Concierge ENT · London
ClariFix cryotherapy for chronic rhinitis, delivered by a consultant ENT.
A minimally invasive in-clinic freeze of the posterior nasal nerve — a 10 to 15 minute treatment under local anaesthetic that reduces runny nose, congestion and post-nasal drip.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant ENT, in clinic
A named consultant rhinologist performs the freeze under endoscopic view — not a nurse-led list, not a delegated procedure.
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Medical alternatives on the table
Nasal steroid, ipratropium and allergy work-up are discussed before you commit to a procedure. If the drops still have room to run, we say so.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What ClariFix and its alternatives cost in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Both-sides ClariFix in our network: £1,800–£2,800, home the same hour.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClariFix cryotherapy (both sides) | £1,800–£2,800 | 10–15 min | Same visit |
| ClariFix — single side | £1,200–£1,800 | 10 min | Same visit |
| ENT consultation + nasoendoscopy | £300–£500 | 30 min | Same visit |
| Turbinate reduction (radiofrequency) | £1,500–£2,500 | 20 min LA | Same visit |
| Septoplasty (day-case, GA) | £3,500–£6,000 | Half-day | Same visit |
| Allergy work-up (skin prick / bloods) | £250–£450 | 30 min | 1–5 days |
Prices vary by clinic, by which ENT does the case, and by whether an in-office nasoendoscopy is included or billed separately. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right ENT, the right diagnosis, the right step.
Chronic rhinitis is usually treated with years of daily sprays that only half-work. ClariFix is a genuine in-clinic option — but only if the diagnosis is right and the medical steps have been given a fair run.
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Diagnosis first
Nasoendoscopy at the same visit — so a septum, polyp or bulky turbinate does not get freezed by mistake.
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Medications judged fairly
A six-to-eight-week trial of nasal steroid, and ipratropium where relevant, before we call medical therapy failed.
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Done by a rhinologist
A consultant ENT with a rhinology interest, using the device under direct endoscopic view — both sides where indicated.
The journey
From enquiry to symptom relief — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to review — including the weeks it takes for the freeze to take effect.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
Under an hour at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip — how long, and what has already been tried.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right ENT, whether ClariFix is the right step, and an indicative price. If a medication step is missing, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within one to two weeks. No fasting is needed and blood-thinners are only reviewed if you take them daily.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the clinic
Arrival, consent and a short chat with the ENT. Local anaesthetic nasal spray followed by a small injection to numb the back of the nose.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
10 to 15 minutes at a treatment chair. A slim endoscope guides the ClariFix probe to the posterior nasal nerve — one freeze application per side.
- 06
On the day
Home the same hour
A short observation, written aftercare, and home under your own steam. No sedation, so no chaperone is required.
- 07
After
Symptom relief and review
Runny nose and congestion begin to settle from two to six weeks. A telephone review at six weeks confirms the response and plans any next step.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to procedure. Full symptom effect: 6–12 weeks.
When it helps
When ClariFix is the right step.
The situations that fit ClariFix — and the one red flag that means an urgent ENT assessment, not a booking.
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Chronic non-allergic rhinitis
Persistent runny nose, congestion or post-nasal drip that is not explained by allergy and has not settled on medication.
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Mixed rhinitis
Both allergic and non-allergic triggers — cold air, strong smells, spicy food alongside a positive allergy history.
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Allergic rhinitis, not controlled
Ongoing symptoms despite nasal steroid, antihistamine and, where relevant, ipratropium — a candidate for cryotherapy in addition.
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Post-nasal drip
A constant trickle at the back of the throat, throat-clearing and cough — often the most disruptive symptom for patients.
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Medication-weary
Years of daily sprays and drops — a one-off procedure that reduces the nerve signal is an appealing alternative.
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Rhinitis medicamentosa risk
Rebound congestion from overused decongestant sprays — ClariFix can help break the cycle once the spray is stopped.
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Elderly / vasomotor rhinitis
Age-related watery rhinitis that runs at meals and in cold weather — a well-recognised indication for cryotherapy.
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Red flag: one-sided bleeding
Persistent one-sided blockage, one-sided bleeding or facial numbness is not simple rhinitis — needs urgent ENT assessment first.
Treatment options
ClariFix is one of several options.
What each option on the table actually involves — and which fits which pattern of rhinitis.
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ClariFix cryotherapy
A minimally invasive in-clinic freeze of the posterior nasal nerve — the procedure this page is about.
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Nasal steroid spray
First-line medical treatment. Daily use for at least six to eight weeks before judged as failed.
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Ipratropium nasal spray
Anticholinergic spray that specifically targets watery runny nose — often tried before a procedure is discussed.
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Antihistamine (oral or nasal)
Useful when allergy is a driver. Nasal antihistamines act faster than oral for local symptoms.
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Turbinate reduction
Radiofrequency or coblation shrinks bulky inferior turbinates — better for blockage than for runny nose.
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Septoplasty
Corrects a deviated septum. A structural fix, not a rhinitis fix — but sometimes done in combination.
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Allergy immunotherapy
Desensitisation for proven allergy. A months-to-years commitment, not an in-clinic procedure.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether a procedure is needed at all, and which fits — no obligation.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of ENT rhinologists, we picked them.
Consultant ENT surgeons with a declared rhinology interest across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every ENT in our network.
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Consultant ENT surgeons with a declared rhinology interest
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ClariFix delivered under direct endoscopic view, both sides where indicated
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Medical alternatives discussed and documented before a procedure is offered
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Nasoendoscopy available at the same visit, so structural causes are excluded first
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
ClariFix is a well-tolerated in-clinic procedure. The things worth planning are the local anaesthetic, the expected weeks-long onset of relief, and knowing which side effects are normal.
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Local anaesthetic only
A topical nasal spray followed by a small injection is enough for most patients. No sedation, no fasting, no chaperone required.
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Symptom relief takes weeks
Improvement typically begins between two and six weeks after the freeze — this is a nerve-modulation effect, not an instant one.
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Durable at twelve months
Published data from the manufacturer and independent series show sustained improvement at twelve months and beyond for most patients.
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Nasal congestion for a few days
Mild blockage and a feeling of fullness in the nose for two to five days is normal as tissues settle.
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Mild nosebleed and crusting
A little pink discharge or small crusts on blowing the nose in the first week — expected, not a complication.
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Headache or tooth / palate pain
A short-lived ache in the upper teeth, palate or forehead can occur for a few days. Simple painkillers are enough.
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Transient palate numbness
A small number of patients notice numbness of the roof of the mouth, usually settling within four weeks.
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When to hold blood-thinners
Aspirin, clopidogrel, apixaban and warfarin are only paused if the ENT specifically advises it — never stop on your own.
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Red flags
Heavy or recurrent nosebleed, worsening obstruction, spreading facial pain or a clear watery leak from the nose is not normal — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your procedure note
Your ClariFix note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever ENT does the procedure, the note you receive keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Rhinology language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and side treated
Why the freeze was done — non-allergic, mixed or refractory allergic rhinitis — and whether one or both sides were treated.
- 02 Technique
Anaesthetic and freeze cycles
The local anaesthetic used, how the ClariFix probe was positioned under endoscopic view, and the freeze cycle applied per side.
- 03 Findings
Turbinates, septum and mucosa
A short note on the state of the turbinates, septum and mucosa — and whether any structural issue was seen that might need separate treatment.
- 04 Impression
Expected onset and review timing
Read this first: when to expect symptom relief (two to six weeks), when to review, and what to do if symptoms have not improved by twelve weeks.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for ClariFix varies by insurer — some fund it as a treatment for chronic rhinitis where medical therapy has failed, others still consider it self-pay. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about ClariFix.
Quick answers on pain, cost, alternatives, how long it takes to work and what side effects to expect.
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What is ClariFix and how does it work?
ClariFix is a minimally invasive cryotherapy device that freezes the posterior nasal nerve — the Vidian branches that carry the signal to produce mucus and swell the lining. Reducing that signal reduces the runny nose, congestion and post-nasal drip that define chronic rhinitis. Nothing is cut or removed.
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Is ClariFix painful?
The nose is numbed with a spray and a small injection first, so the freeze itself is uncomfortable rather than painful. Many patients describe a cold, dull pressure for a few seconds per side. Some notice a short-lived ache in the upper teeth or forehead for a day or two afterwards.
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How long does it take to work?
This is a nerve-modulation treatment, not an on-off switch. Most patients notice improvement between two and six weeks after the freeze, with the full effect judged at twelve weeks.
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How long does the effect last?
Published series and manufacturer data show sustained symptom improvement at twelve months and beyond in the majority of treated patients. Where symptoms return, a repeat freeze is straightforward.
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Who is not a good candidate?
Patients whose main problem is a deviated septum, large turbinates or nasal polyps — these are structural and need different treatment. Anyone with a suspicious one-sided symptom needs full ENT assessment first.
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How much does ClariFix cost in London?
Roughly £1,800–£2,800 for both sides in one visit, including the consultation and endoscopy. Single-side treatment is £1,200–£1,800. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Is it covered by insurance?
Some insurers cover ClariFix for chronic rhinitis where medical treatment has failed; others still consider it self-pay. We check your policy and, where needed, get a pre-authorisation before booking.
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Do I need time off work?
Most patients go straight back to a desk job the same day. Heavy lifting, hot yoga and strenuous exercise are best avoided for 48 hours to reduce the small risk of a nosebleed.
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What are the side effects?
Mild nasal congestion, a small amount of pink discharge or crusting, a short-lived headache and occasional upper-tooth or palate pain for a few days. Transient palate numbness affects a small minority and usually settles within four weeks.
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When should I seek urgent help?
Heavy or recurrent nosebleed, palate numbness lasting more than four weeks, spreading facial pain or infection, a clear watery leak from the nose, worsening obstruction, or any allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic — all reasons to call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Related tests
Looking for something else?
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Nasoendoscopy
The in-clinic camera exam that comes before ClariFix.
Learn more -
Patch test for contact allergies
Rule allergy in or out when the pattern fits.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and treatment we arrange.
Learn more -
Send an enquiry
Tell us your symptoms — we come back within a working day.
Learn more -
Tinnitus
Related condition guide.
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Chronic Sinusitis
Related condition guide.
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Pure Tone Audiometry
Related diagnostic test.
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Private Audiology Assessment
Related diagnostic test.
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In practice, in London
Where clarifix sits in a private London pathway
For clarifix, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. The wait for clarifix on the NHS depends heavily on where you live and how urgently the referral is graded. Central and West London private clinics can normally book within a week, with imaging or a procedure slot to follow shortly after. It’s worth being honest about the reason for going private: usually it’s time, not a fundamentally different test.
In practice, a private clarifix appointment in London means a named consultant, a proper hour in the room (or the equivalent on a video call), and a report you can actually read. Most of the imaging suites and endoscopy units we use sit within a mile of Harley Street or in Chelsea and Fulham, and turnaround on findings is measured in days, not weeks. For clarifix in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
There are a lot of consultants in London who can technically handle clarifix. Fewer who do it week in, week out for the exact question you’re bringing. We spend most of our time working out which is which — and being straight when a different test or a different specialist would serve you better. Everything runs to CQC, GMC and Royal College standards; the choice is about fit, not floor.