There's a solution.
If nasal congestion, stuffiness, and restricted airflow are affecting your sleep, exercise, and daily life, VivAer® may help. No surgery required.
No hospital or OR needed
Typical procedure time
No cutting or incisions
Clinically studied technology
Nasal obstruction is more than just feeling stuffy
Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) occurs when structural blockages inside the nose restrict airflow, and it doesn't go away on its own.
Decongestants, nasal strips, and sprays may offer temporary relief, but they don't fix the underlying problem. If you're constantly struggling to breathe through your nose, there may be a structural reason why.
Even when you're not sick
Persistent stuffiness on one or both sides
Reduced airflow when you need it most
Mouth breathing, poor rest, fatigue
Temporary fixes that wear off
The nasal valve: Your nose’s most narrow point
For many patients with nasal airway obstruction, the root cause is a narrowed or weakened nasal valve, the area inside your nose where airflow is most restricted. This is often structural, which is why medications alone rarely solve it.
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, made up of the septum (center of the nose), the lateral walls (outer tissue), and the inferior turbinates.
When any of these structures is enlarged or collapsed, airflow becomes restricted. Even if everything else appears normal.
Sprays and decongestants work on inflammation and swelling, but if your obstruction is structural, there's nothing for them to fix.
That's why so many patients with NAO describe managing their symptoms rather than resolving them. VivAer® addresses the structure directly.
A better way to open your airway — without surgery
VivAer® uses low-power radiofrequency energy to gently remodel the nasal valve tissue, creating more room for airflow. There's no cutting, no incisions, and nothing implanted. It's performed right here in our San Diego office in a single visit.
The entire procedure takes place at Hillcrest ENT. No hospital, no OR, no general anesthesia.
Most procedures are completed in under 15 minutes. You'll be in and out the same day.
VivAer® uses gentle radiofrequency energy to reshape tissue. Nothing is cut, removed, or implanted.
Most patients return to normal activities right away with minimal downtime after the procedure.
What sets VivAer® apart
VivAer® was designed for patients who want lasting relief without the risks and recovery of traditional nasal surgery.
No incisions, no cutting, no implants. Nothing alters the exterior appearance of your nose.
No trip to a hospital or surgery center. Treated right here at Hillcrest ENT in San Diego.
VivAer® is an FDA-cleared treatment developed by Aerin Medical for nasal airway obstruction.
Addresses the nasal valve directly rather than masking symptoms with medication.