Turbinoplasty

If nasal sprays, decongestants and allergy medications aren’t providing you long-term relief by clearing chronic congestion, you may be a candidate for turbinoplasty. Dr Shahidi performs this procedure, often in conjunction with other techniques, to clear your nasal passages so that you can enjoy better health and quality of life.

What is turbinoplasty? 

Turbinoplasty, otherwise known as nasal turbinate reduction, is a surgical procedure used to treat turbinate hypertrophy — a condition that occurs when turbinates, the small structures inside the nose, become swollen and enlarged, resulting in blocked nasal passages and breathing difficulties. 

Whether performed alone or with other treatments such as septoplasty and rhinoplasty, turbinoplasty successfully removes excess tissue around the turbinate bones to improve breathing and airflow. 

What happens during a turbinoplasty?

Ahead of your booked surgery date, Dr Shahidi will determine which technique is most appropriate for your case. He may choose to perform one of the following techniques: 

• Conventional turbinoplasty — This technique involves removing part of the inferior turbinate bone to reduce its size and improve nasal airflow.

• Laser-assisted turbinoplasty — This technique uses laser energy to shrink the size of the turbinate tissues, improving airflow. 

• Radiofrequency turbinoplasty — Using radiofrequency ablation, a long, thin probe delivers heat energy to inflamed turbinates, resulting in turbinate tissue shrinkage. 

• Partial turbinoplasty — Unlike the other methods, this technique involves removing a small piece of your turbinate (both soft and hard tissue) while leaving the rest of the tissue intact.  
• Microdebrider submucosal resection — During this procedure, your surgeon will create a small opening in your turbinate. Using that opening to remove tissue while leaving the outer lining in place, your turbinates will continue to shrink as your body heals post-operation. 

How can I prepare for a turbinoplasty procedure? 

To ensure you are well-informed and can adequately prepare for your turbinoplasty, take note of the following: 

• Have an open conversation with your doctor 

During your initial consultation with Dr Shahidi, you can discuss your expectations and ask any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery time or after-care requirements. 

You should also provide Dr Shahidi with your complete medical history — including any medications, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking. This valuable information will help your surgeon determine whether you are at risk of any postoperative complications. 

• Avoid certain medications

Some medications, such as aspirin and blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. Your doctor may recommend you stop taking these medications several days before the procedure. 

• Arrange transportation home

You will not be able to drive following your surgery, so we recommend arranging transportation in advance. 

• Prepare for your recovery 

Following your surgery, you may need supplies to aid your recovery, such as saline nasal rinses, pain medication and ice packs. Ensure you are prepared ahead of time, so your recovery is seamless.

What happens after a turbinoplasty procedure?

Following your turbinoplasty, there will be a recovery period during which you will need to follow certain precautions and take care of your wound to ensure proper healing. While there is usually no pain or external bruising involved, here’s what you can expect after your day surgery: 

• Recovery time

This procedure is quick and easy, meaning most patients can go home the same day as their surgery. 

• No strenuous activity

For at least one-month post-op, you should avoid all intense or high-impact workouts that involve straining or lifting. 

• No blowing

While your nasal passages will feel blocked and congested, you must avoid blowing your nose. 

• Keeping your sinuses clear

While a turbinoplasty is performed to improve blocked nasal passages, your nose will feel congested until the swelling goes down — this may take up to two weeks. 

Your surgeon may ask you to use a sinus rinse or nasal spray to help keep the passages moist while removing debris and dried blood from your nose. 

• Pain and swelling 

Pain, swelling and some mild bleeding from the nose are common after a turbinoplasty. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and recommend using ice packs to reduce swelling.

• Keep your head elevated 

Whether you’re sleeping or recovering on the couch, keeping your head elevated with a pillow will help prevent swelling and supercharge healing. 

Book your turbinoplasty consultation with Dr Shahidi today

Nasal congestion can not only interfere with your breathing but also negatively impact your quality of life. If non-surgical treatments have not resolved or minimised the problem, we encourage you to contact our medical team and book your turbinate reduction consultation with Dr Shahidi — one of Australia’s leading ear, nose and throat surgeons who also specialises in septoplasty, rhinoplasty and other nasal and sinus treatments.