Is it possible to make the nose smaller without touching turbinates?

Question

I am interested in getting a rhinoplasty to shave down my bump and de-project my nose a bit and raise the tip. However, I currently do not have any breathing issues. I am wondering if this is possible to do without having to have my turbinates touched/reduced in size. I am really concerned about ENS.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Providing that you do not have any signs of nasal airway obstruction, a rhinoplasty without septum or turbinates reduction is appropriate procedure. This should be discussed with your surgeon during in person evaluation. Good luck.

Erin Smith, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for question. Many patients undergo rhinoplasty to accomplish your goals without having surgery on their turbinates. The turbinates warm and humidify air and I would not recommend a turbinate reduction if you do not have trouble breathing through your nose. Hope this helps!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most surgeons do not reduce the turbinates routinely if there are no breathing problems.  However I often reduce them to prevent later breathing problems from occurring.  There’s no right or wrong answer but I have found reducing turbinates to be very helpful

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is definitely possible to perform rhinoplasty without altering the turbinates.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

Yes, there is requirement that any form of turbinate surgery accompanies cosmetic change to the nose. Turbinates do not contribute to the external appearance of the nose whatsoever, so they can absolutely be left alone.

Empty nose syndrome is not a common scenario with conservative turbinate reduction. Having done well over a thousand turbinate reductions, I can confidently say I have not encountered it in one of my patients, but I have been called upon to help treat patients suffering from this. ENS can be a devastating complication which, from what I've seen, only occurs with egregious and unnecessary over-resection of turbinate tissues.

Is it possible to make the nose smaller without touching turbinates?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Turbinate Surgery

Answer: Turbinate Surgery

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Is it possible to make the nose smaller without touching turbinates?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Turbinate Surgery

Answer: Turbinate Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.