Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBefore SurgeryHow It’s DoneAfter ReductionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Before Surgery
How It’s Done
After Reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
Turbinate reduction surgery decreases the size ofturbinates, or tiny bony structures within the nose, in order to improve breathing. This same-day procedure is typically performed through the nostrils underlocal anesthesia.
Turbinate reduction is recommended if turbinates are chronically enlarged and block other portions of the nasal airway (hypertrophy). This can cause disorders likesleep apnea, congestion, postnasal drip, and difficulty breathing.
This article discusses what to expect before, during, and after turbinate reduction. It also explains risks and side effects associated with turbinate reduction.
Before Turbinate Reduction
Prior to your turbinate reduction, you will receive instructions from your healthcare provider. These instructions may include:
You will also be asked specific questions regarding your health history. This helps determine if you need blood work or other tests before your procedure.
Turbinate Reduction Surgery CostTurbinate reduction surgery costs can vary. In general, it can cost between $850 to over $10,000.
Turbinate Reduction Surgery Cost
Turbinate reduction surgery costs can vary. In general, it can cost between $850 to over $10,000.
Risks of the Procedure
Turbinate reduction risks may include:
Anesthesia Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and Reducing Your Risk
How Turbinate Reduction Is Done
Turbinate reduction is performed in either a hospital or surgical center and is usually a same-day procedure. Generally, you will have to remove jewelry, contact lenses, glasses, dentures, or hearing aids prior to going into the operating room.
Turbinate reduction is sometimes done with anendoscope, or a small tube with a light at the end which allows the surgeon to visualize the structures inside the nose.
The procedure is done through the nostrils and you won’t be able to see the incision. After local anesthesia is administered:
After Turbinate Reduction
After your turbinate reduction, you will need to remain in the surgical center to be monitored. When you are ready to go home, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself.
You will most likely be prescribed medication to control pain and discomfort.
Drugs Given Before, During, and After Surgery
Post-Surgery Side Effects
After surgery, you may experience side effects, like:
Many people may also have a nasal discharge that may result in crusting around the nostrils as the turbinates heal.Your healthcare provider may recommend using a cool misthumidifier,saline nasal spray, or Vaseline around your nostrils to help with this. You may also need to go back to your healthcare provider to have your nostrils cleaned.
When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderYou should call your healthcare provider or seek other medical care if you:Have difficulty breathingHave pain that is not tolerableHave a feverHave excessive bleedingAre unable to eat or drink without vomitingAre unable to urinate after surgery
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
You should call your healthcare provider or seek other medical care if you:Have difficulty breathingHave pain that is not tolerableHave a feverHave excessive bleedingAre unable to eat or drink without vomitingAre unable to urinate after surgery
You should call your healthcare provider or seek other medical care if you:
When Is Fever After Surgery a Concern?
Summary
Turbinate reduction surgery reduces the size of turbinates to help improve breathing. It is typically performed through the nostrils and is a same-day procedure.
During the procedure, your healthcare provider will use various surgical techniques to open your nasal airways. After surgery, you will be monitored and sent home when appropriate.
Turbinate reduction comes with various risks and side effects. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerning symptoms.
Frequently Asked QuestionsTurbinates are the portion of your nose that work to warm and moisten the air you breathe.Turbinate reduction surgery is considered generally safe with associated risks being relatively rare.Turbinate reduction has about an 80% success rate.While rare, turbinates can grow back after turbinate reduction surgery.
Turbinates are the portion of your nose that work to warm and moisten the air you breathe.
Turbinate reduction surgery is considered generally safe with associated risks being relatively rare.
Turbinate reduction has about an 80% success rate.
While rare, turbinates can grow back after turbinate reduction surgery.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stanford Medicine.Nasal surgery - sinus surgery.Thomas A, Alt J, Gale C, et al.Surgeon and hospital cost variability for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2016;6(10):1069-1074. doi:10.1002/alr.21775Johns Hopkins Medicine.Turbinate reduction.Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, head and neck, nose interior nasal concha. In: StatPearls.Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067UT Health Houston.Turbinate hypertrophy.Additional ReadingVCU Health Systems.Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stanford Medicine.Nasal surgery - sinus surgery.Thomas A, Alt J, Gale C, et al.Surgeon and hospital cost variability for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2016;6(10):1069-1074. doi:10.1002/alr.21775Johns Hopkins Medicine.Turbinate reduction.Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, head and neck, nose interior nasal concha. In: StatPearls.Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067UT Health Houston.Turbinate hypertrophy.Additional ReadingVCU Health Systems.Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Stanford Medicine.Nasal surgery - sinus surgery.Thomas A, Alt J, Gale C, et al.Surgeon and hospital cost variability for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2016;6(10):1069-1074. doi:10.1002/alr.21775Johns Hopkins Medicine.Turbinate reduction.Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, head and neck, nose interior nasal concha. In: StatPearls.Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067UT Health Houston.Turbinate hypertrophy.
Stanford Medicine.Nasal surgery - sinus surgery.
Thomas A, Alt J, Gale C, et al.Surgeon and hospital cost variability for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2016;6(10):1069-1074. doi:10.1002/alr.21775
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Turbinate reduction.
Georgakopoulos B, Le PH.Anatomy, head and neck, nose interior nasal concha. In: StatPearls.
Scheithauer MO.Surgery of the turbinates and “empty nose” syndrome.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010;9:Doc03. doi:10.3205/cto000067
UT Health Houston.Turbinate hypertrophy.
VCU Health Systems.Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
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