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turbinate reduction surgerySeasonal allergies can be difficult for almost anyone. Dust, pollen, and other irritants can cause congestion, sneeze, and coughing. The nose either feels stuffed up or is a constant source of running mucus. However, for some people, this does not go away with a change in the seasons. They are congested all the time, and activities such as flying in airplanes or swimming can cause them a great deal of discomfort. They may even have difficulty breathing properly, or snore at night, which can interfere with the sleep cycle. Such patients may feel no relief, as conventional medications often are not enough to alleviate the problem. However, turbinate reduction surgery may be the answer these patients are seeking. Reducing the turbinates will increase the airflow, thus eliminating or reducing many symptoms.

What Are the Turbinates

Turbinates are wing-like, bony, shelved structures inside the nasal cavity. There are three pairs of turbinates: Inferior, middle, and superior. The middle turbinate leads to the nostrils and the outer structures of the nose. Along with the sinuses and the septum, the turbinates regulate the breathing process. The turbinates are lined with vascular tissue. If this tissue becomes thick or swollen, it becomes more difficult to breathe due to allergies or infection, which can lead to congestion and other problems.

Turbinate Surgery

There are three main ways to reduce turbinates.

  • Somnoplasty or Coblation: This procedure can be done in the doctor’s office. A thin probe or needle is inserted into the nose to vaporize or cauterize the turbinates’ enlarged blood vessels. As the resulting scar tissue heals, it will pull tight the turbinates’ soft tissue, thereby opening up more space.
  • Submucous resection: In this surgical procedure, a thin rod with a rotating blade is used to remove some of the turbinates’ mucous linings to open them up. In some cases, a small section of bone is also removed.
  • Septoplasty: In a more aggressive surgical procedure, portions of the turbinate are modified, shrunk, or completely removed. The easiest way to do this is by removing the lower turbinate.

Risks and Side Effects

There is generally little pain associated with turbinate reduction surgery. If extensive work is needed, such as with a septoplasty, there may be some pain in the days after surgery. There will be bleeding and swelling following the surgery, but these should subside within the first week or two after surgery. Dr. Vincent Marin may schedule follow-up visits to remove some of the excess mucus using a small vacuum tube.

Insurance Coverage for Turbinate Reduction

Unlike elective cosmetic surgical procedures, the turbinate reduction should be covered by medical insurance. The procedure is meant to fix an existing functional problem that causes difficulty breathing. Dr. Marin’s office is more than happy to assist patients with any necessary paperwork, as well as with filing the claim.

There is no reason to suffer through another allergy season. Turbinate reduction surgery may provide patients with the relief they need. Contact Marin Aesthetics to find out if you are the right candidate for treatment.

*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.

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TO OUR MARIN AESTHETICS PATIENTS:

In light of the state wide restrictions on non-essential businesses to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are rescheduling all of our elective appointments until the global circumstances improve. Our necessary post-operative appointments will be made, as needed, to address immediate surgical concerns such as suture removal and acute postoperative issues. All non-acute follow up appointments, fillers and Botox will need to be postponed until after the quarantine period mid April. Our office will reach out to all patients who need to be rescheduled.

We will be offering new patient virtual consultations online and via Skype that can be scheduled through our website or by emailing info@marinaesthetics.com. Also, we will offer follow-up appointments in the same manner to help manage our patients’ concerns while still respecting the need for social distancing.

We appreciate all of your understanding during these difficult times for all of us.

Stay safe,

Dr. Main and the Marin Aesthetics Team