Turbinate Reduction
What is Turbinate Reduction?
Turbinates are long shelves of bone running the full length of the nose. They are covered in mucous membranes which often get swollen or enlarged due to allergies, infection, exposure to irritants, head position, or congenitally. Turbinate reduction is a minimally invasive procedure that dramatically reduces the bulk of the turbinates allowing for better airflow and decreased sense of congestion.
While Dr. Elangovan generally recommends this procedure for nasal obstruction and congestion, patients may also find Turbinate Reduction relieves one or more of the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Mouth Breathing
- Headaches
- Decreased sense of smell
Why Turbinate Reduction:
- Significantly improves nasal breathing
- Reduces snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Alleviates nasal pressure/congestion
- Improves Sense of Smell
What Can I Expect During my Turbinate Reduction?
Turbinate reduction can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures either in the office or surgical center. With the nose numbed, a tiny incision is made inside the nose. Through this small incision, a catheter is tunneled within the turbinate and excess/swollen tissue is gently removed without damaging the overlying skin.
What Can I Expect After my Turbinate Reduction?
Typically, patients have mild discomfort for about 1-2 days after surgery. A brief course of nasal saline sprays after surgery is needed to promote healing. Most return to work the next day. Strenuous activity is avoided for about 2 weeks.
How Effective is Turbinate Reduction?
Patients note significant improvement in their nasal breathing and quality of life within 1-2 weeks of the procedure. The procedure rarely needs to be repeated in the future, but if needed could be repeated.
How Much Does Turbinate Reduction Cost?
Almost all insurances cover Turbinate Reduction. The cost of your Turbinate Reduction will vary depending on the individualized treatment plan recommended for you and your current health insurance coverage. To get a more accurate assessment of how much your Turbinate Reduction will cost, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with Dr. Elangovan. At Resolve ENT, we are also happy to offer financing that helps you more easily pay for your treatments at your convenience.
Led by Dr. Siva Elangovan, the medical professionals at Resolve ENT are proud to offer high-quality, comprehensive care to patients located in Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Lincoln Square and the surrounding communities such as Evanston, Oak Park, and Des Plaines of Chicago, Illinois. Contact us to schedule your private consultation with our expert medical team and start your journey with us today.