Is turbinate reduction typically done on one side or both?

This depends on whether one or both turbinates are enlarged. If you have no trouble breathing you should not have either turbinate reduced. While turbinate reduction is safe, no procedure is without risk. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

There is a trend to less turbinate surgery than in the past. You need your turbinates to hydrate the air stream entering your nose. Also, the turbinates will decrease in size if the septum is adjusted on that side. 

The turbinates help humidify and warm up the air we breathe. However, if they are too large, they can cause nasal obstruction. They are frequently reduced in size to help improve nasal air flow.  If there is no nasal obstruction, the turbinates do not need to be reduced. You should discuss with your surgeon to find out of you need to have them reduced or not. 

Inferior turbinates can be reduced on one or both sides and can be treated by heat reduction, out fracture or partial or total excision. Which is best is determined by their size and what nasal airflow obstruction they are causing. 

Turbinate reduction can be performed on one or both sides depending on the patient's anatomy. If the turbinate does not block the airway, there is no reason to reduce it. Surgery should always be individualized.I would suggest that you find a plastic
surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member
of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial
plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) with extensive experience in rhinoplasty
surgery that they trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your
concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California