Should I get Coblation Turbinate Reduction only? (Photo)

Hello DeviatedSeptumTurbinateRed,Thanks for your question.I would wait until you find the right surgeon to perform coblation and septoplasty.With your severely deviated septum, airflow asymmetry creates asymmetric exposure issues for your turbinates making them react to the environment differently.  If you just perform coblation, you haven't addressed the cause, only the effect.  Your turbinate procedure probably won't be successful long term.Unless you don't have health insurance or you have a huge deductible, it would be pretty easy to get this covered as functional nasal surgery (septoplasty, inferior turbinate reduction.)  In reality, fixing the septal deviation will make turbinate reduction more successful in the long term.There are a bunch of great rhinoplasty surgeons in LA, so finding one who can take your insurance shouldn't be difficult.If you don't have insurance, then take your time to find the right surgeon and don't split up the procedure.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Hi Deviated,I have found radio frequency volumetric tissue reduction (Somnoplasty of the inferior nasal turbinates) very effective at improving nasal breathing in patients with nasal obstruction.  My rate of taking patients to the operating room for nasal obstruction caused by deviated septum has decreased by 50-70%.  If you are only concerned about breathing better and not about the cosmetic appearance, then by all means I would recommend Somnoplasty of your inferior turbinates.  Choose your treating physician most carefully.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

 There are many issues inside the nose that can cause nasal obstruction such as turbinate hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum, allergies, chronic sinusitis, valve collapse and vestibular stenosis. Each one of these issues are treated  With medications or surgery. A thorough examination of the internal and external portion of the nose is required to determine the extent of turbinate hypertrophy. When the turbinates are enlarged and blocking air flow, there are many different maneuvers to reduce  them which include Coblation. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.  Whatever technique is used to reduce the turbinates takes weeks  to take effect. Overdoing the turbinate reduction can cause empty nose syndrome, so proceed carefully and find the right  doctor.