• Turbinates are tiny structures inside of your nose.
• They cleanse, heat, humidify and filter air passes through nasal cavity to your lungs.
• Turbinates can become inflamed and swollen due to irritation, allergies, or infection.
• If medications fail, turbinate reduction surgery may be needed to improve airflow.
• Physical exam and nasal endoscopy help confirm the need.
• First-line treatment: steroid sprays or antihistamines.
• Surgery may be required for chronic swelling, post-nasal drip, sleep apnea, or breathing issues.
• Turbinate reduction is common and may be combined with other surgeries (e.g., septoplasty, rhinoplasty, FESS).
• Overall success rate is about 82%.
• Results are generally long-lasting but tissue may regrow over time.
• Performed in hospital or outpatient setting, often under general anesthesia.
• Several techniques used:
- Cauterization – Heat probe shrinks tissue via reduced blood flow.
- Radiofrequency – Delivers heat to cause tissue shrinkage and scarring.
- Coblation – Uses lower temp for less damage to surrounding tissues.
- Microdebrider – Removes internal tissue through a small opening.
- Partial resection – Removes both soft and hard turbinate tissue.
• Discomfort is usually mild and lasts a few days.
• May be more if combined with other surgeries.
• Follow prescribed medications to manage pain.
• Crusting from nasal discharge is common and may last up to 3 weeks.
• Use saline spray, cool mist humidifier, or petroleum jelly to relieve symptoms.
Pros:
- Outpatient procedure
- Improves breathing and nasal airflow
- Reduces snoring
- Treats nasal allergies
Cons:
- Empty nose syndrome (very rare)
- Chronic dryness
- Nosebleeds
• Office procedure: resume activities in 1 day.
• General anesthesia: resume normal routines in 1 week.
• Full recovery may take up to 6 weeks with follow-up monitoring.