There are 3 pairs of turbinates in the nose and the main function of these turbinates is to warm, filter and humidify the air circulation. The turbinates are:

• Inferior turbinate
• Middle turbinate
• Superior turbinate

Turbinate reduction procedures:

Turbinate reduction procedure may be performed to reduce the size of the turbinates so as to improve overall nasal breathing. The main procedures are:

• Turbinectomy: In this, inferior turbinate is removed using microdebrider (an instrument combining a small rotary blade to shave the tissue & a suction device to clear it) or cold steel instruments
• Turbinoplasty: In this, the affected bones repositioned within the nose and the excess tissue will be shaved using a technique out fracture.
• Radiofrequency Submucosal Reduction: In this, the radio frequency energy used to shrink the excess turbinate to a healthier size. This is a less invasive procedure as compared to above to and can be done under local anaesthesia.
• Submucosal Diathermy and Bipolar cautery are other methods to shrink the turbinates.
• Latest tool for reduction of turbinate is COBLATION. This is done using a coblation wand. By this the healing is comparatively faster and post operative crusting is comparatively less.

Post-operative instructions after turbinate reduction:

• Avoid strenuous activity: lifting, bending, straining, or vigorous exercising.
• Blowing of nose is not allowed for one week after surgery and can then be resumed gently.
• If you have to sneeze, do it with your mouth open to prevent nasal irritation.
• Use saline spray to keep membranes moist and free of crusts.