What is a Turbinate Reduction?

asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Chad K. Wheeler, MD
Question viewed 2,837 times
Tags: breathing problems, definition, turbinate reduction

What is a turbinate reduction? I see that it's often done with the septoplasty - are they always done together? Would I need both to help my breathing?

6 answers to What is a Turbinate Reduction?

Turbinate procedures can be useful

The turbinates are bones located on the side walls of your nose. They can swell in size and block the breathing passage. There are many techniques to reduce the size of the turbinates. Surgery on the turbinates can be done alone or in combination with another nasal procedure.

Robert Mounsey, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

revesse.ca

Turbinate Reduction

The turbinates are three sea shell like erectile structures which project from the side walls of the nose which warm the air, convert the incoming air into laminar flow and trap dust and particulate matter. The lower or inferior turbinates are the largest and are frequently enlarged in cases of septal deviation and allergies. When increasing the entry space available for air to flow through the nose not only is it necessary to swing a rotated/deviated septum back to the midline, but often... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Turbinate reduction

A turbinate reduction is a general term used to describe a surgical procedure where the turbinate (usually lower turbinate) is made smaller. The turbinate is a an anatomic structure made of bone and mucosa that sits inside the nose. It helps to cause turbulence to the airflow entering the nose. This moistens the air as you breathe it in and forces some of the air up into the top part of the nose where the sense of smell has most of it's fibers. Some patients have... more

Chad K. Wheeler, MD
Spokane Plastic Surgeon

Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Are Separate Procedures

The turbinates are small bones with overlying mucosa which line the outside wall on both sides of your nose. They provide some turbulance to the air in your nose and help to warm and moisturize the air coming in. Turbinate reductions are different from septoplasty surgery and not always performed at the same time, but can be performed at the same time. There are many ways to reduce the size of the turbinates and non are clearly superior to any other although usually the inferior, or... more

D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Turbinate Reduction Often Very Helpful

Have you ever tried Afrin? Afrin is a drug whose most notable affect is to shrink the soft tissue part of your turbinates. As mentioned, the turbinates are outcroppings from the sidewall of your nose on the inside. The largest is the lower (inferior) one and it is usually about as big around as a pencil and about 2 inches long running parallel to the ground (when you are standing). For the most part, the differences you have in breathing through your nose from day... more

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

Turbinate Reduction with Septoplasty for Deviated Septum

The turbinates are normal tissue inside the nose, which are made of bone and mucous membranes. The turbinates swell and contribute to nasal congestion due to many reasons, such as allergy, dust, smoke, pregnancy, gravity, etc. Treatment starts with allergy medication and therapy. Nasal surgery is an option for persistent symptoms despite medical therapy. Turbinate reduction shrinks the turbinate, typically the inferior turbinate, to improve nasal breathing. Turbinate surgery is commonly... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

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