Turbinate Reduction
in San Francisco
Home | Functional & Breathing Solutions | Turbine Reduction®
Targeted Treatment
for Chronic Nasal Congestion
Turbinate reduction is a procedure designed to improve nasal airflow by reducing enlargement of the inferior turbinates — soft tissue structures inside the nose that regulate airflow and humidification. When turbinates become chronically enlarged, they can obstruct breathing even when the septum is straight.
At Aesthetic Surgery Center: Michael R. Macdonald, M.D., turbinate reduction in San Francisco is performed following a comprehensive structural nasal evaluation to ensure the correct cause of obstruction is addressed.
What Are Turbinates?
Turbinates are normal structures inside the nasal passages that:
- Humidify inhaled air
- Filter airborne particles
- Regulate airflow
When turbinates become enlarged (a condition known as turbinate hypertrophy), they can block airflow and cause persistent nasal congestion.
What Causes Turbinate Hypertrophy?
Turbinate enlargement may result from:
- Chronic inflammation
- Allergies
- Environmental irritants
- Long-term nasal spray use
- Structural nasal imbalance
In many patients, turbinate hypertrophy coexists with septal deviation or nasal valve collapse.
What Turbinate Reduction Improves
Turbinate reduction in San Francisco may improve:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring related to obstruction
- Sleep disruption caused by nasal blockage
By reducing tissue bulk while preserving function, airflow is improved without compromising nasal physiology.
Why Choose Dr. Michael R. Macdonald for Turbinate Reduction
Accurate diagnosis is essential. Treating septal deviation alone will not resolve congestion if turbinate hypertrophy is present.
As a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in San Francisco, Dr. Macdonald evaluates:
• Septal alignment
• Turbinate size
• Nasal valve stability
• Rhinitis symptoms
Treatment planning may involve turbinate reduction alone or in combination with septoplasty or other structural procedures.
Is Turbinate Reduction Right for You?
You may be a candidate for turbinate reduction if you:
- Have chronic nasal congestion
- Do not respond to medications
- Experience persistent blockage without infection
- Have confirmed turbinate hypertrophy on exam
A consultation determines whether tissue reduction is appropriate or if another structural issue is contributing.
The Turbinate Reduction Procedure
During Procedure
Turbinate reduction is typically performed under anesthesia in a controlled setting. Techniques vary depending on anatomy but are designed to:
- Reduce excess turbinate tissue
- Preserve mucosal function
- Maintain nasal humidification
- Improve long-term airflow
The goal is conservative tissue reduction rather than aggressive removal.
Recovery After Turbinate Reduction
Most patients experience:
- Temporary congestion
- Mild swelling
- Gradual breathing improvement over several weeks
Return to light activity typically occurs within about 1–2 weeks, depending on whether additional procedures were performed.
How Long Do Results Last?
When turbinate hypertrophy is structural and persistent, reduction offers long-term improvement. Ongoing allergy management may still be recommended in allergic patients.
Turbinate Reduction vs. Septoplasty vs. LATERA vs. ClariFix
Each treatment addresses a different cause of obstruction:
- Septoplasty corrects septal deviation.
- LATERA reinforces nasal valve collapse.
- ClariFix reduces nerve-driven nasal drainage.
- Turbinate reduction decreases tissue bulk blocking airflow.
Proper diagnosis ensures the correct structural problem is treated.
Safety and Structural Planning
Preserving nasal function is critical. Over-resection of turbinates can cause dryness or airflow imbalance.
Choosing an experienced San Francisco turbinate reduction specialist improves both safety and long-term breathing quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turbinate Reduction in San Francisco
Below are answers to common questions about turbinate reduction surgery for nasal obstruction.
What is turbinate reduction?
Turbinate reduction is a procedure that decreases enlargement of the inferior turbinates to improve nasal airflow.
What causes enlarged turbinates?
Turbinates may enlarge due to chronic inflammation, allergies, environmental irritants, or structural nasal imbalance.
Who is a good candidate for turbinate reduction?
Good candidates have chronic nasal congestion caused by turbinate hypertrophy that does not improve with medication.
How long is recovery after turbinate reduction?
Most patients experience temporary congestion and return to light activity within 1–2 weeks.
Are turbinate reduction results permanent?
Results are typically long-lasting when hypertrophy is structural. Allergy management may still be necessary in some patients.
Can turbinate reduction be combined with septoplasty?
Yes. Turbinate reduction is often combined with septoplasty when both septal deviation and tissue enlargement contribute to obstruction.
Is turbinate reduction painful?
Postoperative discomfort is usually mild and manageable, with gradual improvement in breathing during recovery.
Improve Chronic Nasal Congestion
If persistent nasal blockage has not improved with medication, a structural evaluation can determine whether turbinate reduction is right for you.
Let us help you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence and ease.