Submucosal Turbinate Reduction (Nasal Airway Procedure)

What Are Turbinates?

Turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm, humidify, and filter the air you breathe. There are three turbinates on each side of the nose.

Sometimes the inferior turbinates become enlarged (turbinate hypertrophy), which can block airflow and make it difficult to breathe through the nose.

Why Is This Procedure Needed?

Turbinate reduction may be recommended if you have:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Poor response to medications (such as nasal sprays or allergy treatments)
• Snoring or sleep disturbances

What Is Submucosal Turbinate Reduction?

Submucosal turbinate reduction decreases the size of the turbinates from the inside while preserving the outer lining (mucosa), which is important for normal nasal function.

The goal is to improve airflow while maintaining the natural function of the nose.

This may involve reducing both soft tissue and bone beneath the surface lining. Because the procedure is performed through the nostrils, there are no visible external incisions.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

In the Office (Awake)

• The inside of the nose is numbed with local anesthesia
• A small instrument is placed into the turbinate
• Energy (such as radiofrequency) or other techniques are used to shrink the tissue from within
• The outer lining is preserved

The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes. You may feel pressure but should not feel significant pain.

In the Operating Room (OR)

• Performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation
• Specialized instruments are used to reduce turbinate size
• May be combined with other procedures (such as septoplasty or sinus surgery)

The procedure typically takes 20–45 minutes.

What to Expect Afterward

• Mild congestion and swelling for several days to 1–2 weeks
• Light bleeding or crusting may occur
• Most patients experience minimal pain
• Breathing improvement occurs gradually over 1–3 weeks

Recovery

• Return to normal activities:
  • 1–3 days
• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and forceful nose blowing for several days
• Use saline sprays or rinses to keep the nose moist and clean

Post-Procedure Care Instructions

• Expect nasal congestion and “stuffiness” for 1–2 weeks
• Mild bleeding may occur for up to 1–2 weeks

If You Have Persistent Bright Red Bleeding:

1. Perform a saline rinse
2. Blow your nose
3. Use 4 sprays of over-the-counter Afrin (or similar decongestant) in each nostril every 4 hours as needed
4. Pinch the nose closed firmly for 20 minutes

Additional Care:

• Use Tylenol or prescribed medications for discomfort
• Avoid forceful nose blowing
• Resume a normal diet
• Limit activity for 3 days (no heavy lifting or workouts)
• Perform saline rinses 3 times daily starting the evening of surgery (unless instructed otherwise)
• Clean the outer nose gently with peroxide on a Q-tip if needed

If you notice a foul smell, this may indicate crusting. Increase saline rinses and contact the office, as cleaning (debridement) may be needed.

• Oral medications may be started immediately
• Nasal sprays may be resumed 2 days after the procedure

Benefits of Turbinate Reduction

Many patients experience:

• Improved nasal airflow
• Reduced congestion
• Better sleep quality
• Decreased need for medications

Risks

This procedure is generally very safe. Possible risks include:

• Mild bleeding
• Temporary dryness or crusting
• Persistent symptoms
• Rarely, excessive reduction leading to dryness (very uncommon)

Follow-Up

A post-operative visit is typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after the procedure. If you do not have an appointment, please contact the office.

Emergency Room Guidelines

• If you need to go to the Emergency Room, please use the following guidelines
• Patients 16 and older: Centennial Medical Center Frisco
• Patients under 16: Children’s Medical Center Plano