inferior turbinate reduction surgery

what is inferior turbinate reduction surgery?

The mucous membrane of the inferior turbinates
may become thickened in patients with rhinitis
and this swelling may cause nasal blockage
and increased mucus production.

Surgery can reduce the size of the turbinates by decreasing the thickness of the mucous membrane or in more severe cases by trimming away part of the turbinates. This helps to relieve nasal blockage by creating more space in the nasal passages.

beforeafter

you and your operation

Surgery is usually performed with you asleep and takes about 20 minutes. It is performed through the nostrils. This involves taking a small drinking straw sized core of tissue away from inside the turbinate. The outer layer of mucous membrane is then not affected and can continue its air-conditioning role.

Surgery is not painful and most patients go home the same day. At The Nose Clinic we make every effort to minimize bleeding during surgery and we use techniques that enable us to avoid routinely putting packing into the nose at the end of the operation. This makes your recovery more comfortable and means there is no painful traditional pack removal necessary.

You may need 2 or 3 days off work.

To download a patient information leaflet please
click on: a guide to deciding on inferior turbinate surgery pdf.