Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery can help to correct a condition called enlarged turbinates. Turbinates are long and thin bones that protrude out from the sides of the septum inside the nasal cavity. Turbinates appear as curled, small knobs on the ends.
Three types of turbinates are normally seen. The bones in the upper part of the nose (located between the nose and eyes) are known as superior turbinates.
Middle turbinates are located in the middle part of the nose, while inferior turbinates are place right atop the nostrils.
The nose surgeon will assess the patient’s nasal condition during the initial consultation to determine whether enlarged turbinates surgery may be suitable for them. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides advanced aesthetic procedures for the face, body and breast to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.
Turbinate Rhinoplasty
Turbinate rhinoplasty is designed to treat turbinates which are inflamed due to allergies or other irritants. Sometimes a turbinate can become constricted when the deviated septum pushes it to one side. This causes the opposite turbinate to become larger in order to compensate for the constricted turbinate. This can lead to further breathing issues.
Some surgeons may choose to treat enlarged turbinates by removing tissue to reduce their size while others may not remove any tissue. Rather, the surgeon may fracture the turbinate outwardly. The function of the turbinates is to produce moisture and warm the air that goes into the nose for healthy breathing.
At times, removing the turbinates could lead to a painful condition known as atrophic rhinitis. However, if the surgeon fractures the turbinate in the outward direction, away from the septum, and corrects its position, it will create a larger air passageway. This will enhance breathing and facilitate correct functioning of the turbinates.
Surgical Techniques
Various techniques can be applied to decrease the turbinate size. The surgery to improve the size of turbinates is known as turbinate resection or turbinate reduction.
The procedure can be performed in an operating facility or the surgeon’s office. The surgeon may decide to perform a septoplasty procedure and turbinate resection at the same time.
The surgeon will take care not to eliminate the turbinate entirely as this can impact the overall turbinate function. The full turbinate excision may cause a crusty and dry nose.
In some cases, the turbinate tissue could re-grow after the procedure, which will require further surgical intervention. Compared to a full turbinate removal, this may be a more acceptable option.
Some surgical techniques can decrease turbinate size without involving excision of the turbinate tissue or bone. Coblation, radiofrequency (RF) reduction, and cauterization are common techniques to attain this reduction.
These techniques will involve a part of the turbinate being warmed up with specialized instruments. The turbinate shrinks in some time because of the formation of scar tissue following the process of heating.
A part of the turbinate can be taken out with the help of certain procedures. While performing such procedures, the surgeon will take care to ensure that sufficient turbinate is left within the nose. The remaining portion of the turbinate can warm and humidify the air that enters the nose.
A procedure called submucosal resection is another standard technique to address enlarged turbinates. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia and nearby areas for various surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
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