LATERA Nasal Implant

Overview

What Is LATERA?

LATERA is an absorbable nasal implant made of polylactide (PLLA) polymer, a biocompatible material that safely dissolves in your body over time. Measuring just under an inch long, the implant is delivered into the lateral nasal wall through a thin cannula during a brief in-office procedure. Once in place, the implant helps prevent the nasal cartilage wall from collapsing during breathing.  Over approximately 18–24 months, the implant slowly dissolves while stimulating your own tissue to undergo a helpful transformation in the nasal wall, providing structural support long after the implant has dissolved.

Who Is LATERA For?

LATERA may be appropriate for adults who have:

• Nasal obstruction that does not improve with medications, nasal sprays, or allergy therapy
• Collapse of the nasal sidewall or nostril when breathing in, particularly noticeable during exercise or deep breaths
• Difficulty breathing through the nose at rest or during sleep that impacts daily activities and quality of life
• A desire for lasting relief through a minimally invasive, in-office procedure

A consultation with our ENT specialists is essential to determine whether LATERA is the best option for your specific nasal anatomy and symptoms.

Benefits

LATERA offers several potential benefits for individuals with nasal valve collapse, including:

Improved Nasal Breathing: Supports the weakened lateral nasal wall to reduce collapse and significantly enhance airflow through the nose

Long-Lasting Results: Provides durable relief that continues for years, even after the implant fully dissolves over 18–24 months

Minimally Invasive: Performed in-office under local anesthesia with no external incisions or visible scars

Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days with minimal downtime

No Cosmetic Changes: Clinical studies show significant improvement in nasal obstruction without adverse effects on appearance

Versatile Treatment: Can be combined with other procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction when structural corrections are needed

Procedure Details

How Is LATERA Placed?

We typically perform LATERA placement under local anesthesia in the office. General steps include:

1. Anesthesia: Your ENT doctor applies topical and local anesthetics to the inside of your nose to ensure comfort during the procedure.
2. Cannula Insertion: A thin delivery tube (cannula) is carefully inserted into the lateral wall of the nostril and guided to the area to the upper side of the nose where the implant will anchor.
3. Implant Deployment: The absorbable implant is released from the cannula into the soft tissues of the lateral nasal wall, where it functions as an internal splint supporting the upper and lower lateral nasal cartilage.
4. Completion: The cannula is withdrawn, leaving the implant securely in place with no external stitches or incisions.

Estimated time: The procedure typically takes 15–20 minutes.   Allow additional time for preparation and observation.

Will LATERA Change My Appearance?

No. Clinical studies demonstrate that LATERA significantly reduces nasal obstruction symptoms without causing long-term adverse cosmetic changes. Some patients may experience mild bruising, temporary swelling, or a sensation of the implant initially, but these effects typically resolve within a week or so. The implant is placed internally, so there are no visible changes to the external appearance of your nose.

Recovery & Outlook

Recovery Time

• Initial recovery: Most patients return to normal activities, including work and daily routines, within 1–2 days.
• Full effect: Improved breathing is often noticeable immediately, with continued improvement over several weeks as swelling subsides and the implant integrates with tissue.

What to Expect During Recovery

• Temporary symptoms: Mild bruising, swelling, pressure sensation at the implant site, or minor discomfort in the first few days, which may last up to a week.
• Home care: Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days, follow your ENT specialist's after-care instructions, and use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for comfort.
• Follow-up: You'll have a follow-up visit to monitor healing and ensure the implant is correctly positioned and functioning properly.

Long-term Outlook After Tongue Release Procedures

Most patients notice improved nasal breathing immediately after placement, with full results developing over several weeks as any residual swelling resolves. The LATERA implant slowly dissolves over 18–24 months while your body forms a collagen capsule that continues to provide structural support long after the implant has dissolved. Clinical studies have shown that the majority of patients experience significant and lasting improvements in nasal obstruction and quality of life for years following the procedure. The implant comes in two sizes, 20 mm and 24 mm, to accommodate different anatomies, and your ENT specialist will select the appropriate size based on your individual nasal structure.

Frequently Asked Questions