Will A Turbinectomy Help With My Chronic Sinus Infections?

Among the most common complaints that lead patients to seek nasal surgery each year are snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic sinus infections. While there are a number of potential causes of these symptoms and conditions, oftentimes. they are related to enlarged turbinates. At VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified plastic surgeon and nasal surgery expert Dr. Christopher Khorsandi performs a complete range of nose surgeries, including turbinectomy, which can help patients breathe easier, sleep better, and get relief from recurrent sinus infections. Keep reading for more information on how a turbinectomy works and what results you can expect after surgery.

What are turbinates?

Turbinates are small structures within the nose that help to clean air that passes through the nostrils before it makes its way to the lungs. There are three sets of turbinates, though the inferior turbinates are typically associated with unwanted symptoms, like:

• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Nosebleeds
• Recurrent sinus infections

In some cases, isolated events, like exposure to allergens and other agents, can cause temporary swelling of the turbinates, while other men and women have chronically enlarged turbinates that interfere with normal airflow. For these patients, a turbinate resection can provide rapid and long-lasting relief.

How does a turbinectomy work?

In most cases, a turbinectomy involves partial removal or resection of the inferior turbinates, meaning the set of turbinates closest to the nostrils. Dr. Khorsandi typically uses a closed approach, meaning endoscopic instruments are used, and all of the incisions and sutures are contained within the nose. Using extreme precision, Dr. Khorsandi resects a portion of the bone and tissue structures of the turbinates, which allows for more appropriate airflow. After the procedure, patients can expect to have some amount of nasal congestion, swelling, and discharge for about 2 – 3 weeks. Once these symptoms resolve, patients should begin to notice a dramatic improvement in the symptoms caused by their once-enlarged turbinates.

Does a turbinate resection change the way your nose looks?

While turbinectomy is not considered a cosmetic procedure, it may lead to subtle changes in the appearance of your nose, particularly if your turbinates are significantly enlarged. Most often, patients notice a slight slimming of the nose, though this is typically imperceptible to others. For patients who do want to make changes to the shape or size of their noses while also getting relief from the symptoms of enlarged turbinates, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend a combination of traditional rhinoplasty plus turbinectomy.

During your initial consultation for a turbinate surgery in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Khorsandi will discuss your concerns and symptoms at length, explain all of your surgical options in detail, and recommend the most appropriate type of nasal surgery for you. When performed by a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the results of a turbinectomy can provide long-lasting relief from sinus infections without compromising your desired cosmetic appearance.

With an inferior turbinate resection in Las Vegas, NV, recurrent sinus infections may be history

Dealing with chronic sinus infections can be painful, disruptive, and discouraging. For many patients, an inferior turbinectomy provides rapid and long-lasting relief from the symptoms of recurrent sinus infections and more. To find out how turbinectomy may be beneficial for your nasal concerns, call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your private consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today.