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Turbinate Reduction in Houston

our treatments

Turbinate Reduction in Houston

Kaplan Sinus Relief provides in-office turbinate reduction in Houston

Board Certified medical doctor Michael Kaplan, MD, and founding sinus specialist of Kaplan Sinus Relief, offers his patients in-office turbinate reduction in Houston — a type of minimally invasive sinus surgery that reduces enlarged turbinates. Because many patients are unfamiliar with turbinates and their functions, they may not be aware that enlarged turbinates are the cause of their sinus congestion or other sinus-related problems.

What are nasal turbinates?

Turbinates are long and narrow bone shelves that protrude into the breathing passage of the nose near the septum. Their function is to clean and humidify air as it travels through your nose filtering dirt, pollen, dust, and other irritants before they enter your lungs.

There are three turbinates in each nostril, but the inferior turbinate (the largest) affects airflow through the nose the most — if this turbinate were to become enlarged, it could cause nasal obstruction, resulting in congestion, sinus infections, and other problems.

How do I know if I need turbinate reduction?

If you find yourself thinking, “It’s hard to breathe through my nose,” you could be experiencing nasal obstruction caused by enlarged turbinates. So, how does this happen?

Sometimes allergies, or other sinus-related circumstances, can cause the turbinates — most likely the inferior turbinate — to become enlarged. Once this happens, the turbinates can obstruct your breathing and cause any of the following symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:

  • Sneezing
  • Congestion
  • Headaches
  • Sleep apnea
  • Frequent sinus infections
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose

If you notice any of the following symptoms and medications are not providing you with chronic sinusitis relief, turbinate reduction in Houston may be the answer for you.

What to expect during a turbinate reduction procedure

Can chronic sinusitis be cured? Sinus surgeries like turbinate reduction can help to open up the nasal airway and restore proper breathing and relief from sinusitis-related symptoms. Here is what to expect before, during, and after a turbinate reduction at Kaplan Sinus Relief.

Before

In your initial consultation, Dr. Kaplan will ask you questions about your health history before doing an in-depth examination of your sinuses to see if you are dealing with enlarged turbinates. If he decides that a turbinate reduction is necessary, he will give you instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. This can include refraining from certain medications and not eating or drinking for a set time before the procedure.

During

What makes the turbinate reduction procedure different at Kaplan Sinus Relief is that it is performed as an in-office procedure — meaning, you do not have to relocate to a different facility just for your surgery. Once you’re in our operating room, Dr. Kaplan can offer you Intravenous (IV) sedation which is great for patients who experience high anxiety and provides a more comfortable, relaxing experience.

A small incision will be made in the lining of the enlarged turbinate and a small amount of bone is removed or displaced outwards to open the nasal airway, restoring your breathing. Our in-office turbinate reduction in Houston is quick (about 10 minutes), minimally invasive, nearly painless, and repairs the functionality of the turbinates to bring you comfort and relief as a long-term solution.

After

There are little to no side effects that occur after turbinate reduction surgery. Dr. Kaplan will give you clear instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure which could include pain medications if needed. It would be wise to take at least a day or two to rest after the procedure and avoid any strenuous activity. You may experience some swelling or discomfort and crust on the nose for a few days after, but saline solutions and antibiotic ointments should be able to help with that as you heal.

If you find that these symptoms do not resolve in the next few days, schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Kaplan.

What to expect during a turbinate reduction procedure

Dr. Kaplan provides in-office turbinate reduction in Houston that is quick, minimally invasive, and nearly painless. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that cannot be cured with traditional medications, a turbinate reduction may be the best solution.

Better breathing begins at Kaplan Sinus Relief. Request a consultation with Dr. Kaplan or schedule an appointment today for a long-term solution to your sinus problems.

Location

4101 Greenbriar Street, Suite 320

Houston, TX 77098