What is Turbinate Surgery?
Turbinate surgery is a procedure that aims to surgically correct structures called turbinates, which are located in the nose and have functions related to the airway. Turbinates can be defined as bubbles on the surface of bony or fleshy structures in the nose. Normally, they play an important role in regulating and moisturizing airflow in the nose. However, in some cases, abnormal growth or swelling of the turbinates can cause nasal congestion, snoring problems and breathing difficulties.
The main purpose of turbinate surgery is to eliminate nasal congestion and correct airflow in the nose. During this procedure, the turbinates can be reduced in size, changed in shape or partially removed if necessary. In this way, a wider airway is created in the nose and respiratory problems are eliminated.
Turbinate surgery is usually a treatment option considered for patients presenting with problems such as chronic nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea and sinusitis. Surgery is performed to improve nasal functions, improve sleep quality and reduce respiratory problems. However, the appropriate treatment method and surgical requirements for each patient may vary depending on the individual condition and severity of symptoms. For this reason, a detailed evaluation and recommendation of specialist Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU are required before the concha surgery.
Turbinate Surgery Recovery Time
The recovery process of turbinate surgery may vary depending on the person’s general health status, the complexity of the surgery, and individual factors. However, the recovery process after turbinate surgery generally includes the following stages:
First Week:
In the first days after surgery, there may be swelling, bleeding, and mild pain in the nose.
The tampons or splints placed in the nose can be removed within the first few days.
There is no bruising or swelling around the nose.
Rest is recommended during the first week and physical activities are limited.
Painkillers and nasal sprays prescribed by the doctor can be used.
First Month:
The healing process in the nose continues and it may take time for the nasal tissues to return to normal.
Nasal congestion decreases and breathing improves.
Gentle nasal cleaning and regular use of nasal sprays recommended by the doctor are important to accelerate the recovery process.
It is recommended to avoid intense physical activities and do gentle exercises.
First 3 Months:
The healing process in the nose is completed from the first months onwards and swelling decreases to a great extent.
Breathing improves and nasal congestion problem disappears.
In concha surgeries performed together with rhinoplasty surgery, the shape and symmetry of the nose become more apparent with the healing process.
The full healing process can take up to 3 months.
Things to Consider:
- It is important to use the medications and nasal sprays recommended by the doctor regularly.
- It is expected that the crusts in the nose will naturally disappear, and the nose should be cleaned gently during this process.
- It is necessary to limit physical activities for the period determined by the doctor.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol and using some blood thinners can negatively affect the healing process, so the doctor’s recommendations should be followed.
- It is important to consult a doctor in case of any concerns or complications during the healing process.
On average, the full healing period of concha surgery can vary between 1-6 months. The healing process may be different for each patient, so it is important to follow the instructions of Operator Dr. Sinan EROĞLU and to have regular check-ups.
Pain of Turbinate Surgery
There may be mild to moderate pain after turbinate surgery. However, since each patient’s pain threshold is different, the pain experience may vary from person to person. Here are some important points about turbinate surgery pain and the treatment options used for pain management:
Causes of Post-Operative Pain:
Due to the surgical incisions and manipulations made during the surgery, some tissues may become irritated and sensitive.
Swelling and bleeding inside the nose may cause pain.
Discomfort and pain may occur during the placement or removal of tampons.
Pain Management and Treatment Options:
Painkillers prescribed by the doctor can be used to relieve pain. This is usually enough to control the pain and provide relief.
Nasal sprays or intranasal humidifiers recommended by the doctor can be used. These can relieve pain by reducing dryness in the nose.
Rest and getting enough sleep can support the healing process and reduce pain.
Gentle nasal cleaning as recommended by the doctor can reduce pain by reducing crusting and irritation in the nose.
Pain can usually be felt intensely in the first few days after surgery and decreases over time. Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU will give you detailed instructions on post-operative pain management. It is important to use the prescribed medications for pain control regularly and to stay in contact with Operator Dr. Sinan EROĞLU. If the pain becomes severe and unmanageable or increases with other symptoms, you should contact Operator Dr. Sinan EROĞLU immediately.
Pain of Turbinate Surgery
The pain experience after turbinate surgery may vary from person to person. However, mild to moderate pain is usually experienced after turbinate surgery. The complexity of the surgery, the patient’s pain threshold, and factors in the healing process can affect the severity of pain. Here are the details about turbinate surgery pain management and treatment options:
Medical Pain Management:
Your doctor may recommend painkillers to control post-operative pain.
It is important to use painkillers regularly according to your doctor’s instructions. They may need to be used for a certain period of time or as needed.
It is important to continue taking painkillers at the doses recommended by your doctor to relieve pain.
Topical Pain Management:
Your doctor may recommend nasal sprays or drops to reduce swelling and pain in the nose after surgery. These sprays usually contain corticosteroids or anesthetic drugs.
Topical sprays or drops can help reduce irritation in the nose and relieve pain.
Cold Pack Application:
Applying a cold pack to the nose area in the first days after surgery can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
For this, you can wrap an ice pack in a cloth and gently apply it to the nose area. However, you should avoid direct contact with the ice.
Rest and Adequate Sleep:
Rest and adequate sleep during the recovery process can reduce pain by supporting the body’s healing process.
Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU will give you specific instructions for post-operative pain management. The severity of pain, the methods used, and the duration of treatment may vary from patient to patient. If any pain or discomfort becomes severe or increases with other symptoms during the recovery process, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. Surgeon Dr. Sinan EROĞLU will provide you with the most appropriate pain management plan.
What Happens If Turbinate Is Not Treated?
The concha is a structure located inside the nose and in some cases it can grow in a condition called concha hypertrophy. Concha hypertrophy can cause swelling of the concha and nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, sleep disorders and other symptoms. The importance of concha treatment and the problems that can occur if it is neglected are as follows:
Constant Nasal Congestion: Concha hypertrophy can cause constant nasal congestion by blocking the air passage of the nose. This can make breathing difficult and negatively affect the overall quality of life.
Sleep Disorders: Concha hypertrophy can affect breathing during sleep and cause sleep disorders. Problems such as snoring, sleep apnea and interruptions in breathing during sleep can occur. This reduces the quality of sleep and can lead to feeling sleepy and tired during the day.
Sinusitis and Complications Related to Sinusitis: Concha hypertrophy can cause nasal congestion and obstruction of the normal flow of nasal secretions. This can increase the susceptibility of the sinuses to infections, sinusitis, and other sinusitis-related complications.
Hearing Problems: Turbinate hypertrophy can affect the connection between the middle ear and the nose. In this case, symptoms such as hearing problems, ear fullness, and a feeling of pressure in the ear can occur.
It is important to treat turbinate hypertrophy. If left untreated, the problems mentioned above can progress and negatively affect quality of life. Possible complications of turbinate treatment may include:
Surgery Risks: Surgery may be required for turbinate hypertrophy. Surgery, like any surgical procedure, includes the risks of general anesthesia, risk of infection, bleeding, and other surgery-related complications.
Healing Process: The healing process after turbinate surgery can cause discomfort and pain in some people. There may be restrictions on work or daily activities, and full recovery may take several weeks.
Post-Treatment Effectiveness: After turbinate treatment, certain treatments and medications may be required to prevent growth and reduce symptoms. This may require regular follow-up appointments, medication, or the continued use of certain treatment procedures.
Turbinate treatment is important to relieve symptoms, relieve nasal congestion, and improve quality of life. Therefore, if turbinate hypertrophy is suspected, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist and evaluate appropriate treatment options.
Is Turbinate Surgery General Anesthesia?
Turbinate surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia is an anesthesia method that causes the patient to lose consciousness and not feel pain during the surgery. However, in some cases, local anesthesia or sedation may also be used. Here are the anesthesia methods used in turbinate surgery and the differences between them:
General Anesthesia:
- Turbinate surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
- General anesthesia causes the patient to lose consciousness, not feel pain, and make the muscles uncontrollable.
- It is applied by an anesthesiologist and breathing, heartbeat, and other vital functions are closely monitored.
- The aim is for the patient not to be awakened and not to feel pain during the surgery.
Local Anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia is an anesthesia method that numbs only a certain area of the surgery.
- In some cases, local anesthesia is used in turbinate surgery.
- Local anesthesia is provided by injecting a numbing drug into the surgery area or applying it topically.
- The patient remains conscious under local anesthesia, but does not feel pain.
Sedation:
- Sedation is an anesthesia method in which the patient is relaxed with sedative drugs.
- Sedation is usually not used alone in turbinate surgery, but in some cases it can be applied in addition to local anesthesia.
- Sedation allows the patient to be comfortable and calm, but does not require them to lose consciousness.
- Patients under sedation usually do not feel pain during surgery.
General anesthesia is the most commonly used anesthesia method in turbinate surgery. This method allows the surgery to be performed more comfortably and safely. Local anesthesia or sedation may be preferred in some cases, but is usually used for smaller procedures or specific patient conditions. Anesthesia methods can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, the patient’s health status, and the preferences of the surgical team. Therefore, it is important to consult with the doctor performing the surgery and the anesthesiologist to decide which anesthesia method will be used.
Duration of Turbinate Surgery
The duration of turbinate surgery can vary depending on many factors. Turbinate surgery usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. However, there are several factors that affect the duration of surgery:
Surgery Method: Turbinate surgery can be performed with different techniques. Methods such as turbinate radiofrequency ablation (RFA), turbinate laser ablation, or submucosal resection can be used. The duration of surgery for each of these techniques may be slightly different.
Severity of Turbinate Hypertrophy: The severity of turbinate hypertrophy can affect the duration of surgery. Surgery may take longer in patients with larger and more pronounced turbinate hypertrophy.
Surgery Team and Experience: The experience and skills of the surgical team can affect the duration of surgery. An experienced surgeon and team can perform the surgery more quickly and effectively.
Complications and Additional Procedures: In some cases, complications or additional procedures may be required. For example, additional procedures such as sinusitis or nasal septum correction may be performed together with turbinate surgery. In this case, the duration of surgery may be longer.
The general stages of turbinate surgery include:
Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia or local anesthesia/sedation methods can be used.
Preparation of the Surgical Area: The inside of the nose is prepared in a sterile manner and decongestant medications can be used to widen the nasal passages if necessary.
Turbinate Reduction: The surgeon uses the appropriate technique to reduce turbinate hypertrophy. This procedure may involve partial removal of turbinate tissue.
Bleeding Control: Bleeding is controlled and if necessary, tampons or stitches can be placed inside the nose.
Recovery and Follow-up: The recovery process begins after the surgery. While the patient’s nasal swelling and congestion decrease, full recovery may take several weeks. Your doctor will monitor your recovery process by scheduling regular check-ups and follow-up appointments.
The duration of the surgery may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the surgery. Therefore, meeting with the Surgeon who will perform the surgery, Dr. Sinan EROĞLU, will provide a better understanding of your expectations and the process.