The turbinates are small structures inside the nose that warm, filter, and humidify the air you breathe. When turbinates become enlarged (a condition called turbinate hypertrophy), they can obstruct airflow and cause persistent nasal congestion, snoring, and difficulty breathing. A turbinectomy reduces or removes part of the enlarged turbinates to restore normal breathing.

Dr Arjuna Ananda performs turbinectomy using modern techniques designed to relieve obstruction while preserving healthy nasal function.

Symptoms of Enlarged Turbinates

You may be a candidate for turbinectomy if you experience:

• Chronic nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Snoring or disrupted sleep
• Mouth breathing, particularly at night
• Frequent sinus infections or postnasal drip

Common Causes of Turbinate Enlargement

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Chronic sinusitis
• Environmental irritants such as dust, smoke, or pollution
• Structural issues like a deviated septum
• Hormonal changes

In many cases, enlarged turbinates do not respond to medications alone, and surgical reduction may be recommended.

Types of Turbinate Reduction

Dr Ananda offers several techniques depending on the cause and severity of the obstruction:

• Partial turbinectomy: Removes part of the turbinate tissue
• Submucosal resection: Reduces internal tissue while preserving the outer lining
• Radiofrequency ablation or coblation: Minimally invasive options that shrink tissue using energy-based methods
• Microdebrider-assisted reduction: Precise shaving of turbinate tissue with specialised instruments

The Procedure

• Setting: Usually performed as an outpatient procedure
• Anaesthesia: Local or general anaesthetic
• Duration: Typically less than one hour
• Combination: Can be performed alongside septoplasty or sinus surgery

Recovery and Aftercare

• Early recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 days
• Symptoms: Mild congestion, drainage, or crusting for a few weeks is common
• Restrictions: Strenuous activity should be avoided for 1–2 weeks
• Follow-up: Regular review and nasal rinses are recommended to support healing