Turbinate Reduction

At your initial consultation, your ENT specialist will take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, and examine the inside of your nose using a nasal endoscope. This helps determine whether turbinate reduction is the right treatment, and which technique is most appropriate.

Your procedure will take place in our ENT clinic as a day-case treatment. When you arrive, you’ll be shown to a comfortable outpatient room where your specialist will explain each step and answer any final questions before starting the procedure.

Most turbinate reduction procedures are performed using a local anaesthetic. Your specialist will apply a numbing spray inside the nose to ensure the area is comfortable. 

Once your nose is numb, your surgeon will insert a small probe into the nose to shrink the soft tissue using radio or laser energy (radiofrequency or laser ablation). This preserves the natural function of the turbinates while improving space for airflow.

The procedure typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes. Once the treatment is complete, you’ll be able to rest in the clinic before going home the same day. 

If the inflammation is more severe, your surgeon may need to remove tissue from inside the turbinate (microdebrider submucosal resection) or cut away tissue from the turbinate itself (partial resection) under a general anaesthetic. If a general anaesthetic is needed, your surgery will be performed in our Surgery Centre as a day-case procedure. Your consultant will let you know at your initial consultation if this is necessary.

Turbinate reduction is a common and safe procedure, but as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks. Your specialist will explain these to you beforehand so you can decide if surgery is the right choice for you. 

Possible risks include:

• mild bleeding

• nasal congestion caused by crusting

• temporary dryness in the nose

• infection, which is uncommon

• need for further treatment if symptoms return

In very rare cases, there’s a risk of over-reduction of tissue, which may affect nasal airflow.

Before your procedure, your ENT specialist will advise you how to prepare. 

This may include:

• avoiding nasal sprays on the day of treatment

• stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners

• managing allergies 

• arranging transport if you’re having sedation or a general anaesthetic

Recovery from turbinate reduction is usually straightforward. Many people return to work the same day or the following day, especially after procedures performed under local anaesthetic.

You may notice mild congestion, crusting, or a feeling of fullness in the nose for 2 to 3 weeks as the tissue heals. Using a saline spray can help clear the nose and support comfortable breathing. Your specialist will advise whether a short course of nasal sprays or antibiotics is needed after treatment.

If your procedure involved tissue removal under general anaesthetic, you may experience more swelling or mild bleeding in the first few days. Most people resume normal activities within a week, depending on the complexity of their surgery.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and environments with dust or smoke until your specialist confirms it’s safe. Blowing your nose should also be avoided for several days to prevent irritation. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to check how your nose is healing and that your symptoms are improving as expected.

Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our ENT surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a turbinate reduction, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.