Turbinate Reduction in Houston, TX

Name: Turbinate Reduction
Brand: Texas Sinus and Snoring
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (148 reviews)

Turbinate reduction (also known as conchae) sit on the sides of your nasal passageways. They are bony structures, covered in a lining that can swell and shrink depending on the environment. They are the natural radiators of the nose.

Their main job is to moisten and warm the air as it comes into your nose, and they are very efficient at it. Even if the air is -10 degrees, it will be 98 degrees by the time it reaches the back of the nose.

When they’re enlarged, they can cause some serious issues. The good news is, Texas Sinus and Snoring can help.

Table of Contents

What Are Turbinates?

There are three pairs of turbinates in your nose. They are on either side of your septum (the structure that divides your nose in half).

Superior Turbinates

These sit highest in your nose, near your brain. Their job is to protect the olfactory bulb, the part of your brain that interprets smell.

Middle Turbinates

These sit in the middle, between the superior and inferior turbinates. Their main goal is to keep the air you inhale from going directly into your sinuses.

Inferior Turbinates

These conchae sit lowest in your nose. Their job is to moisturize and warm up the air you inhale before it travels into your lungs. They’re like the warm air humidifier of the nose.

What Is a Concha Bullosa?

A concha bullosa is an air-filled pocket within the middle turbinates. This is also referred to as pneumatization of the turbinate or enlarged turbinates. The presence of a concha bullosa is often associated with nasal obstruction.

If they are too big, either from allergies or from genetics, they will block the air coming into your nose, making it difficult to breathe.

What Are the Symptoms of Enlarged Turbinates?

Feeling like you can’t breathe in enough air through your nose
Alternating nasal obstruction from one side to the other
Pressure or pain around your sinuses
Pressure or pain around your eyes
Repeat sinus infections (also known as sinusitis)
Clogged feeling in your nostrils

What Is a Turbinate Reduction?

Typically, the best treatment for a concha bullosa is excision. This is a common procedure done under general anesthesia. If your enlarged turbinates are also coupled with a deviated septum, we may also recommend a septoplasty to correct the issue.

If the inferior turbinates are enlarged long enough, they can become permanently obstructive. We reduce them using a device called a microdebrider. It reduces the size of the turbinate without disturbing the outside mucosal surface.

How Do You Diagnose a Concha Bullosa?

The only way to properly diagnose a concha bullosa is with a proper exam and CT scan. The scan allows us to see cross sections of your nose and turbinates. Air-filled pockets will show up as black spots on a CT scan, as seen below.

Turbinate Reduction Surgery: Step-by-Step

Anesthesia

Turbinate reduction can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or light sedation, depending on the specific technique being used and whether other nasal procedures are done at the same time. Local anesthesia numbs the nasal tissues so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure, while general anesthesia may be chosen for more extensive surgical correction or combined procedures.

Surgical Access and Visualization

The procedure is typically performed entirely through the nostrils, with no external incisions or visible scars. An endoscope – a thin instrument with a camera and light – is often used to give the surgeon a clear, magnified view of the turbinates and surrounding nasal structures. This allows for precise treatment while protecting healthy tissue.

Incisions and Entry Point

Small internal incisions may be made within the turbinate itself or beneath the mucosal lining, depending on the surgical approach. These incisions are carefully placed to access the underlying turbinate tissue without disrupting the outer surface of the nasal lining, which is critical for normal nasal function.

Turbinate Reduction Techniques

Several techniques are used to reduce turbinate size. One common method involves a microdebrider, a specialized instrument that removes excess tissue from within the turbinate. Other approaches may use radiofrequency energy or cautery to shrink the turbinate tissue from the inside. The chosen technique depends on the severity of enlargement and the patient’s anatomy.

Preservation of the Mucosal Lining

A key part of turbinate reduction surgery is preserving the mucosal surface that covers the turbinate. This lining plays a major role in filtering, humidifying, and warming inhaled air. By reducing tissue internally while keeping the outer lining intact, the procedure maintains normal nasal physiology while relieving obstruction.

Addressing Related Nasal Conditions

If turbinate enlargement is associated with other structural issues, such as a deviated septum or a concha bullosa, these may be addressed during the same surgical session. Treating all contributing causes of nasal blockage at once helps optimize airflow and overall surgical outcomes.

What Can Happen if a Concha Bullosa Goes Untreated?

If you are not experiencing any symptoms, you may not need treatment for your concha bullosa. Some people have them their entire lives without knowing it.

However, if you are experiencing headaches, sinus drainage, stuffiness, pain, or pressure, it’s time for treatment. Untreated concha bullosa can lead to repeat sinus infections. Other complications include symptoms like headaches, sinus drainage, stuffiness, sore throat from post-nasal drip, and sinus pain and pressure.

Chronic sinus infections or chronic sinusitis may develop. Over time, severe complications can cause bacterial infections or a loss of sense of smell or vision.

Recovery After Turbinate Reduction

Recovery after turbinate reduction is generally smooth and well-tolerated. Most patients experience noticeable improvement in nasal airflow as healing progresses, with symptoms steadily improving over the first few weeks following the procedure.

In the days immediately after surgery, some nasal drainage is expected as the internal nasal tissues begin to heal. This drainage may be clear or lightly blood-tinged and usually decreases on its own. Temporary congestion related to mild swelling inside the nose is also common and should not be mistaken for surgical failure.

During recovery, patients may experience mild discomfort, which is typically manageable without strong pain medication. Your provider may recommend avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, for a short period to reduce the risk of bleeding and support proper healing.

Following postoperative instructions closely is important for optimal healing. This may include saline rinses, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits to monitor progress. With appropriate care, patients return to normal daily activities relatively quickly, often within a few days, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether additional nasal surgery was performed.

Candidates for Turbinate Reduction

Candidates for turbinate reduction often include individuals with chronic nasal congestion that does not respond to medications or allergy management. When enlarged turbinates narrow the nasal passages, airflow becomes restricted, leading to ongoing difficulty breathing through the nose. This condition may occur on its own or alongside structural issues, such as a deviated septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, or other anatomical variations that contribute to blockage. Some patients may also have coexisting conditions, such as nasal polyps or chronic inflammation, which can worsen symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments.

In severe cases, turbinate enlargement can impair sleep quality and may contribute to sleep apnea by limiting airflow during sleep. Patients who continue to experience symptoms despite medical therapy may be good candidates for surgical intervention. Before proceeding, individuals are evaluated to ensure the procedure aligns with their health needs and lifestyle, including guidance on limiting strenuous activity during the initial healing period. Prior to surgery, patients are given clear instructions regarding preparation, expectations, and postoperative care to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Benefits of Turbinate Reduction

Improved airflow through the nasal passages
Reduced chronic nasal congestion
Easier breathing through the nose
Decreased sinus pressure and facial discomfort
Fewer sinus infections

Improved sleep quality
Reduced mouth breathing
Better response to allergy treatments
Long-lasting relief from nasal obstruction

Cost of Turbinate Reduction in Houston, TX

The cost of turbinate reduction in Houston typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the surgical technique used and whether the procedure is performed alone or combined with other nasal surgeries. Pricing can vary based on anesthesia type, facility fees, and insurance coverage, so a personalized consultation is the best way to determine your exact cost.

Schedule Your Nasal Turbinate Reduction Today!

If you’re struggling with persistent nasal congestion or ongoing breathing difficulties, turbinate reduction may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This surgical procedure is designed to reduce enlarged turbinates while preserving the natural function of your nose, helping you achieve lasting relief and comfortably improve breathing. When combined with evaluation of the nasal septum, turbinate surgery can address multiple causes of obstruction at once, using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to help patients feel better without unnecessary tissue removal.

Your care begins with a comprehensive consultation that reviews your symptoms, medical history, and overall nasal anatomy to create a personalized treatment plan. Our practice is led by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Cilento, with extensive experience in nasal and sinus procedures. With the right approach, turbinate reduction can significantly improve airflow and quality of life for patients who have not found relief with medications alone.

Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward easier breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to undergo an inferior turbinate reduction surgery?

Yes, inferior turbinate reduction is considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced specialist. The surgery is done within the nasal cavity and is designed to reduce obstruction caused when turbinates enlarge due to allergies, inflammation, or anatomy. By using cutting-edge technology, surgeons are able to precisely reduce excess tissue while preserving normal nasal structures, resulting in better airflow and improved breathing without compromising nasal function.

Is the procedure considered minimally invasive?

Yes, turbinate reduction is widely regarded as a minimally invasive procedure. It focuses on improving the nasal airway without external incisions and is often completed as an outpatient procedure. Thanks to advanced techniques, patients typically experience minimal discomfort, making it a safe procedure for those who have not responded to medical therapy. Many patients notice easier breathing soon after surgery as the nose more effectively conditions incoming air.

Can I combine turbinate reduction with sinus surgery?

Yes, turbinate reduction is commonly combined with sinus surgery to improve airflow and address underlying sinus problems or structural blockages. Techniques such as radiofrequency reduction can be used alongside sinus procedures to optimize nasal breathing and drainage. To enjoy the best results from turbinate reduction, Houston residents with ongoing sinus issues often benefit from a comprehensive surgical approach that treats all contributing causes at the same time.