Nasal Turbinate Reduction

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Nasal turbinate reduction is a procedure done to reduce the size of turbinates through cauterization, coblation, radiofrequency reduction or surgical removal.

What are Turbinates?

Turbinates are fleshy structures in the nose that help filter, warm and add moisture to the air that is inhaled. Properly functioning turbinates effectively regulate the temperature and moisture levels inside the nose. However, if they become swollen, enlarged or displaced, they can cause a nasal blockage, restricting airflow and making it difficult to breathe.

Causes of Abnormal Turbinates

The turbinates may become enlarged as a result of:

- - Allergies
  - Infections
  - Stress
  - Weather changes
  - Medications
  - Hormone changes
  - Chronic infections
  - Severe allergies
  - Anatomical issues affecting the nose

Who is a Candidate?

Turbinate reduction may be necessary for individuals who have undergone septoplasty, a procedure done to correct a deviated septum. A turbinate reduction may also be recommended for individuals with enlarged turbinates, or turbinate hypertrophy.

What to Expect During the Procedure

For less severe cases, turbinate reduction is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 10 minutes. The doctor will begin the procedure by using a needle to inject anesthesia into the nasal tissue. Next, the doctor will use a needle-like device to heat the turbinates using a heat source or energy waves. The heat will cause scar tissue to form and reduce the size of the turbinates.

Individuals with significantly enlarged turbinates may require surgical removal. The patient will be under general anesthesia and the surgery will be performed in an operating room. Once the patient has been sedated, the surgeon will use an endoscope to improve visualization during surgery. They will then make an incision in the lining mucosa of the turbinate and remove the underlying bone of the turbinate. Or, the surgeon may use a microdebrider to thin the tissue around the turbinate. Another option would be to use radio frequency waves or an electrical current.

The Recovery Process

Recovery times will vary, depending on which type of turbinate reduction procedure was performed. Minimally-invasive turbinate reduction procedures have a relatively quick and near-painless recovery that may last about three weeks. The recovery process for patients who have undergone surgical turbinate reduction is about three to six months. For up to one week after surgery, patients will need to pack their nostrils with gauze to keep nasal tissues in place. To help prevent swelling and bleeding, patients should avoid blowing their nose and engaging in strenuous activities for several weeks after surgery. Patients may also need to sleep with their head elevated and wear clothing that fastens in the front to avoid irritating the nose.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

The procedure is relatively safe with few complications that may include bleeding, dryness, crusting, and scarring. Patients may use a saline spray solution to improve dryness and speed up the recovery process.

Side effects for more invasive turbinate reduction procedures include:

- - Irritation
  - Swelling
  - Pain
  - Bleeding
  - Infection
  - Dryness of the nasal activities

Some patients may have turbinates regrow after surgery and require further turbinate reduction treatment.

Nasal Turbinate Reduction

What are Turbinates?

Causes of Abnormal Turbinates

Who is a Candidate?

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