Breathe easier with VivAer®, a minimally invasive treatment for nasal airway obstruction that gently opens narrow nasal valves to improve airflow. Dr. Ryan E. Stern, MD, our board-certified ENT, performs this in-office procedure to help you breathe easier without surgery.
Improve Nasal Breathing Without Surgery
VivAer is a minimally invasive treatment that improves nasal breathing by opening narrowed areas inside your nose. It uses controlled, low-temperature radiofrequency energy to reshape and tighten soft tissue within the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway. By reducing tissue collapse, VivAer increases airflow without cutting, removing tissue, or changing the outside appearance of your nose. The procedure is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and allows you to return to normal activities with little downtime.
What Does VivAer Treat?
Nasal airway obstruction occurs when airflow through your nose is limited by narrowed or weakened internal structures, making it difficult to breathe comfortably. This condition is often caused by collapse or narrowing of the nasal valve, inflammation of internal nasal tissues, or structural changes that restrict airflow. When these areas fail to stay open, everyday activities and sleep can be affected.
VivAer can help with ongoing nasal breathing problems, including:
- Chronic nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Persistent nasal blockage on one or both sides
- Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially during activity
- Reduced airflow when lying down or sleeping
- Loud snoring or disrupted sleep
- Feeling short of breath during exercise
Key Benefits of VivAer Nasal Airway Obstruction Treatment
VivAer is a modern option for improving nasal breathing without surgery.
This treatment provides several meaningful benefits, including:
- Minimally invasive treatment with no incisions or stitches
- Performed comfortably in the office under local anesthesia
- Short treatment time, typically completed in minutes
- No external changes to the appearance of your nose
- Little to no downtime after the procedure
- Clinically proven improvement in nasal airflow
- Long-lasting relief from nasal obstruction symptoms
Your VivAer Nasal Airway Obstruction Treatment Experience
Your VivAer experience starts with a focused consultation with Dr. Stern, during which he reviews your symptoms, breathing patterns, and how nasal blockage is affecting your sleep, exercise, and daily comfort. He performs a detailed internal nasal exam to assess the nasal valve, septum, and surrounding soft tissues. Based on your anatomy and exam findings, Dr. Stern determines whether VivAer can effectively improve airflow without surgery.
During treatment, the inside of your nose is thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic. Dr. Stern then places the VivAer stylus against targeted areas of the nasal valve and delivers controlled, low-temperature radiofrequency energy. This radiofrequency energy contracts and stiffens the underlying tissue and cartilage support, helping the airway stay open during breathing. No tissue is removed, no incisions are made, and the procedure typically takes about 15 minutes.
Results From VivAer Nasal Airway Obstruction Treatment
Many patients notice an improvement in nasal breathing soon after their VivAer procedure, once initial swelling begins to subside. As the treated tissue heals and remodels, airflow continues to improve over the following weeks. Most patients achieve meaningful relief with a single session. Temporary congestion may occur, but most side effects resolve as healing progresses.
Clinical studies show sustained improvement in nasal airflow and breathing comfort for years after treatment. Because VivAer reshapes and stabilizes the nasal valve rather than relying on medication, routine maintenance treatments are usually not required. Dr. Stern will monitor your progress and recommend follow-up care only if symptoms change over time.
Why Choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Ryan E. Stern is a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon and a subspecialty-trained rhinologist with 25+ years of clinical experience. For nearly 30 years, he has cared for patients throughout the Pacific Northwest, focusing on advanced yet minimally invasive nasal and sinus treatments that improve breathing while minimizing downtime. If you’re ready to breathe more comfortably without traditional surgery, schedule a consultation for VivAer nasal airway obstruction treatment in Auburn or Federal Way, WA.
