant

For those with a chronic stuffy nose or other breathing issues, the LATERA implant can help. This implant, made from bioabsorbable materials, is a minimally invasive procedure that can greatly improve your quality of life. Read on to find out more about whether the LATERA implant is right for you.

Who can get the LATERA implant?

The LATERA Implant can help those who suffer from chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or sleep apnea due to tight nostril space and nasal valve collapse. Nasal valve collapse is when the walls of the nose “collapse” inwards when breathing in. If it’s hard to inhale and to take deep breaths in, especially during exercise or other times of exertion, nasal valve collapse might be the culprit. 

You should try other less invasive remedies (saline nasal sprays, decongestants, and the like) before LATERA. 

If you are suffering from congestion and wondering if LATERA can help you, try something called the Cottle’s maneuver. Place two fingers on the side of the midsection of your nose. Gently use your fingers to pull your skin out a bit toward your cheeks (widening your nostril in the process). If you feel like it’s easier to breathe in while doing that, LATERA may be right for you.

What is the LATERA implant?

The LATERA implant is placed inside the nose within the side walls (the LATERAl walls). This gives support to the cartilage inside the nose, creating more space inside the nasal passages to allow for easier breathing. It prevents nasal valve collapse.

Benefits of LATERA include:

  • Decreased congestion
  • Easier to breathe through nose during periods of high activity
  • No collapse of nasal walls upon breathing in
  • Less snoring
  • Better sleep
  • Better exercise
  • Better quality of life

What kind of doctor do I need to see to get LATERA?

LATERA implants should be placed by a board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist (commonly referred to as an ENT specialist). An ENT is best qualified to analyze and diagnose the cause of your breathing issues, determine whether LATERA can help in your case, and perform the actual procedure. 

LATERA procedure

During this in-office procedure, the doctor will use a cannula to insert the LATERA implant into the side of your nose (or both sides if needed). The procedure itself is very quick and only takes a few minutes. Afterwards, you may have temporarily increased congestion due to any swelling or inflammation as your nose adjusts to the implant. There is no downtime necessary after this procedure. The implant lasts about 12 months before being absorbed by the body. 

Side effects of LATERA implant 

Side effects after getting the LATERA implant are usually mild. They can include: bruising, discomfort or mild pain, or irritation. Complications such as infection or a negative reaction to material in the implant are rare, but if they occur and your doctor deems it necessary, the implant can be removed

If you’re considering getting the LATERA implant, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Edmund Fisher. 

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