Turbinate reduction, also known as nasal or inferior turbinate reduction, is a surgical procedure performed by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists to improve airflow in individuals with persistent nasal congestion. When the procedure is done on both sides of the nose, it is called bilateral turbinate reduction.
Turbinate reduction surgery involves removing excess tissue from around the turbinate bones to enhance breathing. Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that filter, warm, and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal passages to the lungs. These structures can become swollen and inflamed due to irritation, allergies, or infections. Although this swelling is typically temporary, some individuals may suffer from chronic enlargement of the turbinates, a condition known as hypertrophy.
Following turbinate reduction surgery, one may:
Discuss the dangers and difficulties associated with turbinate reduction with your doctor. They can assist in deciding if the surgery is appropriate for you.
To decide if turbinate reduction is needed, your doctor will start with a physical examination and may perform a nasal endoscopy to examine the inside of your nose more closely. Typically, they will first suggest treatment with steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines. If these treatments do not alleviate the symptoms, turbinate reduction surgery may be considered. This procedure is usually recommended if nasal obstruction leads to problems like congestion, post-nasal drip, sleep apnea, or other breathing difficulties.
Turbinate reduction surgery can be done at an outpatient clinic, hospital, or ambulatory surgical center on the same day. While some patients may just require local anesthetic, the treatment is often carried out under general anesthesia.
Your surgeon will gently shrink your turbinate tissue during turbinate reduction surgery. There are a few methods that can be used to do this, including:
After your turbinate reduction surgery, your doctor will provide detailed postoperative instructions. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these tips. You may experience some crusting in your nose, which is normal as your turbinates heal and can last up to three weeks. To ease this, use a cold mist humidifier or saline nasal spray. Alternatively, you can apply petroleum jelly around your nose to help with discomfort.
If the procedure is performed in the office, you can typically return to work, school, and other normal activities the next day. However, if it’s done under general anesthesia, you’ll need about a week to recover. Complete recovery from turbinate reduction may take as little as six weeks, during which your doctor will monitor your progress to ensure you’re healing properly.
Overall, turbinate reduction has a success rate of about 82%. While the tissue around your turbinates may regenerate over time, many people find that the benefits of the procedure are highly satisfying.