Pros and Cons of Turbinate Reduction with Septoplasty | Dr. Angela Sturm

https://drangelasturm.com/ -- Turbinate reduction can ease breathing, resulting in better sleep, fewer headaches, and clear sinuses. While the turbinates are not seen and do not affect the shape of the nose, some patients who have trouble breathing and a deviated septum may also have enlarged turbinates that can be a contributing factor. In these cases, a septoplasty is performed along with a turbinate reduction. Here’s a quick guide.

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What is a turbinate reduction?
A turbinate reduction is surgery performed inside the nose to shrink enlarged turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy) that are causing a nasal obstruction and interfering with breathing. Some patients might discover that they have a deviated septum and might choose to have a turbinate reduction with septoplasty which is a more involved surgery. The most common way that I reduce turbinates is to remove a wedge of the turbinate tissue along the lower edge, almost like a slice of pie, and bring the two edges together. By physically reducing the size of the turbinate, this is the most effective way to improve breathing long term. The procedure is done under general anesthesia but is an outpatient visit, meaning you can go home on the same day. Patients typically feel some nasal stuffiness and experience a clear discharge from the nose for about a week, with some experiencing minimal pain in the first days that is easily controlled with medication. Many will not need pain medication, or will be able to just use Tylenol. Some patients will also experience fatigue in the days following surgery, but each day breathing should become easier as the turbinates shrink. I will typically recommend a saline or steroidal nasal spray to make you feel more comfortable and to speed healing. Don’t be surprised if your bed partner reports some snoring on your behalf, but take comfort in knowing this is only temporary until complete healing has taken place.

Can I get a cosmetic rhinoplasty and a septoplasty at the same time?
You can get a cosmetic rhinoplasty and a septoplasty at the same time. In fact, many patients coming in for a septoplasty request a cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time, while those already coming in for cosmetic rhinoplasty do not always need a septoplasty. A cosmetic rhinoplasty is the reconstruction of the nose to straighten it, remove bumps, reduce the tip, narrow nostrils, and any other physical malformations of the nose. It’s more about creating a more aesthetically pleasing nose for the patients, while a septoplasty is often a medical necessity because it can cause airway obstruction. It can also contribute to the appearance of a crooked nose or uneven nostrils. The decision to have rhinoplasty when coming in for a septoplasty is a personal decision made by the patient while the decision to have a septoplasty when coming in for a rhinoplasty is often recommended by me when I find an unknown deviated septum.

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About Dr. Angela Sturm
Dr. Angela Sturm is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sturm’s meticulous nature makes for exceptional results and satisfied patients. Dr. Sturm was named Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Star in 2016-2017, Texas Monthly’s Super Doctor in 2018-2019, H Texas Magazine’s Top Doc in 2013-2018, Top Doc by Houstonia Magazine in 2016-2018, Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move and 40 under 40, Blazing Star Award by Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Top Women in Business, one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, Best Female Cosmetic Surgeon in Out Smart, and given the Patient’s Choice Award, On Time Doctor Award and Compassionate Doctor Award by Vitals.com.