If your nose feels constantly stuffed even when you don’t have a cold or active allergies, enlarged turbinates may be part of the problem. Turbinate reduction is a procedure that shrinks the swollen tissue inside the nose to open up the airway. It can often be done in the office.
Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that warm and humidify the air you breathe. When they’re enlarged from chronic allergies, irritation, or other causes, they can block airflow and keep you feeling congested year-round. Turbinate reduction shrinks the swollen tissue while preserving the turbinate’s normal function. There are several techniques, including radiofrequency, coblation, and submucosal reduction, and your provider will choose the right approach for you
Turbinate reduction may be considered if you have:
If allergies or other issues are the main driver, treating those first sometimes resolves the congestion without a procedure. Your provider will help you decide.
Turbinate reduction can often be performed in the office with local anesthesia. The exact steps depend on the technique your provider uses:
Because nothing is cut or removed, the structure of your nose and sinuses stays intact.
Recovery is usually quick. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two. Mild congestion, drainage, or crusting inside the nose for a couple of weeks is normal as the tissue heals.
Many patients notice improved airflow over the following weeks. Results vary based on the underlying cause of swelling, your anatomy, and how well allergies or other conditions are managed. Some people benefit from a touch-up procedure later on.
Turbinate reduction is generally considered safe and well tolerated, but as with any procedure, there are risks. Possible risks include:
Your ENT provider will go through the specific risks and what they mean for you.
If you need help deciding whether virtual care is right for you, our team is here to assist.
If you need help deciding whether virtual care is right for you, our team is here to assist.
