What it does
- Reduces the volume of the turbinates when their enlargement obstructs airflow.
- It may address soft tissue, bone or both, depending on the technique and examination findings.
Dr. Gustavo Suárez · Nose surgery
Turbinate surgeryin Barcelona.
The turbinates filter, warm and humidify the air you breathe, and when they become enlarged, they obstruct its passage. Turbinate surgery reduces their volume when medical treatment does not resolve the obstruction.
Request a consultation What turbinates areThe problem it addresses
Turbinates and
airflow.
The turbinates are structures inside the nose. The inferior turbinates perform important functions, such as filtering, warming and humidifying the air we breathe. In some cases, they can become enlarged and make breathing difficult.
Surgery reduces the volume of the turbinates when they contribute to an obstruction that does not improve with medical treatment. The technique depends on the extent to which the mucosa and bone are involved; the aim is to preserve functional tissue.
The scope of surgery
The scope
of surgery.
Surgery treats enlargement of the turbinates. The examination distinguishes their mucosal and bony components from other causes of obstruction.
What it does not do
- It does not treat rhinitis or allergies. It addresses obstruction, although it is widely used in patients with rhinitis.
- It does not resolve every obstruction. If the septum or other structures are involved, another treatment or combined surgery may be needed.
- It is not always definitive. Some patients may need a repeat procedure, especially those with associated chronic allergy problems.
What is assessed
What is assessed
before surgery.
Before considering surgery, it is checked whether the obstruction responds to medical treatment. Topical treatments and antihistamines are among the non-surgical options.
Dr. Suárez examines the septum and the structures involved in airflow, including the nasal valves and turbinates. Physical examination and, where appropriate, nasal endoscopy help identify the source of the obstruction and whether the turbinates, septum or both should be treated.
Meet Dr. SuárezHow it is performed
How the volume
is reduced.
Radiofrequency is an option for reducing tissue using controlled thermal energy. There are also techniques for reducing tissue beneath the mucosa and the bony component. The choice depends on the anatomy and nasal function.
Access
The procedure is performed through the nostrils, without external scars, and generally does not require nasal packing.
A widely used technique
The Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology describes radiofrequency turbinoplasty as the most commonly used surgery to reduce turbinates that cause obstruction, particularly in patients with rhinitis.
Alongside other procedures
When airflow is also affected by a deviated septum, the assessment takes this into account and it may be appropriate to perform septoplasty.
Under local anaesthetic
In selected patients, the procedure can be performed in the clinic under local anaesthetic, in a similar way to a visit to the dentist.
After surgery
Care and
follow-up.
Recovery
You may experience mild nasal congestion, similar to that of a common cold, in the days following the procedure.
Crust formation inside the nose is part of recovery and improves with saline rinses or a humidifier. Returning to usual activities depends on each patient's progress.
Risks and limitations
Crusting and dryness inside the nose are common during recovery. Complications include bleeding and excessive tissue reduction, which can affect nasal function and be associated with empty nose syndrome; the risk depends on the technique and extent of reduction.
Turbinate surgery alone does not resolve every nasal obstruction, and some patients may need a repeat procedure.
These complications are very rare. During the consultation, following medical assessment, they are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Before deciding
Frequently asked
questions.
Questions that come up in consultations when the nose has been blocked for some time.
What are the turbinates?
They are structures inside the nose. The inferior turbinates filter, warm and humidify the air we breathe. When they become excessively enlarged or inflamed, they obstruct airflow.
Do turbinates grow back after surgery?
Some patients may need a repeat procedure, especially those with associated allergy problems. It is helpful to take this possibility into account from the outset.
Is turbinate surgery worthwhile?
It depends on the cause of the obstruction and the response to medical treatment. Surgery can reduce the mucosal component, the bony component or both. The examination determines the technique and whether the septum or other structures also need treatment.
How long does recovery from turbinate surgery take?
There is no single figure that applies to everyone. You may notice mild nasal congestion, similar to a common cold, in the following days, and crust formation is part of the process. Returning to activity depends on each patient's progress.
What happens after turbinate surgery?
The procedure reduces the volume of the obstructing tissue through the nostrils, without external scars. Congestion and crusting occur afterwards and improve with saline rinses or a humidifier.
Related procedures
Other procedures
in the same area.
Septoplasty
It corrects a deviated septum that obstructs airflow, through the natural openings of the nose and without external scars.
Septorhinoplasty
Corrects the septum and the external shape of the nose in the same procedure, when the deviation affects breathing and appearance.