What is The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant?

The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant is a small implant for the nose and is used to support the cartilage and reinforce the sidewall of the nose. It sits inside the lateral nasal wall to support the lower and upper nasal cartilages, helping to treat nasal airway problems and improving breathing for the patient. The implant is made from a polymer that slowly absorbs over the course of around eighteen months.

The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant could slightly alter the shape of the patient’s nose, but this will vary from person to person. It will certainly not be a noticeable change, and people will not be able to tell you have the implant fitted.

It has been regularly used in the USA over the last few years and will shortly be available in the UK.

 

Symptoms that could indicate The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant is suitable for you

The LATERA implant is best suited for patients who have a weak sidewall of the nose which appears to collapse easily when you breathe in. There can be a number of medical causes of this, such as a natural weakness due to ageing, and/or previous trauma or injury to the nose (including previous nasal surgery). Sometimes, having a problem inside the nose that can affect your breathing, such as allergy or a deviated nasal septum, can also restrict the nasal passage and make the sidewall weaker. If this is the case, these issues will need to be addressed first and a formal examination taken by your ENT specialist should take place in order to identify these and any other issues so that they can be appropriately managed before considering the suitability of the LATERA implant.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant is the right option for you. Speak with an ENT specialist, such as London ENT, to arrange a consultation and discuss symptoms and treatment.

  • Nasal congestion
  • Stuffy nose
  • Blocked nose or nasal obstruction
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Sleep issues caused by nasal discomfort
  • Trouble breathing through your nose when exercising

 

How is The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant fitted?

The LATERA implant is secured just above the bone of the upper sidewall of the nose, and a small extension of the implant runs towards the lower part of the nose, ending up just above the lower nasal cartilage. It prevents the wall of the nasal cavity from collapsing inwards when you breathe in. The patient may have one implant on one side of the nose or one in both sides. The procedure is fast, simple, effective and usually undertaken under a local anaesthetic, although a general anaesthetic may be required in some people, especially if you require other procedures to be performed at the same time. This is a minimally invasive treatment, as opposed to surgical operations such as septoplasty or rhinoplasty. The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant can also be removed if required.

 

Are there side effects with The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant?

Any surgical procedure carries with it the risk of certain possible risks and complications, although in the vast majority of cases the benefits of The LATERA Absorbable Nasal Implant far outweigh the potential side effects. Patients may experience mild facial bruising, discomfort, inflammation and minimal bleeding. These symptoms should be temporary and usually improve within one to two weeks. Consult your ENT specialist if these symptoms persist or if you show signs of an infection, although this is very rare.

For information on the specialist ENT treatments and consultations, we offer at London ENT, contact our friendly team on 0203 8657225.