Consisting of bone and soft tissue, the turbinates are located on the side wall of the interior of the nose. Turbinate hypertrophy is a condition when the inferior turbinates become enlarged as a result of allergies or other nasal issues.

Turbinate hypertrophy can result in the blockage of airflow resulting in the following symptoms:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Snoring
  • Chronic nosebleeds and/or sinus infections

Your physician will be able to properly diagnose the cause of these symptoms and whether that is cause is a result of enlarged turbinates. In the event that turbinate hypertrophy is the cause of these symptoms, several procedures may be utilized:

  • Turbinate reduction – The size of the turbinate is reduced in order to increase the space available for air flow.
  • Septoplasty – A turbinate reduction may be performed in conjuction with a septoplasty, where the cartilage and bone is straightened.

Other procedures such as cauterization, coblation, or partial resection may refer to other methods utilized to reduce the size of the turbinate.

All of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and can be addressed by the physicians at Murrieta Facial Plastic Surgery .