The nose contains three pairs of turbinates (inferior, middle, and superior), elongated structures that are responsible for humidifying the air that moves through your nose while filtering dust and dirt. The lowest pair, the inferior turbinate, can cause obstruction of air when swollen, leading to breathing difficulties. Some patients benefit from a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate.
Turbinate Reduction Surgery
An inferior turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate, clearing up the airway to eliminate any associated breathing or sinus problems. There are several different procedures that can be performed. A submucous resection involves removing a thin section of bone, causing the lining of the turbinate to shrink and the nasal passage to grow larger. This can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction utilizes a probe that delivers radiofrequency energy to heat the tissues beneath the surface of the inferior turbinates, decreasing their size. This procedure is quick and painless and is typically performed on an outpatient basis without anesthesia or sedation. Your ENT specialist can determine which procedure will work best for you. Sometimes, a combination of techniques offers the best result.
