VivAer® Procedure

Get Relief from Nasal Airway Obstruction in Louisville, KY.

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What is the VivAer® procedure?

If you have nasal obstruction, the nasal valve may be narrowed and causing difficulty breathing. The Vivaer procedure is a minimally invasive procedure, often performed awake and in the office, to relief nasal congestion. A heating element is applied to the surface of the inner lining of the nose to remodel the cartilage support of the nose.


How is the VivAer® procedure performed?

The VivAer® procedure utilizes low-level radiofrequency energy on the surface just inside the nostrils to contour the lower lateral cartilage. The nasal passages are numbed with topical anesthetic to limit discomfort.


Is the VivAer® procedure painful? The procedure is typically well tolerated awake in the office. Pain is limited with topical anesthesia. You will likely experience some crusting at the area, so moisturization of the area is important until the surgical site heals.


Your doctor will go over expectations for the procedure and give you postoperative instructions. Clinical trials have shown lasting improvement in nasal congestion. 


How long does VivAer® last?

The effects of the VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling treatment are designed to be long-lasting. Is VivAer permanent? The procedure reshapes the cartilage in your nasal passages; however, it is important to note that each individual's body may react differently, and there may be changes due to aging or other factors. Always consult with your doctor for more personalized information.


VivAer vs Other Nasal Airway Treatments

If you have ongoing nasal blockage, it usually comes from one of a few causes: nasal valve collapse, turbinate swelling, deviated septum, or chronic inflammation. Vivaer is designed specifically to treat nasal valve narrowing by gently reshaping and stiffening the nasal sidewall using controlled radiofrequency energy.

Here is how Vivaer compares to other common options:

Vivaer (nasal valve remodeling)
Best for: People whose main issue is nasal valve collapse or narrow nasal valve
What it does: Improves airflow by strengthening the nasal valve area without cutting tissue
Setting: In office, local anesthesia
Incisions: None
Downtime: Usually minimal

Septoplasty (deviated septum correction)
Best for: A crooked septum that blocks airflow
What it does: Repositions or removes deviated cartilage or bone inside the nose
Setting: Often outpatient surgery
Incisions: Internal
Downtime: Typically more than in office procedures

Turbinate reduction
Best for: Enlarged turbinates from allergies, irritation, or chronic swelling
What it does: Reduces turbinate size to open breathing space
Setting: In office or surgery center depending on technique
Downtime: Varies


VivAer Recovery Timeline


Most patients handle Vivaer recovery well because it is typically done in office and does not involve incisions.

Day 1
You may feel mild congestion, tenderness, or pressure in the nose
Some swelling is normal
Breathing may not feel better immediately because swelling can temporarily narrow the airway

Days 2 to 7
Congestion often continues but gradually improves
Many people return to normal daily activities quickly
You might notice dryness, mild crusting, or sensitivity inside the nose

Weeks 2 to 4
Swelling keeps going down
Breathing often starts to feel noticeably more open
Any internal tenderness typically fades

Weeks 4 to 8
Breathing improvement becomes more consistent
Most healing is well underway

Up to 3 months
Final results continue to settle as the tissue remodels
This is when many patients feel their best long term change

Tip: Recovery experience can vary depending on your anatomy and whether you have other nasal conditions like turbinate hypertrophy or chronic inflammation.

Long Term Results and What to Expect

Vivaer is meant to deliver lasting improvement for nasal valve related obstruction, not just temporary relief. The goal is to improve airflow by remodeling tissue and helping the nasal sidewall stay more stable when you breathe in.


What patients commonly report long term


Easier breathing through the nose, especially during exercise or sleep
Less reliance on nasal strips or breathing devices
Better comfort in daily life


How long do results last


Many patients experience durable benefits, but long term outcome depends on factors like:
Severity of nasal valve collapse
Allergies or chronic inflammation
Prior nasal trauma or past nasal surgery
Ongoing irritants like smoke or uncontrolled nasal allergies


Will I still need other treatment


Sometimes yes. If you also have a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, Vivaer may be only one part of the plan. A proper exam helps identify whether Vivaer alone is enough or whether a combined approach is better.


Who performs VivAer® procedure in Louisville, KY?

VivAer® procedure in Louisville KY is performed by otolaryngologists like Dr. Thomas S. Higgins, MD, MSPH, who has locations in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN at Kentuckiana ENT, a Division of ENT Care Centers. If you want to see a rhinologist and specialized sinus surgeon, that provides the care you can trust, request an appointment with us.

  • What is the CPT code for VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling?

    For VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling, the appropriate CPT code to use as of January 1, 2023, is 30469 - this represents the repair of nasal valve collapse with low energy, temperature-controlled (i.e., radiofrequency) subcutaneous/submucosal remodeling.

  • Will my insurance cover VivAer?

    The insurance coverage of VivAer or any other medical procedures largely depends on your specific insurance plan. Insurance companies have different policies and it's important to check with your provider directly to understand what is covered under your plan. Here are some steps you can take:


    Contact your insurance company: The best way to know for sure is by contacting your insurance company directly. They will be able to provide the most accurate information based on the specifics of your plan.


    Ask your doctor: Your healthcare provider may also be able to provide information about insurance coverage for this procedure. They may have experience with other patients who have had the same procedure and their associated insurance claims.


    Read your policy: If you have a copy of your policy, it should outline what types of procedures are covered. If VivAer is not explicitly mentioned, it could still be covered under a more general category.


    Even if the procedure is covered, you may still be responsible for a portion of the cost, such as a deductible or co-pay. So, it's important to get as much information as possible from your insurance provider beforehand.

  • Does Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield cover VivAer?

    Coverage for the Vivaer procedure can vary depending on your specific insurance plan with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Some plans may cover the procedure, while others may not. It's important to contact Anthem directly, or check your policy details online, to confirm whether this procedure is covered. Our office may also be able to assist you in this process, as they often have experience working with various insurance providers. Remember, it's always best to get confirmation of coverage before scheduling any procedure to avoid unexpected costs.

  • How much does a VivAer procedure cost?

    The cost of a VivAer procedure can vary widely based on several factors including your geographic location, the specific fees of your ENT specialist, and whether or not it's covered by your insurance. On average, you might expect the costs to be in the range of $2,500 to $3,500. It's important to note that this is a general estimate and actual costs may be higher or lower. Our office can provide a more accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances. Always ask your insurance provider as well to understand what portion of the costs will be covered by your plan.

  • Is VivAer a nose resection?

    No, VivAer is not a nose resection. VivAer is a non-invasive procedure used to treat nasal airway obstruction. It uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the internal nasal valve area, which can improve airflow. Unlike a nose resection, it does not involve removing any part of the nose. It is performed in-office and doesn't require any incisions or removal of tissue, making recovery time typically faster and less discomforting compared to traditional surgery. Always discuss with your ENT specialist to understand the best treatment option for your specific condition.

  • How long does VivAer last?

    VivAer is a long-lasting procedure designed to improve airflow in your nasal passages. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the internal nasal valve for better airflow. However, as with any medical procedure, individual results can vary and depend on various factors. It's always best to have a detailed conversation with your ENT specialist about what you can expect from the VivAer procedure.

  • What does VivAer mean?

    The term "VivAer" doesn't have a specific meaning in a dictionary sense. It is actually a brand name for a specific medical procedure used to treat nasal airway obstruction. The Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling device uses controlled, low-temperature radiofrequency energy to reshape the nasal valve area and improve airflow. The name "VivAer" is likely derived from a combination of the Latin words "vivere" which means "to live" and "aer" meaning "air," symbolizing the improved quality of life the procedure aims to provide for those suffering from nasal obstructions.

  • Who performs VivAer nasal airway remodeling near me in Kentucky or Indiana?

    To find a doctor who performs VivAer nasal airway remodeling in Kentucky or Indiana, you can:


    • Use online healthcare provider directories, which often allow you to filter by specialty and location.
    • Contact local ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinics to inquire if they offer this procedure.
    • Reach out to your primary care physician or insurance provider for recommendations.

    One provider in the area who performs these procedures is Dr. Thomas Higgins, MD, MSPH, MBA. He practices in both Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. Reach out to us and make an appointment for an evaluation of your nasal congestion. We are happy to explain the procedure and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

  • Is VivAer permanent?

    The effects of VivAer are designed to be long-lasting. However, the permanency can vary from patient to patient based on individual healing processes and the presence of any underlying conditions that may affect the nasal structures over time. You should discuss expectations and potential outcomes with your ENT specialist.