Vivaer nasal valve remodeling and Empty Nose Syndrome?

Posted by warpedtrekker @warpedtrekker, Nov 21, 2018

Has anyone had Vivaer procedure? I'm concerned about Empty Nose Syndrome but my doctor claims that only occurs with removing or shrinking turbinates. Doesn't the vivaer procedure also affect turbinates?

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In 2012 I had turbinates removed and or reduced as well as a deviated septum repaired, opening to the left nostril enlarged as it had collapse, and openings into the sinus enlarged.
After surgery, it was necessary to go back in to remove some scar tissue that was causing some blockage.
I still have congestion in mostly the right sinus which is where the problem was before. I breath better but not terrifically.
My thought is perhaps there is some scar tissue causing some blockage.

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@warpedtrekker

The only thing I know is the literature that my ENT doctor gave me. He said it is a non-invasive procedure that reshapes the nasal valve area, widening the area to possibly help with airflow. I've been to three different ENT's, and two of them wanted to go in invasively and fix my deviated septum, and reduce turbinates, either with coblation or other means. After hearing about ENS, I am not sure I want to take that chance. The Vivaer procedure apparently uses radio waves to shrink and reshape the nasal valve area. But then I saw a an article from an ENT doctor stating, that even messing around with the nasal valve area could cause issues like ENS. Because the nasal valve area is supposed to have some resistance of air.

I have "mild" sleep apnea(use BIPAP machine), had a DISE procedure which showed my tongue base collapsing blocking airway. I use BIPAP with dental appliance and still breathe through mouth sometimes and get obstructions. My ENT says he needs to start by opening nasal airway and then from there, consider other options for my tongue collapse and recessed jaw, like jaw surgery.

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I had the Vivaer Procedure done one year ago this month. I can now breathe perfectly and would recommend this procedure to everyone. I use to sleep in a pretzel position or sleeping almost upright in my recliner chair. I slept with my mouth open and snored before the procedure. The procedure took less that 1/2 hour and I immediately was able to breathe. There was a 2 week healing process which was slightly uncomfortable but nothing worse than before the procedure. The Avaer procedure has altered my life in making me able to function during the day and sleep peacefully during the night.

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@eboch9

I had the Vivaer Procedure done one year ago this month. I can now breathe perfectly and would recommend this procedure to everyone. I use to sleep in a pretzel position or sleeping almost upright in my recliner chair. I slept with my mouth open and snored before the procedure. The procedure took less that 1/2 hour and I immediately was able to breathe. There was a 2 week healing process which was slightly uncomfortable but nothing worse than before the procedure. The Avaer procedure has altered my life in making me able to function during the day and sleep peacefully during the night.

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@eboch9 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support. It sounds like the Vivaer procedure greatly improved your quality of life. May I ask what you found to be the most important factors when weighing the pros/cons and risks/benefits?

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Hi group I’m suffering from empty nose syndrome has anyone had any relief from this syndrome

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@123d

Hi group I’m suffering from empty nose syndrome has anyone had any relief from this syndrome

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@123d-Hi. What was your surgery? And what are your symptoms?

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@nrd1

@123d-Hi. What was your surgery? And what are your symptoms?

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I had an endoscopy by ENT dr and neuro surgeon b9 tumor the size of a pea on my right optic nerve in stead of getting my head cut they went through my nose. After surgery I went to my follow up appointments ent said it takes time because I was having awful symptoms finally I went to another ent he ordered cat scan that’s when I found out from the surgery ens he couldn’t believe they completely took everything out of my nose . Plus I have other compilations due to it

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@nrd1

@123d-Hi. What was your surgery? And what are your symptoms?

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What was your surgery

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@123d

What was your surgery

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@123d-did the ENT diagnose you with ENS? Did he tell you which areas were removed? Can you explain your symptoms?

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@nrd1

@123d-did the ENT diagnose you with ENS? Did he tell you which areas were removed? Can you explain your symptoms?

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The ent diagnosed it not the one that did it . He said and showed me the picture of the cat scan I started to cry there is nothing there he wouldn’t be able to repair cause there’s nothing to work with left. It affected my right ear which I have tube in now. Cant breathe, headache, dry nose can’t blow my nose or smell lots of pain can’t sleep

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@123d

The ent diagnosed it not the one that did it . He said and showed me the picture of the cat scan I started to cry there is nothing there he wouldn’t be able to repair cause there’s nothing to work with left. It affected my right ear which I have tube in now. Cant breathe, headache, dry nose can’t blow my nose or smell lots of pain can’t sleep

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@123d-I am so sorry you are experiencing this. These are the typical symptoms of it. The only reason I am on this site is due to this. It is very common in the ENT world. They are surgeons, first and foremost. On my journey I have learned that ENTs have very little understanding of how the nose functions and that the inside of the nose is an entire organ system.
There are 2 ENTs in the country who are kind enough to acknowledge this is an issue. I am not sure where you are located, but one is at Stanford and one is in Ohio. Moisture and humidification is recommended. Try to retain as much moisture as you can in your nose. Try to find someone who is understanding and compassionate towards the condition.
Acupuncture for the headaches.
There are many different reasons for the pain. Most of the the pain is Neuropathic, so that’s why NSAIDS do not work.
Did you sign a detailed consent?

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