Treatment Overview
Turbinate hypertrophy reduction is a functional nasal surgery aimed at shrinking or repositioning enlarged turbinates (soft tissue structures inside the nose) that block airflow and cause chronic nasal congestion. The turbinates play an important role in warming, humidifying, and filtering the air we breathe. However, when they become enlarged due to allergies, chronic sinusitis, or structural issues, they can obstruct airflow, worsen snoring, and even contribute to sleep apnea.
In Korea, highly skilled ENT specialists and plastic surgeons perform turbinate reduction using advanced minimally invasive methods such as radiofrequency ablation, laser therapy, or partial resection. The goal is to restore comfortable breathing while preserving turbinate function for natural nasal physiology. For patients combining cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, turbinate reduction is often performed alongside septoplasty, nasal valve repair, or aesthetic nose reshaping.
Purpose & Benefits
- Relieves chronic nasal obstruction and congestion
- Improves airflow and breathing, especially during sleep and exercise
- Reduces snoring and sleep apnea symptoms caused by nasal blockage
- Enhances CPAP tolerance for patients with sleep apnea
- Improves nasal health, reducing sinus infections and allergies triggered by poor airflow
- Can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty for both functional and aesthetic results
Ideal Candidates
- Individuals suffering from chronic nasal congestion unresponsive to medication
- Patients with allergy-related or structural turbinate enlargement
- People experiencing snoring, mouth breathing, or sleep apnea due to blocked airflow
- Patients with recurrent sinus infections linked to poor nasal ventilation
- Those seeking functional rhinoplasty in Korea to improve both breathing and nose shape
Possible Risks & Complications
While turbinate reduction is safe and commonly performed in Korea, some risks may include:
- Temporary swelling, congestion, or mild bleeding
- Nasal dryness or crusting during recovery
- Rare risk of over-reduction leading to Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) (minimized by conservative techniques used in Korea)
- Possible recurrence of hypertrophy if allergies or sinus conditions persist
- In very rare cases, revision surgery may be needed for long-term stability
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean surgeons use precision-based techniques to preserve turbinate function while reducing size:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Minimally invasive energy-based shrinkage of turbinate tissue
- Laser Turbinate Reduction: Controlled tissue reduction with minimal bleeding
- Submucosal Resection: Partial removal of turbinate bone/tissue without damaging the mucosa
- Outfracture Technique: Repositioning turbinates outward to increase nasal airway space
- Combination with Septoplasty or Rhinoplasty: Often performed together for comprehensive airway correction
Recovery & Aftercare
- Downtime: 3–7 days for mild swelling and congestion to subside
- Nasal packing/splints: May be used for 1–2 days depending on technique
- Return to work: Usually within 1 week
- Breathing improvement: Noticeable within 2–3 weeks as swelling decreases
- Full healing: 1–3 months for stable nasal airflow
- Aftercare: Saline sprays recommended for moisture, avoid dust/smoke, and protect the nose from trauma during recovery
Results & Longevity
- Significant, long-lasting improvement in nasal breathing
- Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms when nasal obstruction is a major factor
- Fewer sinus infections and better allergy control
- Results typically last many years or permanently, though severe allergy sufferers may experience mild recurrence requiring medical management
Treatment Process in Korea
- Initial Consultation & Diagnostics – Endoscopy and CT scans to evaluate turbinate size, nasal structure, and airflow.
- Surgical Planning – Customized plan created (standalone turbinate surgery or combined with septoplasty/rhinoplasty).
- Surgery (30–90 minutes) – Performed under local or general anesthesia depending on complexity.
- Early Recovery (3–7 days) – Mild swelling, congestion, and temporary nasal packing if used.
- Follow-Up Care – Removal of splints/packing and monitoring of breathing improvements.
- Final Results (1–3 months) – Stable, natural airflow with preserved turbinate function.
Cost Range in Korea
The cost depends on the surgical method and whether it is performed alone or with functional/cosmetic rhinoplasty:
- Minimally Invasive (Radiofrequency / Laser):
₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 KRW ($1,900 – $3,000 USD) - Surgical Reduction with Septoplasty:
₩4,000,000 – ₩6,500,000 KRW ($3,000 – $4,900 USD) - Combined Functional & Cosmetic Rhinoplasty (including turbinate correction):
₩7,000,000 – ₩11,000,000 KRW ($5,300 – $8,400 USD)
Popular Clinics in Korea for Turbinate Reduction
- Seoul National University Hospital (ENT & Rhinoplasty Unit) – Leading center for airway correction surgeries
- Asan Medical Center – Specializes in functional ENT surgeries and sleep apnea improvement
- ID Hospital – Known for combined cosmetic + functional rhinoplasty including turbinate reduction
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Provides natural, safe airway correction with rhinoplasty options
- View Plastic Surgery – International-friendly clinic offering full patient care and aftercare services
