Nasal turbinate surgery is done through your nostrils
There are two main ways of relieving nasal obstruction caused by an enlarged nasal turbinate: reducing its size (turbinoplasty) or removing the turbinate. Your surgeon will work out which is the best method for you, depending on how enlarged your turbinate is.
Turbinate reduction (turbinoplasty)
Your surgeon inserts a keyhole camera (nasal endoscope) to see the inside of your nose. After assessing your turbinates, they lift off the mucous membrane, which is the tissue covering the turbinate, then use an instrument called a microdebrider to remove the underlying turbinate soft tissue.
They’ll also resect the bone of the turbinate to further increase the space inside your nose. Finally, your surgeon replaces the mucous membrane. Your nose may be packed with dissolvable dressing or cotton gauze.
More conservative turbinate reduction can be performed in a number of other ways, including using electrocautery, coblation or radiofrequency ablation. These techniques can be effective in reducing the size of your turbinate by shrinking the underlying tissue without actually removing the bone. Talk to your surgeon about the best choice for you and the likely outcome.
Turbinate removal (resection)
This procedure is no longer recommended as it may aggravate symptoms.
Which surgery is best for me?
The type of surgery you have will depend on your problem, your surgeon’s assessment of your turbinates and their preferred surgical techniques.
Print this page and take it with you when you discuss your procedure with your surgeon.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.