Does insurance cover allergy shots?

Yes, most insurance plans cover allergy shots. However, coverage details vary, so you must check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits.

How much do allergy shots cost?

The cost of allergy shots can vary depending on the treatment plan and insurance coverage. Typically, patients can expect to pay between $20 to $100 per visit, not including the initial consultation and testing.

Can allergy shots be administered at home?

Some patients can administer their shots at home, but this would be after the ramp-up phase, which is always in the office and typically lasts 6 months to a year.

How long does the treatment last?

Allergy shot treatment usually lasts 3 to 5 years to achieve long-term relief. Some patients may require ongoing monthly maintenance injections for continued relief.

Can't Breathe Through Your Nose?

Treatments

Vivaer

Experiencing persistent nasal blockage, mouth breathing, snoring, or unable to get enough air through your nose, especially with exercise or at night? You may benefit from the VivAer® procedure.

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Contents: Benefits Procedure Recovery & Outlook Long Term FAQs

Overview

VivAer® is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that remodels the narrowest part of the nasal airway (the nasal valve) to improve airflow.

Using controlled, temperature-regulated radiofrequency energy, your ENT doctor gently reshapes and stiffens soft tissue that collapses inward during breathing, without incisions or implants. Many patients are treated comfortably under local anesthesia with little to no downtime.

What is VivAer®?

VivAer® uses a slim, temperature-controlled radiofrequency device to apply brief, precise energy to targeted nasal valve tissues.

This controlled heating remodels the tissue and helps the nasal sidewall resist collapse, creating a more open breathing channel. The treatment is performed through the nostrils, typically takes minutes per side, and preserves normal nasal function.

Who is VivAer® For?

We typically recommend VivAer® for people who have:

Nasal valve collapse/narrowing causing obstruction (worse with deep inhalation, exercise, or while lying down).
Persistent nasal congestion or mouth breathing despite medical therapy (e.g., allergy sprays).
Obstruction related to the side of the nose visibly pulling in when you breathe (dynamic nasal wall collapse).
Blockage that improves when pulling the cheek to the side (also called the Cottle maneuver).

We perform VivAer® on adults 18 and up. If you also have a markedly deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, your ENT doctor may suggest addressing those issues, sometimes in the same setting.

Benefits

Improved Nasal Airflow: Opens the narrowest portion of the nasal passage.

Minimally Invasive: No incisions. Performed through the nostrils.

Quick Procedure, Little Downtime: Often completed in under 30 minutes with a rapid return to routine activities.

Durable Symptom Relief: Tissue remodeling provides lasting support against nasal collapse.

Better Sleep & Exercise Tolerance: Easier nasal breathing day and night.

Procedure Details

How is VivAer® Performed?

We typically perform VivAer® under local anesthesia in the office. General steps include:

Anesthesia: Your ENT doctor applies topical and local anesthetics inside the nose.
Assessment: Your ENT identifies the narrow/collapsing areas of the nasal valve.
Treatment: A slim, temperature-controlled wand is applied to precise points along the nasal valve (and, if planned, adjacent structures) to remodel tissue and open up the airway.
Bleeding Control: Minor bleeding, if present, is managed with standard measures.
Recovery: You’ll rest briefly after the procedure and receive home-care instructions.

Estimated time: Most cases take about 15–30 minutes. Allow a short additional period for preparation and post-procedure observation.

Recovery & Outlook

Recovery Time

Initial recovery: Most patients resume light, non-strenuous activities the same day.
Full effect: Breathing continues to improve over several weeks as tissues remodel.

What to Expect During Recovery

Nasal symptoms: Temporary congestion, mild soreness, crusting, or sensitivity inside the nose.
Home care: Use saline rinses and avoid nose-blowing until your doctor clears you
Follow-up: You’ll have a follow-up visit to monitor healing and symptom improvement.

Long-term Outlook After VivAer®

Most appropriate candidates experience easier nasal breathing, reduced need for mouth breathing, and improved comfort during sleep and exercise.

If you have additional structural issues like a swollen or deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, your ENT doctor may recommend combined or staged treatments for the best results.

How does VivAer® work?

VivAer® applies precise, temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to targeted areas of the nasal valve. This reshapes tissue and stiffens the area to resist collapse, opening the airway.
How long does the VivAer® procedure take?

Most VivAer® treatments take 15–30 minutes
Will I be awake during the VivAer® procedure?

Yes—most patients are treated with VivAer® under local anesthesia.
When will I notice improvement?

Some patients feel a difference within days but most notice progressive improvement over several weeks as swelling subsides and tissue remodeling matures after VivAer®.
Is VivAer® painful?

Patients typically report pressure or brief discomfort during VivAer® treatment, with mild soreness afterward that is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Are there risks?

The risks are small and include bleeding, infection, crusting, soreness, dryness, transient swelling, or, rarely, scarring or persistent symptoms. Your ENT doctor will review these risks with you prior to the procedure.
Does insurance cover VivAer®?

Coverage varies by plan. Your care team verifies benefits prior to the procedure and there is complete transparency in terms of any patient cost.
Can VivAer® be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Depending on your anatomy, we may combine VivAer® with treatments like turbinate reduction or septoplasty to address multiple contributors to nasal obstruction.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Steven Davis

Written by
Breathe Clear Institute Editorial Team

Posted on
June 4, 2024