Turbinate Reduction

Inside the nose are bones called turbinates that are responsible for cleaning and humidifying the air before it moves into your lungs.

When these bones swell, they can block airflow and create breathing difficulties. A turbinate reduction with Dr. Lee is designed to correct this issue and permanently improve your breathing.

Why is a turbinate reduction necessary?

When turbinates are chronically swollen, the condition is called turbinate hypertrophy, which is the most common cause of nasal airway obstruction in individuals between 20 and 60 years of age. When the turbinates are enlarged, they result in problems breathing through the nose, snoring, facial pain, chronic sinus infections, and nasal congestion, among other things. To offer a definitive diagnosis of turbinate hypertrophy, Dr. Lee will evaluate your symptoms and perform a full nasal examination. In some cases, she will also use a nasal endoscopy to visually evaluate the inside of your nose and sinuses, allowing her to confirm the presence of swollen and enlarged turbinates.

If it is determined that your turbinate hypertrophy is caused by structural issues inside the nose or a deviated septum, surgery to address the underlying problem is typically necessary. In this case, a turbinate reduction, also known as turbinoplasty, will resize and open up the nasal airways, offering you profound relief from your symptoms.

An Overview of Turbinate Reduction

To perform among the best turbinate reduction Beverly Hills has to offer, Dr. Lee will begin by administering either local anesthesia or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. During your initial consultation, she will provide you with the risks and benefits of each option, and help you select the one that is in your best interest. In many cases, Dr. Lee will perform a turbinate reduction and a deviated septum at the same time, as these conditions typically occur simultaneously. To begin, she will use an ultra thin instrument with a camera and a light attached to the end (an endoscope), to visualize the structures inside the nose. She will then make a small incision in the lining of the turbinate, before removing a minute piece of bone to resolve the condition and restore normal breathing. If a septoplasty to correct your deviated septum is also being performed, Dr. Lee will make another incision inside the nostril and lift the tissue that covers the septum.

Through that opening, she will shift the deviated septum so it is positioned normally, as well as remove any pieces of bone or cartilage that may be contributing to your condition. As she specializes in cartilage sparing techniques, Dr. Lee will remove the smallest amount of cartilage possible to achieve an optimal outcome and preserve your ability to undergo a cosmetic rhinoplasty in the future.

Once both your deviated septum and turbinate reduction have been performed, she will place stitches to support the structures and insert bandages inside your nose to prevent post-operative bleeding and ensure a smooth healing process. Once you’ve healed from surgery, you can expect a vast improvement in the symptoms associated with your enlarged turbinates and deviated septum. For example, your breathing will be easier, pain will dissipate and your headaches, nosebleeds, postnasal drip, snoring and more will subside.

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kimberly J. Lee today

If you’re suffering from chronic breathing difficulties associated with swollen and enlarged turbinates, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee today for among the best turbinate reduction Los Angeles has to offer. During your meeting, she will provide a full physical examination and obtain detailed information about your symptoms, as well as compose a custom treatment plan designed to correct this structural abnormality, achieving long-lasting and profound symptom relief.

What to expect during recovery

For the first few days after your turbinate reduction, you can expect some pain and swelling in the area, though it will be manageable by elevating your head, avoiding irritation to the nose, and taking your prescribed pain medication as directed. You will also be advised to avoid participating in strenuous activity and blowing your nose to prevent complications from occurring. In most cases, you will be able to resume work and your normal daily routine within one week, though Dr. Lee will provide you with personalized guidance during your post-operative appointments.

Insurance Disclaimer

Insurance In some cases, a patient’s procedure is medically necessary and therefore covered by insurance. Provided you have given us your insurance information, we will happily file a claim to help get the coverage you deserve. Due to our electronic filing process, your insurance will receive your claim within only days of treatment. However, if your insurance does not pay within 30 days, you will be responsible for the balance on your account.

While we file your medical insurance, we do not have a contract with your insurance nor are we responsible for your insurance company’s response to the claim. Our primary responsibility lies in estimating your cost of treatment, and we do not guarantee that your insurance will provide coverage. Further, we are not responsible for errors incurred during the filing process.

Please ensure our information is up to date regarding your insurance policy. This information includes insurance company address, policy name, and change of employment.