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Turbinates of Nose Excision

What Is Nasal Turbinate Excision Surgery?

The turbinates are 3 ridges within the nasal passageway (nostrils) that help warm and moisten inhaled air.  When they become swollen, many doctors recommend removing them via turbinate excision surgery.  

In preparation for nasal turbinate surgery, the patient receives general anesthesia.  Making no cuts on the exterior of the nose, the surgeon removes the swollen tissue with a fine knife or laser from the inside of the nose.  This tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination to determine the cause of the swelling.  Nasal turbinate excision does not change the shape of the patient’s nose.   

Once the procedure is over, the surgeon inserts Vaseline-soaked gauze packs into the nose to stem any bleeding.  These packs have a tendency to make the eyes water, and some patients suffer from headaches.  The nurses remove the packs the day after the surgery, which reduces the swelling around the nose.  If no further bleeding is evident, the patient usually leaves the hospital 3 to 4 hours later.  The nose often feels slightly sore and uncomfortable after nasal turbinate excision surgery.  Doctor prescribed painkillers can relieve this discomfort once the patient returns home.  The nose should not be blown for 2 days after returning home, and thereafter, should only be done very gently.  Although patients are usually able to drive within 1 to 2 days of leaving the hospital, it takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks for the swelling in the nose to subside.  Most patients return to work approximately 2 weeks post surgery. Â