Is turbinate reduction surgery painful?

The surgery may be done through a lighted camera (endoscope) that is placed into the nose. You may have general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, so you are asleep and pain-free during surgery.

What is the recovery time for turbinate reduction?

For less invasive turbinate reductions, recovery is usually quick and not very painful. In about three weeks, the new scar tissue in your nose should be completely healed. For the more invasive type of turbinate reduction surgery, recovery takes three to six months.

What is the success rate of turbinate reduction surgery?

At 1 month postoperatively the overall success rate, as defined by patient satisfaction, was 82%, but this declined steadily with time to 60% at 3 months, 54% at 1 year and 41% at 1-16 years. There was no significant difference found in the success rates between methods of turbinate reduction used.

What is a nasal turbinate reduction?

Turbinate surgery, or inferior turbinate reduction, is a procedure where the inferior nasal turbinates are examined and reduced in size to provide improved nasal airflow. Surgery is typically performed through the nostrils on both sides of the nose.

How long will my nose bleed after turbinate reduction?

What to Expect After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Bleeding: It is normal to have some bloody discharge for the first 3-5 days after sinus surgery, especially after you irrigate your sinuses. If steady bleeding occurs after surgery, tilt your head back slightly and breathe through your nose gently.

Can you sneeze after sinus surgery?

Do not blow your nose for 1 week after surgery. Do not put anything into your nose. If you must sneeze, open your mouth and sneeze naturally. After any packing is removed, use saline (saltwater) nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and wash out mucus and bacteria.

Is turbinate reduction surgery covered by insurance?

Does Insurance Cover Turbinate Surgery? The answer is – yes. In most cases where the diagnosis of inferior turbinate enlargement or hypertrophy has been made and the patient has not responded ideally to use of topical nasal medications, health insurance should cover the surgery.

How long does congestion last after sinus surgery?

Nasal congestion and discharge: You will have nasal congestion and discharge for the first few weeks after surgery. Your nasal passage and breathing should return to normal 2-3 weeks after surgery.

How should I sleep after sinus surgery?

Raise your head with three or four pillows. This can reduce swelling. Try to sleep on your back during the month after surgery. You can also sleep in a reclining chair.

What to do before a sinus surgery?

Preoperative prescriptions: Prior to surgery your doctor will most likely prescribe several medications that help reduce inflammation.

  • Preoperative physical: Your surgeon will require you to get medical clearance from your primary care physician before surgery.
  • Smoking: Smoking can severely affect the outcome of your sinus surgery.
  • What is the healing time after a sinus surgery?

    The surgery may take several hours. After sinus surgery, most people can go home accompanied by a friend or relative. Rest with the head elevated is along with an icepack wrapped in a towel to stop any bleeding that commonly occurs. Recovery may take about 3 to 5 days.

    How bad is sinus surgery?

    This helps clear the passageway so your sinuses can drain better and you won’t be so congested. The risks from these procedures are few. The most common are tissue injury and infection. More serious problems, such as injury to the brain or eyes, are rare. As with any procedure, you should talk with your doctor first about the risks and benefits.

    When should you consider sinus surgery?

    Sinus surgery will only be recommended if you have chronic or recurring problems that haven’t responded to the other treatment options and there is a good chance of success. Surgery can help if there are blockages, polyps or other abnormalities in your nose or sinuses that can be removed.