I have been told my doctor will cut the lining of my nose because it is blocking my airway? What is the surgery?

It sounds like your doctor might be referring to a turbinoplasty or a partial turbinectomy, yes — but let’s break it down a bit so you can be sure.

The "lining of the nose" that your doctor mentioned is likely referring to the nasal turbinates, which are structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify the air you breathe. When they become enlarged or inflamed (turbinate hypertrophy) — which can happen due to allergies, previous surgery, or other causes — they can block airflow and make it feel like one side of your nose is constantly blocked.
1. Turbinoplasty
What it is: Surgical reduction of the size of the turbinates, often preserving the mucosa (lining).

Goal: Improve airflow by making more space without removing too much tissue.

Minimally invasive: Usually done with microdebriders, cautery, or radiofrequency.

2. Partial (or Submucosal) Turbinectomy
What it is: Removal of a part of the turbinate tissue (sometimes a “pinky-sized” piece as your doctor mentioned).

Goal: Create more permanent space in the nasal airway.

More aggressive: Some tissue is actually removed, not just reduced.

3. Septoplasty + Turbinate Surgery (combo)
Since you've had nasal surgery before, this could be a revision procedure that addresses both the septum (if still deviated) and the turbinates.