Did you know that what feels like normal congestion may be a sign of an abnormality inside your nose? If you have had little luck with medication to breathe easier, you may be a good candidate for Latera at our Oceanside, CA, office. Dr. Robert Jacobs, Dr. Richard Liu, and Dr. Sarah Carroll of ENT Associates in Oceanside, CA, are proud to offer this advanced treatment for patients who suffer from breathing problems due to collapsed cartilage inside the nasal airway.
What is Latera?
Latera is an implant that is fitted inside your nose to counteract collapsed cartilage. The implant is made from a material that is slowly absorbed by your body. As this happens, your body creates a new capsule of connective tissue to permanently keep your airway open.
How Does Latera Help?
Latera helps patients breathe easier by preventing the collapsed cartilage from blocking the airway. It works much the same way as breathing strips, yet Latera offers a long-term solution. The new connective tissue that forms strengthens the existing cartilage to keep your airway open.
Is Latera Right for Me?
Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Liu, and Dr. Carroll recommend Latera implants for patients who are diagnosed with vestibular stenosis, a condition that describes an abnormality with the nasal cartilage. Latera is not intended to be used for congestion that is caused by allergies, infections, and other illnesses.
What is the Procedure for Latera?
At ENT Associates, we perform Latera implantation as an outpatient procedure in our office. The material is injected along the interior wall of your nose. Because the implant is only 0.9” in size, there is no change to the size or shape of your nose. The implant works as a stent, and you can breathe easier right away. The entire procedure only takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Recovery Time for Latera
You may notice some very minor swelling and bruising for the first 24 to 48 hours after your Latera implant procedure. No downtime is needed. Full results may take one to two months.
How Long Does Latera Work?
In clinical studies, Latera provided significant improvement in breathing 18 to 24 months after the procedure. We recommend that you schedule a follow-up evaluation after one year to determine when a second implant is required.
Are you tired of not being able to breathe? Latera for Oceanside, CA, residents may be right for you. To learn more about this advanced solution for nasal obstruction, call ENT Associates today at (760) 724-8749 to schedule an appointment at our Oceanside, CA, office with Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Liu, or Dr. Carroll.