Vivaer & Rhinaer

What are Vivaer® and RhinAer®?

Vivaer® and RhinAer® are minimally invasive, in-office procedures designed to treat chronic nasal symptoms without surgery. These treatments use controlled radiofrequency energy to target the underlying causes of nasal obstruction and chronic nasal drainage, helping patients breathe easier and reduce ongoing symptoms.

What is the difference between Vivaer® and RhinAer®?

While both procedures use similar technology, they treat different problems.

• Vivaer® is used to improve nasal breathing by reshaping the nasal airway
• RhinAer® is used to reduce chronic runny nose and post-nasal drip

Your provider will determine which treatment—or combination—is best based on your symptoms.

What conditions does Vivaer® treat?

Vivaer® is designed to help patients with nasal obstruction, especially when caused by:

• Narrow nasal passages
• Nasal valve collapse
• Chronic congestion not responsive to medications

This treatment can improve airflow without traditional surgery.

What conditions does RhinAer® treat?

RhinAer® is used to treat chronic rhinitis, including symptoms such as:

• Persistent runny nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Chronic nasal drainage

It works by targeting the nerves that signal the nose to produce excess mucus.

How do these procedures work?

Both procedures use low-temperature radiofrequency energy to gently remodel tissue inside the nose. Vivaer® strengthens and reshapes the nasal valve area to improve airflow, while RhinAer® targets overactive nerves responsible for excess mucus production. The goal is to address the root cause of symptoms rather than just manage them with medication.

Are Vivaer® and RhinAer® surgical procedures?

No. These are non-surgical, in-office procedures performed under local anesthesia. There are no incisions, and most patients return to normal activities quickly.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery is typically minimal. Most patients experience:

• Mild congestion or swelling for a few days
• Gradual improvement in symptoms over several weeks

There is little to no downtime, making these procedures a convenient option for many patients.

How effective are Vivaer® and RhinAer®?

Many patients experience significant and lasting improvement in their symptoms.

Clinical studies have shown that these treatments can:

• Improve nasal breathing
• Reduce congestion
• Decrease chronic runny nose and post-nasal drip

Results continue to improve over time as the treated tissue heals.

Who is a good candidate for these procedures?

You may be a candidate if:

• You have chronic nasal congestion or obstruction
• You struggle with ongoing runny nose or post-nasal drip
• Medications have not provided enough relief
• You want a non-surgical solution

A full evaluation will help determine if these treatments are right for you.

Are these procedures common in Newport News and Hampton Roads?

Yes. Given the high prevalence of:

• Seasonal allergies
• Humidity-related nasal symptoms
• Chronic rhinitis

Many patients in the Hampton Roads area benefit from procedures like Vivaer® and RhinAer® when medications alone are not enough.

How do these procedures compare to traditional surgery?

Traditional nasal surgery (such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction) may still be necessary for some patients. However, Vivaer® and RhinAer® offer a less invasive alternative for patients who:

• Prefer to avoid surgery
• Have symptoms driven by nasal valve collapse or chronic rhinitis
• Want a quicker recovery

Your provider can help determine the best approach based on your condition.

When should I consider Vivaer® or RhinAer®?

You should consider these treatments if:

• You have ongoing symptoms despite medications
• You rely on nasal sprays or decongestants frequently
• Symptoms are affecting your sleep or daily life
• You are looking for a long-term solution

Can these procedures improve quality of life?

Yes. Patients often report:

• Better breathing
• Improved sleep
• Less reliance on medications
• Greater comfort in daily activities

These improvements can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being.

Ready to Breathe Easier?

If you’re dealing with chronic nasal congestion, runny nose, or post-nasal drip, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive solution. Schedule an evaluation today with Dr. Timothy Queen and his expert team to determine if Vivaer® or RhinAer® is right for you and create a personalized treatment plan.

References

• American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Nasal Obstruction & Rhinitis
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). Radiofrequency Treatment in ENT
• Clinical Studies on Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency for Nasal Airway and Rhinitis Treatment