Who Needs Turbinoplasty?

If you constantly feel congested, breathe through your mouth, or struggle with poor sleep due to nasal obstruction, you may be dealing with enlarged turbinates. These small, bony structures inside your nose play a major role in filtering and humidifying the air you breathe—but when they become swollen, they can disrupt airflow and affect your quality of life.

Turbinoplasty, or inferior turbinate reduction, is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide lasting relief when other treatments haven’t worked. Here’s how to know if you might be a candidate and what to expect.

What Are Turbinates & Why Do They Matter?

Turbinates are soft tissue-covered bones inside your nose that warm, filter, and humidify the air as you breathe. They help support healthy sinus function and protect your lungs from dryness, dust, and allergens. But when the turbinates, especially the inferior ones, become enlarged (a condition called turbinate hypertrophy), they can block airflow and cause persistent nasal congestion.

Causes & Symptoms of Enlarged Turbinates

What Causes Enlarged Turbinates?

Turbinates can swell for several reasons, including:

• Allergies and chronic inflammation
• Frequent or long-term use of nasal sprays
• Sinus infections or upper respiratory illnesses
• Structural anatomy or genetic predisposition

Over time, this swelling can become chronic, leading to symptoms that disrupt breathing and sleep.

Common Symptoms of Turbinate Hypertrophy

You may be dealing with enlarged turbinates if you experience:

• Ongoing nasal congestion that doesn’t improve
• Snoring or frequent sleep disruptions
• Mouth breathing, especially at night
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Potential signs of sleep apnea, like fatigue or gasping during sleep

If these symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter or prescription treatments, it may be time to consider a more permanent solution.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Turbinoplasty?

You might be a good candidate for turbinoplasty if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with enlarged inferior turbinates
• Your symptoms have lasted several months or longer
• Conservative treatments (like nasal sprays, antihistamines, or allergy meds) haven’t provided relief
• Your congestion or breathing problems interfere with daily activities or sleep

An ENT specialist can confirm whether turbinate reduction surgery is the right path forward.

What Is Turbinoplasty & How Does It Help?

Turbinoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the size of swollen turbinates while preserving their important function. During the procedure, Dr. Allen carefully reshapes or removes part of the enlarged tissue to improve airflow through your nasal passages.

This outpatient procedure typically takes less than an hour and involves minimal discomfort. Most patients can return to work or normal activities within a few days, with noticeable improvement in breathing soon after.

Is Turbinoplasty Right for You?

Don’t let nasal obstruction keep you from breathing, sleeping, and living well. If nasal obstruction, sleep disturbances, or chronic congestion affect your quality of life, it may be time to explore surgical options.

Dr. Shawn Allen is a board-certified ENT specialist with advanced training in nasal and sinus procedures, including turbinoplasty. He takes a personalized approach to every patient’s care, ensuring that treatment is both effective and minimally disruptive. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen to learn whether turbinoplasty is the right option for you.