Inferior Turbinate Surgery

INFERIOR TURBINATE SURGERY

What Are the Inferior Turbinates?

The inferior turbinates are structures inside your nose that help filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe. When healthy, they play an important role in respiratory function. But when these tissues become chronically enlarged (hypertrophied) — due to allergies, infections, or structural issues — they can obstruct airflow and lead to persistent nasal congestion.

At Atkins Sinus in Montreal, we offer minimally invasive turbinate reduction procedures to restore proper nasal airflow and improve your breathing long term.

Why Would You Need Turbinate Surgery?

If medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants haven’t provided lasting relief, surgery may be recommended to reduce the size of the turbinates and create more space in your nasal passages.

Candidates for Turbinate Reduction Often Experience:

  • Chronic nasal blockage, especially at night or in the morning
  • Mouth breathing due to difficulty inhaling through the nose
  • Snoring or sleep disturbances
  • Nasal congestion not responding to medical therapy
  • Postnasal drip or constant throat clearing
  • Frequent sinus pressure or infections

Turbinate surgery is often performed alongside procedures like septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery to treat more complex nasal airflow issues.

Types of Inferior Turbinate Surgery

At Atkins Sinus, we offer several safe, effective options depending on your anatomy and symptoms.

Common Procedures Include:

  • Submucosal resection – Removes part of the turbinate tissue beneath the surface without damaging the outer mucosa
  • Radiofrequency reduction (RFA) – Shrinks turbinate tissue using controlled energy
  • Outfracture technique – Gently repositions the turbinates to widen the nasal airway
  • Combined approaches – May be used with septoplasty or sinus surgery for optimal results

All procedures are performed by our experienced ENT surgeons using minimally invasive techniques, often under local or general anesthesia.

INFERIOR TURBINATE SURGERY

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Inferior turbinate surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day.

Aftercare and Recovery:

  • Mild congestion or crusting is normal for 1–2 weeks
  • Saline nasal rinses and moisturizing sprays can speed healing
  • Most patients return to work or regular activity within a few days
  • Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and results

Our team will provide you with detailed post-op instructions and care to ensure the best possible outcome.

INFERIOR TURBINATE SURGERY

Benefits of Turbinate Reduction Surgery

When performed by an experienced ENT specialist, turbinate surgery can lead to life-changing improvements in nasal function and quality of life.

Key Benefits Include:

  • Easier breathing through the nose
  • Reduced dependence on nasal sprays or decongestants
  • Better sleep quality
  • Fewer sinus infections
  • Less postnasal drip and congestion

Ready to Breathe Easier?

If you’re dealing with chronic nasal congestion that isn’t improving with medications, inferior turbinate surgery may be the right solution. Our ENT experts at Atkins Sinus are here to help you breathe comfortably again.

Meet the team

Atkins Sinus Expert Care is committed to providing personalized care, cutting-edge equipment, and a level of experience you won't find elsewhere.

  • James Atkins, MD

    Sinus Specialist, Founder of Atkins Expert Sinus Care

  • James M. Ferris, PA

    Physician Assistant

Your first visit with us

  • Step 1

    Book your visit

    Book through our online patient portal and let us know some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.

  • Step 2

    Visit our office

    Dr. Atkins will review your symptoms at your visit and decide what diagnostic tests are needed to get to the root of your problem.

  • Step 3

    Care plan

    Once the diagnostic tests are done, Dr. Atkins will review them and make a plan of care for you. At that time, he will discuss whether you are a candidate for one of our procedures.

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