Inferior Turbinate Reduction
What Are Inferior Turbinates?
Inside your nose, there are structures called turbinates. They help clean, warm, and moisten the air you breathe. Sometimes, the lowest ones—called the inferior turbinates—can become swollen or enlarged. This can make it hard to breathe through your nose and cause constant stuffiness.
What Is Inferior Turbinate Reduction?
Inferior turbinate reduction is surgery to shrink these swollen turbinates. The goal is to help you breathe better by opening up your nasal passages. This procedure is usually recommended if you have ongoing nasal blockage that doesn’t get better with medicines or other treatments.
Why Might I Need This Surgery?
You might be a good candidate for this procedure if you:
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Have constant nasal stuffiness that doesn’t go away
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Suffer from allergies that cause your nose to block up
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Have trouble sleeping, snore, or have sleep apnea because of nasal blockage
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Have tried nasal sprays, allergy medicines, or decongestants without or partial relief
How Is the Procedure Done?
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Before Surgery: Dr Fragkiadakis will check your nose and may order a scan or perform a nasal endoscopy to see what’s causing the blockage.
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Anaesthesia: The surgery is usually done while you are asleep (under general anaesthesia).
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The Surgery: The surgeon will carefully reduce the size of the turbinates, usually by removing a small part. This takes about 30 minutes.
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After Surgery: You’ll be watched for a short time as you wake up from anaesthesia. The surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your nose as it heals.
What Is Recovery Like?
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Pain: Most people have only mild discomfort, which can be managed with medicine.
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Nasal Congestion: Your nose may feel blocked or swollen for a few days. This is normal and will get better.
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Splints or Packing: In some occasions, soft dissolvable material or small splints are placed in your nose to help healing. These are usually removed after a couple of weeks, or they dissolve on their own.
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Rest: Take it easy for the first few days. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
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Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling or bruising inside your nose is normal and usually goes away in about a week.
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Back to Normal: Most people can return to their usual activities in 1–2 weeks, but avoid blowing your nose or heavy exercise for 2–3 weeks.
What Are the Benefits?
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Easier breathing through your nose
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Fewer sinus infections
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Better sleep, especially if you snore or have sleep apnea
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Long-lasting relief from nasal blockage
Are There Any Risks?
All surgeries have some risks, but this procedure is generally safe. Possible risks include:
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Some bleeding (usually mild). Rarely it might need further medical attention.
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Infection (rare)
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Too much tissue removed, which can cause a dry nose (rare)
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Nasal dryness, which can be managed with saline sprays
For further information, please click the link below
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