Before-surgery guide
Getting Ready for Turbinate Reduction
Quick answer: Turbinate reduction shrinks the inferior turbinates, the shelves inside each side of the nose, to make more room for air to move. It is usually done in our office under local anesthesia, or under sedation if you prefer, and it can also be done together with other procedures such as septoplasty. Arrive 15 minutes early, bring a bottle of Afrin nasal spray, and plan to go back to work or school the next day.
How is the procedure done?
- The inferior turbinates are shelves of thin bone covered by nasal lining at the bottom of each side of the nose. They warm, moisten and filter the air you breathe, and when they are enlarged they can block breathing.
- The goal is more space inside your nose, so it is easier to breathe.
- On its own, it is usually done in our office under local anesthesia. Numbing medicine is placed in the nose and then injected into the turbinates. It can also be done together with other procedures, such as septoplasty or balloon sinuplasty.
- A small cut is made at the front of each turbinate, and a device removes tissue inside it. The lining stays in place, so the turbinates keep moistening the air.
- The numbing injections cause some pain, and there is some discomfort during the procedure. If you prefer, it can be done under sedation instead.
Our turbinate reduction page explains who the procedure helps.
What is Turbinate Reduction?
Our team explains what the turbinates are, how they are reduced, and what recovery looks like.
What are the risks?
Every procedure has risks. We will go over them with you, and you can ask about any of them.
- Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any procedure.
- Changes in smell and taste, including loss of smell.
- Watery eyes from extra tears.
- Empty nose syndrome is rare with modern techniques. It is a feeling that the nose is blocked or dry even though there is plenty of room, because it is harder to feel air moving through it.
- Turbinates can grow back over several years, and the blockage can return.
- Breathing may not improve enough, and more procedures or treatment may be needed.
How do I get ready?
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Before the procedure
- Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take.
- If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, tell us. Do not stop it on your own; we will tell you whether you need to.
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Eating and drinking
- You can eat and drink as usual on the day of the procedure, unless you are having sedation.
- If you are having sedation: follow the eating and drinking instructions we give you exactly, and arrange for an adult to drive you home.
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The day of the procedure
- Arrive at our office 15 minutes before your procedure time, or 30 minutes before if you are having sedation.
- Bring a bottle of Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray with you. You can buy it at any pharmacy or grocery store.
- Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.
What should I have at home?
- Saline nasal spray (any plain saltwater spray)
- Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray, for bleeding and congestion. Use it only as directed, for no more than 3 to 5 days
- Gauze pads and paper tape, to make a drip pad under your nose
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), unless your surgeon told you not to take ibuprofen
What happens after the procedure?
- Most people go back to work or school the next day.
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first 1 to 2 days is expected. If you are worried about how much you are bleeding, call us.
- Your nose will feel congested for 1 to 2 weeks, and full healing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- No nose blowing, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise or flying for 1 week.
- Your follow-up visit is about 1 week after the procedure.
The Turbinate Reduction Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.
When should I call before surgery?
Call us for
- You get sick in the days before the procedure
- You start a new medicine, or a doctor changes your blood thinner
- You have questions about the procedure or its risks, or you need to reschedule
Austin 512-339-4040 · Lakeway 512-682-4798 · Marble Falls 830-992-2830
Questions patients ask
Usually, yes. It is done in our office under local anesthesia. The numbing injections cause some pain, and if you prefer, it can be done under sedation instead.
Arrive 15 minutes before your procedure time (30 minutes if you are having sedation) and bring a bottle of Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray, your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.
It is rare with modern techniques, which shrink the tissue inside the turbinates and leave the lining in place. Empty nose syndrome is a feeling that the nose is blocked or dry even though there is plenty of room, because it is harder to feel air moving through it.
Most people go back the next day. Your nose will feel congested for 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid nose blowing, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and flying for 1 week.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. If your surgeon gave you different instructions, follow theirs.
Sources
- Han JK, Stringer SP, Rosenfeld RM, et al. Clinical Consensus Statement: Septoplasty with or without Inferior Turbinate Reduction. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2015;153(5):708-720. PubMed