woman wondering if she is a candidate for a turbinate reductionTurbinate surgery is performed to correct nasal obstruction by reducing the turbinate size while still allowing them to perform their natural function. These long, thin bones covered with tissue are located inside the walls of your nose, and they help humidify and cleanse air before it reaches your lungs. However, allergies and other nasal issues can cause them to swell, blocking the normal flow of air and causing mucus to build up.

The goal of turbinate surgery is to improve nasal breathing and reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip.

In this blog, the experts on turbinate reduction surgery at DFW Sinus Select will explain if you’re a good candidate for a turbinate reduction.

What is a turbinate reduction?

Swollen turbinates can cause pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing. These annoying symptoms can go on 24 hours, seven days a week and can interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Turbinate reduction creates a bigger passageway for air to get through by shrinking the turbinates and, as a result, the obstruction. In addition, it makes the turbinates less reactive so they’ll swell less in response to allergies. It’s a quick procedure that takes just a few minutes to perform in-office. The procedure is painless and offers immediate and dramatic results in the treatment of congestion, pressure, and drainage, as well as the snoring and sleep apnea that can result from turbinate issues.


What are the benefits of turbinate reduction?

Oversized or chronically swollen turbinates can obstruct breathing and increase nasal congestion. Turbinate surgery can help:

  • Treat severe or chronic nasal allergies
  • Relieve nasal congestion and drainage
  • Reduce sinus-related snoring
  • Improve breathing
  • Reduce nasal drainage and post-nasal drip
  • Decrease headaches

This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and takes just a few minutes. Since it doesn’t use heat, it doesn’t damage nearby tissue, and there’s no crusting and pain afterward. It gives most patient’s tremendous long-lasting relief as well as allowing them to significantly reduce the cost of their allergy medication.


How does a turbinate reduction work?

Your nose will be numbed, and a reduction wand is then inserted into the turbinate. During the procedure, an endoscope (a thin, flexible lighted tube with a tiny camera attached to it) is inserted into the nostrils to provide access to the turbinates. Excess bone or tissue is removed from the turbinates, helping to clear the nasal passageway. No visible incisions are made on the external part of the nose.

The wand emits radio frequency energy, which enables the doctor to precisely and effectively reduce the size of your nasal turbinates. This relieves nasal obstruction, which opens up the nasal passageway and improves breathing. This procedure can also be performed by using laser technology.


Am I a candidate for turbinate reduction?

When the turbinate is very large or doesn’t respond to medication such as antihistamines or antibiotics, surgery may be recommended. It may also be recommended if medications are causing side effects that are excessively bothersome.

Turbinate surgery aims to reduce the size of the turbinates while maintaining their function.


Where can I find the best turbinate reduction surgeons in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

DFW Sinus Select is a practice dedicated to the care, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders related to the nose and sinuses. We offer the complete spectrum of diagnostics to ensure that the cause of your nasal or sinus issues is accurately determined.

Our board-certified doctors will use this information, along with your medical history and a detailed examination, to determine the best course of treatment for your individual circumstance. We offer the latest in minimally invasive treatments for the nose, sinuses, and allergy symptoms.

We’ll start with an evaluation, perform any necessary diagnostic tests, and develop an appropriate treatment plan to deal with your nasal obstructions so you can get relief from your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with one of our experts on turbinate reduction surgery today!