How effective/reliable will nasal turbinate reduction by radio frequency be for me? (photos)

Question

Recommended by physician and deciding whether to have turbinate reduction by radiofrequency (treatment in the office, no general anesthesia). How exactly does the ENT physician determine how much to reduce? I’m assuming all patients are different. And, can it be done on one side only of the other side isn’t as swollen? Finally, how deep does the probe go?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Radio frequency turbinate reduction is a safe procedure that may be performed with local anesthetic as you described. We typically use electrocautery to reduce somebody's turbinates in the office with local anesthetic, and Electrocautery is more aggressive, in my opinion. Radio frequency tends to have less downtime. In general, we make three passes into each inferior turbinate and apply energy for about 10 to 15 seconds with each pass. The wand goes approximately 50 mm into each turbinate. If you don't get a desired benefit several months after your treatment, it can always be repeated safely. Wishing you well moving forward! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi P,Great sinus X-rays!!!  It appears that you should get great improvement of your nasal breathing and air flow  from RF Inferior Turbinate reduction.  I will treat the areas of the inferior turbinate that are swollen,  usually involves treating 3 spots on each inferior turb, anterior, mid, and posterior.  A preset amount of energy is given in each area to reduce the turb.  The insulated RF probe needle is inserted 2-3 centimeters into the turb tissue.  It can be done unilaterally, but most patients prefer having both sides done at the same time.  The nose feels congested for 2 to 5 days, like a cold but you are not sick.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Although I do not reduce turbinate by radio frequency and quite often reduce them surgically at the time of rhinoplasty.   it works extremely well for nasal obstruction.  As far as how much to reduce the turbinates, it can be done in increments and is difficult to reduce them too much.

How effective/reliable will nasal turbinate reduction by radio frequency be for me? (photos)

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How effective/reliable will nasal turbinate reduction by radio frequency be for me? (photos)

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