Nasal turbinate surgery is a commonly performed ear, nose and throat surgery.
Results
Although modern endoscopic techniques have made nasal surgery more efficient and reduced the risks of complications, there’s currently no consensus amongst doctors about the best way to solve the problems caused by enlarged turbinates.
In one study 82% of people were satisfied with the results of turbinate surgery one month after their procedure but this declined steadily with time to 60% at 3 months and 54% at 1 year. The surgical method used didn’t greatly affect the success rate.
Risks
As with any medical procedure there are some potential risks. The chance of complications depends on the type of procedure you’re having and factors like your general health.
Risks of nasal turbinate reduction include:
- bleeding
- infection requiring antibiotics
- adhesions (scar tissue)
- damage to the inside of your nose causing empty nose syndrome
Ask your surgeon about the results and risks associated with your procedure. Also ask about their own rates of patient satisfaction and the rate of complications following the procedures they’ve performed.