Turbinate Reduction

Turbinate Reduction

Turbinate Reduction services offered in The Loop, Chicago, IL

If you’re one of the tens of millions of people who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus infections, turbinate reduction surgery can provide lasting relief. At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, the primary care and ear, nose, and throat specialists offer minimally invasive turbinate reduction to people of all ages. Turbinate reduction can fix blocked airways and improve your quality of life. Call the office in The Loop in Chicago, Illinois, or book an appointment online today.

Turbinate Reduction Q & A

What is turbinate reduction?

Turbinate reduction is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes your nasal turbinates. The nasal turbinates are three pairs of long, thin bones covered by soft tissue. They warm and moisturize the air that flows into your nose.

Usually, the nasal turbinates help you breathe. But if you have an underlying health problem like allergies or recurring sinus infections, the turbinates can become inflamed. Once inflamed, they block your airways, increasing your risk of more severe problems.

When should I consider turbinate reduction?

Make an appointment at Michigan Avenue Primary Care if you’ve been diagnosed with any of the following medical problems:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Chronic congestion
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Postnasal drip

You should also seek professional help if you regularly experience difficulty breathing, affecting your ability to work or do other activities.

What kinds of turbinate reduction are there?

Michigan Avenue Primary Care offers several kinds of turbinate reduction, including:

Turbinectomy

A turbinectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done under a local anesthetic.

During treatment, your Michigan Avenue Primary Care provider inserts an endoscope (a lighted camera) into your nostril. Your provider uses the endoscope to find the swollen turbinates. Seeing the turbinates, your provider uses a tool called a microdebrider to shave off the extra tissue and clear your airways.

Turbinoplasty

If a piece of nasal turbinate blocks your airway, your provider could recommend turbinoplasty. During turbinoplasty, your surgeon changes the position of your nasal turbinates. They might also shave away some of the tissue.

Radiofrequency ablation

If your nasal turbinates are easy to access and only mildly swollen, your provider might recommend radiofrequency ablation.

During this type of turbinate reduction, your surgeon inserts a thin probe into your nostril. They heat the probe with radiofrequency energy. The heat causes your nasal turbinates to shrink, making it easier for you to breathe.

Is turbinate reduction safe?

Turbinate reduction is safe and usually well-tolerated. But like any surgical procedure, there are risks. After the anesthetic wears off, you might experience crusting in the nose, nosebleeds, or fluid buildup.

Take at least two days off from work, drink plenty of fluids, and get lots of rest. Follow your provider’s recovery instructions and attend each of your follow-up appointments.

To see if you can benefit from turbinate reduction, make an appointment at Michigan Avenue Primary Care by calling the office or booking online today.