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Jonathan Hughes | Hemel Hempstead

What is Turbinoplasty?

Inside the nose are small structures called turbinates, which help warm, filter, and humidify the air we breathe. Sometimes these turbinates become enlarged, a condition known as turbinate hypertrophy, which can lead to persistent nasal blockage, congestion, snoring, and difficulty breathing. Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of the turbinates while preserving their important function, creating more space in the nasal passages and improving airflow.

Causes of Turbinate Enlargement

Turbinates can become swollen for a variety of reasons, including chronic allergies, nasal inflammation, sinusitis, environmental irritants, or prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays. In some patients, turbinate enlargement occurs alongside other structural problems such as a deviated septum.

Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy

The main symptom is chronic nasal obstruction, which may affect one or both sides of the nose. This can lead to mouth breathing, disturbed sleep, snoring, headaches, or a reduced sense of smell. Many patients also experience worsening symptoms at night or when lying down.

Treatment Options

Initial treatment often involves medical management, such as antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or saline rinses, which can help reduce swelling. If symptoms persist despite medication, turbinoplasty may be recommended. The procedure is usually performed under a short general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. Different surgical techniques may be used, including cautery, radiofrequency, or microdebrider reduction, to shrink the tissue of the turbinates while preserving their role in normal nasal function. Turbinoplasty is frequently combined with other procedures, such as septoplasty, if there are multiple causes of nasal obstruction.

Recovery After Turbinoplasty

Most patients go home the same day, and recovery is generally straightforward. There may be mild congestion, crusting, or a blocked feeling in the first couple of weeks, but breathing usually improves as healing progresses. Regular saline rinses can help during recovery. Long-term results are typically very good, with significant improvement in airflow and relief from nasal blockage.

If you’re considering turbinoplasty, get in touch with your ENT specialist in London to book a consultation today!
020 3897 0667

Is turbinoplasty the same as turbinectomy?
No. Turbinoplasty reduces the size of the turbinates while keeping their important function. A turbinectomy involves removing more tissue and is used less often.

Will turbinoplasty improve my breathing?
Yes. Most patients notice a significant improvement in nasal airflow and reduction in congestion after recovery.

Is the procedure painful?
There may be some mild discomfort or congestion during healing, but pain is usually minimal and well managed with simple medication.

How long does it take to recover?
Most people can return to normal activities within a few days, although full healing inside the nose can take a few weeks.

When should I see a specialist?
If you have persistent nasal obstruction that does not improve with medication, an ENT specialist can assess whether turbinate enlargement is the cause and whether turbinoplasty may help.