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Nasal Turbinate Reduction

Nasal turbinate reduction is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of the turbinates. This helps open up the nasal passages, improving airflow and relieving symptoms like nasal congestion, snoring and breathing difficulty. It’s a safe, effective treatment that helps restore easier breathing and better overall nasal health.

What are turbinates? Nasal turbinates are structures inside your nose that help filter and humidify the air you breathe. For people who suffer from chronic sinusitis or allergies, these can become enlarged and inflamed which obstructs airflow, making it difficult to breathe.

How the Procedure Works
Benefits and Results

Is Nasal Turbinate Reduction Right For You?

What to Expect on Your Testing Day

  • Nasal turbinate reduction is a minimally invasive procedure used to shrink swollen turbinates. Techniques like radiofrequency are commonly used. This procedure is typically done in-office or at a surgical center under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
  • This procedure can significantly improve airflow and reduce nasal congestion caused by swollen turbinates. This helps patients breathe more freely.
  • Turbinate reduction recovery time is usually quick. Most patients experience mild discomfort and nasal congestion for a few days, which should improve within a week. Depending on the technique used, there may be bleeding after the surgery. Some swelling may last for a few weeks, but most people can return to normal activities within 7–10 days.

By reducing the size of the turbinates, nasal turbinate reduction addresses the root cause of sinus congestion. Lasting relief is possible with Allergy & ENT Associates.

Nasal Turbinate Reduction Vs. Septoplasty

In some cases, shrinking the size of a nasal turbinate results in comfortable and efficient breathing. Other times, the best path toward healing is correcting a deviated septum. It’s important to understand each procedure and determine the best solution based on your symptoms. Our board-certified ENT surgeons can help guide you to choose the best option for you.

Turbinate Reduction

Nasal turbinate reduction reduces the size of these structures to improve airflow. Turbinates can become enlarged due to allergies, infections or chronic conditions like sinusitis. This may block airflow and cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, snoring or difficulty breathing through the nose.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum. This condition causes breathing difficulties and chronic congestion. The procedure involves repositioning or removing parts of the septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages.

Your Health at Your Convenience.

Nearly 90% of patients report sustained relief after the nasal turbinate reduction procedure. At Allergy & ENT Associates, we know how poor sinus health affects your daily life. We’re here to help make you feel your best.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Ahead of your procedure, your surgeon will give you a list of guidelines to follow. Depending on your case, this may include pausing certain medications or resting for a few days before surgery. Expect temporary congestion and mild discomfort as the swelling subsides. Saline rinses and avoiding strenuous activity will help support healing and improve breathing.

With 18 locations across the Greater Houston area, it’s easy to find a clinic near you.

FAQs

Nasal turbinates are structures inside your nose that help filter, humidify and warm the air you breathe. Turbinates can become enlarged due to allergies, infections or chronic conditions like sinusitis. This blocks airflow and causes symptoms like nasal congestion, snoring or difficulty breathing through the nose. Nasal turbinate reduction helps reduce the size of these structures to improve airflow. Schedule your consultation today.

Yes. Nasal turbinate reduction is considered safe and effective when performed by a qualified ENT specialist. Our board-certified ENT surgeons are experts in this treatment and are trained to minimize risks and ensure the best possible results.

In most cases, nasal turbinate reduction is an outpatient procedure, and you will go home the same day. You’ll be monitored for a short time after the procedure to ensure your comfort before being discharged.

Nasal turbinate reduction can significantly improve airflow and reduce nasal congestion caused by swollen turbinates. However, results depend on the underlying cause. Additional treatments for other conditions (like allergies or chronic sinusitis) may be necessary to achieve complete relief. Your ENT specialist will tailor a treatment plan to address all factors contributing to your symptoms.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, such as infection, bleeding or changes in nasal sensation. However, complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced ENT surgeon. Our team will provide clear instructions to help minimize these risks and ensure optimal recovery.

After the procedure, many patients notice immediate improvement in breathing through their nose. Depending on the technique used, some patients experience worsening congestion for a few days before feeling better. Complete recovery may take several weeks as swelling subsides

Colleen
Google
“In just a month, I’ve gone from being unable to breathe through my nose, having severe sinus pressure and facial pain to breathing freely through my nose, no pain or pressure. I’m so thankful I found Dr. Mai and his staff.”