Turbinate Reduction Surgery

When prolonged nasal congestion isn’t related to illness or allergies, enlarged turbinates could be the cause. Surgical Solutions Network offers turbinoplasty, often called turbinate reduction surgery. Patients rely on our fellowship-trained ENT surgeons for accurate diagnosis and treatment of their breathing problems. This safe, minimally invasive procedure is available—without a long wait—to Canadians and international patients.  

Why choose Surgical Solutions Network for turbinate reduction surgery? 

Breathing problems can impact all aspects of your life, including daily activities and sleeping. People across Canada and worldwide choose Surgical Solutions for ENT procedures, such as turbinate reduction surgery. Here, all patients can count on a compassionate, caring, and rewarding experience.

What are turbinates? 

Turbinates are delicate bony structures in the nasal airway that are covered in soft tissue. They run along each side of the septum, regulating airflow through the nose and keeping the air warm and moist by shrinking and swelling.

What is turbinoplasty? 

Turbinoplasty, or turbinate reduction surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces enlarged turbinates to allow free breathing. It is often combined with septoplasty to straighten a crooked or deviated septum that can also restrict airflow.

What are the benefits? 

Turbinate reduction surgery improves the patient’s quality of life in several ways, including: 

• Making breathing through the nose easier 
• Improving sense of taste and smell 
• Allowing deeper sleep 
• Reducing sleep apnea and snoring 
• Decreasing sinus headaches 
• Limiting the number of sinus infections and other sinus conditions 

What happens during surgery? 

Our surgeons perform turbinate reduction surgery as an outpatient procedure using either of the following techniques:

• Cauterization takes about 10 minutes to complete and is performed using local anesthetic. The surgeon inserts a device through the nose into the turbinate that shrinks the turbinate and creates scar tissue using heat.
• Surgical removal, used for severely enlarged turbinates, is performed in the operating room using general anesthetic. The surgeon enlarges the airway by surgically removing one of the following options:
  • Bone 
  • Soft tissue 
  • Both bone and soft tissue 
  • The entire turbinate 

It can be performed individually or with other nasal or sinus procedures. 

How long does it take to recover from turbinate reduction surgery? 

Recovery time varies with the specifics of the surgery and individual patient factors. Most patients are ready to return to normal daily activities within 2 to 7 days. Temporary side effects may include a stuffy nose, numbness of the tip of the nose and the upper lip, and decreased sense of smell. It typically takes about 1 to 2 months to feel completely recovered.

Does turbinate reduction change the shape of the nose? 

No, turbinate reduction does not change the shape of the nose, regardless of the technique.

Next steps: Book your turbinate reduction consultation 

If you are ready to discuss turbinate reduction surgery with one of our surgeons, contact us using our online form to learn more and request a consultation today. To discover your health options, your patient care coordinator will discuss:

• Your medical history 
• Potential risks and complications