A lack of turbinate tissue may cause the nasal cavity to become very dry and crusty. In some cases, a reduced turbinate may regrow, requiring a repeat surgery to reduce their size. In most cases, turbinate reductions are successful at opening the airways and making breathing easier.

Can you live without turbinates?

As the turbinates serve as a functional entity within the nose, they ensure climatisation, humidification and cleaning of the inhaled air. Thus free nasal breathing means a decent quality of life, as well.

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.