About Turbinate Reduction Surgery

Turbinate reduction surgery is a common procedure designed to improve nasal airflow by reducing the size of the turbinates—small structures inside the nose that cleanse, warm, and humidify the air you breathe. This surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures like septoplasty (correcting a deviated septum) or rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). Patients typically experience mild discomfort for a few days post-surgery, though there is usually minimal pain, no changes to the external appearance of the nose, and no long-term side effects, such as loss of the sense of smell.

Procedure of Turbinate Reduction Surgery

Turbinate reduction surgery is often performed as a same-day procedure in a hospital, surgical centre, or outpatient clinic. The steps involved in the procedure include:

1. Cauterisation: A heated probe is inserted into the nose to close off some blood vessels in the turbinates. This reduces blood flow and causes the turbinate tissues to shrink.

2. Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction: A thin probe delivers radiofrequency energy to the turbinates, creating scar tissue and reducing the size of the tissues over time.

3. Coblation: Similar to radiofrequency reduction, ablation uses heat energy to shrink turbinate tissues. However, this method uses a lower temperature to help preserve surrounding tissues.

4. Microdebrider Submucosal Resection: A small incision is made in the turbinate, allowing the surgeon to remove tissue while keeping the outer lining intact. The turbinates shrink as the patient heals.

5. Partial Resection: This method removes a small portion of both the soft and hard turbinate tissue, unlike the other methods, which primarily shrink soft tissue.

Recovery is usually swift, with minimal discomfort, and the surgery effectively relieves symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion.