My right Inferior turbinate is too small & left tube is large. Will both turbinates be symmetrical post operation?

Question

I will be having a Rhin/Septo/Endoscopic Inferior turbinoplasties. My Inferior turbinate on the right is too small because my septum is curved to the right, and my left tube is large. Does that mean I will need a left turbinate reduction? And a right tube enlargement? Will both turbinates be symmetrical post operation?

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Symmetry of the turbinates is not an important consideration as they are hidden within your nasal airway. Hypertrophic (large) turbinates are usually reduced. An important consideration is that turbinate congestion can be dynamic meaning they can change in size. It is important to evaluate the turbinates at your consult, pre-op visit and on the day of surgery. Occasionally, a small turbinate can be found to be large at another timepoint suggesting both might need to be reduced. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Typically, the inferior turbinate on the side that the septum is deviated towards is the smaller (nonenlarged) one while the turbinate on the side away from the deviated septum undergoes compensatory hypertrophy (enlargement). From what you describe, your septum curves to the right and the left turbinate is enlarged. Turbinate surgery can involve a variety of maneuvers from straightforward outfracture (pushed the turbinates outwards to increase the space between the septum and turbinate) to submucous resection (preservation of the overlying mucosa with removal of the underlying bone) to other techniques applying energy to remove the enlarged turbinate. Either way, the goal is to increase the crosssectional area of the right and left nasal passages by removing/shrinking the turbinate if it is obstructing the nasal passage. Turbinates do not have to be made larger. The turbinates are not visible from the outside of the nose so symmetry is not a consideration-creating a functional nasal airway is what is important.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Turbinates can't be too small, but they can be too large. Large ones are reduced as necessary to improve air flow. Small turbinates require no treatment.

My right Inferior turbinate is too small & left tube is large. Will both turbinates be symmetrical post operation?

Answers (3)

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.

My right Inferior turbinate is too small & left tube is large. Will both turbinates be symmetrical post operation?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.