What Is Turbinate Reduction Surgery?

Inside the nasal walls are tissue formations that are called turbinates, ridges that warm and moisturize air as it passes through the nasal passage. When turbinates become enlarged, referred to as turbinate hypertrophy, they can cause nasal blockages that restrict air flow. When medication is not effective in reducing turbinate size, turbinate reduction surgery may be needed to improve breathing function.

What Causes Turbinate Hypertrophy?

There are several reasons turbinates become inflamed and grow in size. Chronic allergies, chemical irritants, a deviated septum and vasomotor rhinitis are all possible causes of turbinate hypertrophy. When medications are not successful in reducing size or inflammation, surgery may be required to help open the nasal passage for breathing ease and reduced nasal congestion.

Performing Inferior Turbinate Surgery

During an inferior turbinate surgery, the goal is to reduce, not remove, the inferior turbinate that is too large. It is important to retain turbinates to help continue to warm and moisturize the air passing through the nose. A variety of techniques can be used to remove tissue or bone from the turbinate to enlarge the nasal passage. Some turbinate surgeries can be performed in-office, while others may require more invasive procedures. It is not uncommon for septoplasty or rhinoplasty to be performed simultaneously with turbinate reduction surgery.

If you have been diagnosed with turbinate hypertrophy and medications have not been effective in improving breathing or congestion, reduction surgery may be an option. It is important to see a specialist for this type of surgery to ensure the best results. Schedule a consultation with a  board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon to determine whether inferior turbinate reduction surgery is the best option for treating your breathing or nasal congestion problem.

Posted on behalf of:
New York Sinusitis Treatment
Columbus Circle Office
200 W. 57th Street Suite 1410
New York, NY 10019
(212)784-6643

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