Does Turbinate Reduction Change the Shape of Your Nose?

Most of us take breathing freely for granted. However, for people who struggle with chronic nasal congestion, the simple act of breathing in and out can be challenging. 

One effective solution specialists often recommend is turbinate reduction surgery. This procedure shrinks your turbinates, tiny structures inside your nose responsible for warming and humidifying the air you breathe. 

When your turbinates swell, either because of an allergy or an infection, they can block airflow, causing discomfort and making it difficult for you to breathe. Aside from the typical concerns people have about surgeries, a common question patients considering this procedure ask is whether it will change the nose’s appearance. 

While the short answer is no, getting your turbinate reduction surgery with Dr. Mani Zadeh, a skilled and experienced board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist in Los Angeles, California, makes all the difference in getting the best results. 

Here, he explains what to expect from the surgery and the cosmetic impact on your nose.

Why would you need turbinate reduction?

Your turbinates are long, narrow bones and soft tissue in your nose. Everyone has three pairs, and the largest, the inferior turbinates, are typically susceptible to becoming swollen. 

Dr. Zadeh recommends turbinate reduction to ease chronic nasal congestion, persistent sinus infections, and allergies. By reducing the size of your turbinates, your nasal passages open up, improving airflow and making breathing easier.

What to expect from the procedure

We use either local or general anesthesia for the turbinate reduction. It’s typically an outpatient procedure, which means you get to go home on the same day. The most common methods include cauterization, where we use heat to shrink the tissue; resection, where we remove a portion of the turbinate; and submucous resection, where we remove some bone while keeping the overlying mucous membrane.

What to expect after surgery

Post-surgery, you may experience mild discomfort and swelling but don’t worry, they resolve within a few weeks. You can also return to your everyday routine within a few days after the procedure. 

In the long term, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your breathing and other pesky symptoms, such as snoring and nasal congestion at night. 

Does turbinate reduction change your nose’s shape?

The turbinate reduction generally does not change the external shape of the nose. The alteration is only internal and increases the space within your nasal passages. During the surgery, Dr. Zadeh targets only your turbinates and nothing else.

It’s normal to be concerned about any surgical procedure’s impact on your looks, especially when it involves your face. Talking with Dr. Zadeh about what to expect from the procedure and the best aftercare habits will keep you informed and ease your fears. 

Turbinate reduction is a safe and effective procedure that can improve your breathing without altering the appearance of your nose. If you need this surgery, choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon like Dr. Zadeh is crucial. His expertise in turbinate reductions ensures you get the best possible outcomes. Book an appointment online today or call 310-286-0123.