Latera Nasal Implant

What is Latera, and how does it work?

Latera is a non-surgical nasal implant placed within the nasal wall by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT, also known as an otolaryngologist. Latera acts as a reinforcement to the nasal wall - similar to the traditional polymer or cartilage grafts or nasal valve surgery. Latera augments both the lower and upper cartilage in your nose to improve your breathing, improve your sleep, and decrease nasal airway obstruction symptoms.

What causes Nasal Airway Obstruction?

Nasal airway obstruction happens when the nasal passages stop the usual amount or a comfortable amount of air from getting through your nose due to a blockage. It could occur because of swelling, inflammation, or a structural abnormality in your nose. The three areas most often associated with nasal airway obstruction are your septum – the wall of cartilage between your nostrils, which could bend and cause the blockage, the lateral (side) wall – fragile cartilage in your outer nasal wall could break down when you inhale, and turbinates - ridges of tissue and bone in the nose that, when enlarged, can reduce airflow.

How can this treatment be more beneficial than surgery?

Compared to nasal valve surgery, one of the main benefits of Latera is that it does not alter the appearance of your nose. Latera is a procedure that takes moments to perform with local anesthesia. It does not require a hospital stay or general anesthesia. Additionally, it is an absorbable implant, and, unlike traditional polymer or cartilage grafts, Latera does not require an added procedure to harvest cartilage. It does not require stitches or scars.

How is the implant absorbed?

Over the course of 18 months, Latera is absorbed into your nose, becoming a natural support system for your upper and lower cartilage. When Dr. Aminpour first places the implant inside your nose wall, over the first year, it develops a fibrous shell around it, while still maintaining its original shape, while activating collagen development. During the remaining six months, the shell and collagen break down the implant, absorbing it, hardening into an augmented bridge that will continue to hold up the wall, and continuing the work the Latera began: Helping decrease your nasal airway obstruction symptoms.

Who is a candidate for Latera with Dr. Aminpour at Los Angeles ENT?

You could be a good candidate for Latera if you breathe better when you pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side (a test called the Cottle test.) You are also a good candidate if you have challenges breathing through your nose, including trouble sleeping, stuffiness or congestion in your nose, or struggle sleeping due to snoring. When you exercise or exert yourself, if you find yourself unable to inhale enough air through your nose, this could be another indication you are a good candidate for Latera.

What should I expect after treatment?

Los Angeles’ preeminent ENT, Dr. Aminpour is an expert performing the Latera procedure. Following the short in-office treatment, which generally takes no longer than 15 minutes, you may initially have some light pain, slight bruising, and feel the sensation of the implant. These symptoms typically subside as the implant settles into place. You can also expect to quickly experience these benefits:

• An easier time breathing through your nose
• More restful, healthy sleep
• Healthy breathing through your nose when you exert yourself or during exercise
• A reduction in nose stuffiness or chronic nasal congestion

Why choose Dr. Shervin Aminpour for Latera?

With a laser focus on your wellness, Dr. Shervin Aminpour delivers outstanding results from your first Latera consultation to your final check-up. His dedication to providing you with the highest quality care means he offers only the best and most innovative procedures and techniques in our luxury, private clinic. Call today to learn how Dr. Aminpour can help you breathe easier with Latera. Take advantage of his depth of knowledge and advanced procedures to improve breathing function.