Conchotomy - nasal turbinate reduction

Surgical conchotomy is performed under general anesthesia. In this procedure, the inferior turbinate is incised inside the nose to access the underlying bone tissue. Special instruments are then used by our experienced surgeons for optimal removal of the bony tissue to give more space to the soft tissues of the turbinate. In the overall picture, the turbinate is thereby reduced in size. The soft tissue is then placed back in place, where it heals within a few days without the need for sutures.

If there is only a slight or clearly limited enlargement of the turbinates, reduction can be performed using laser technology. Depending on individual requirements, a special laser is guided along the lower edge of the turbinate under local anesthesia or under anesthesia. This obliterates part of the mucous membranes. The healing process causes the tissue mass to shrink further, leaving a reduced surface area of the turbinate that allows air to pass more easily.

If you would like to have a rhinoplasty performed in addition to the conchotomy, this will be considered in the treatment plan during your initial consultation with your doctor and, if possible, the procedures will be combined into one rhinoplasty. Depending on the situation at hand, the doctor will then perform the conchotomy first before starting to correct the shape and/or size of the nose, or vice versa.

This can reduce the number of surgeries needed and allow your body to recover more quickly and easily from the rigors, while you can look forward to your new nose and improved nasal function from the conchotomy.

Nasal turbinate reduction is suitable for all patients who hope that nasal surgery will improve nasal breathing. This is the case, for example, when

• anatomical peculiarities require a reduction of the nasal concha,
• chronic infections are based on nasal dysfunction,
• there is an enlargement of the bony part of the turbinate or
• Changes in the soft tissue of the nose make nasal breathing difficult.

If the patient suffers from the nasal problems, the conchotomy can be the first step in improving nasal breathing.

Patients should not have any infections before the procedure, otherwise a conchotomy cannot be performed. In addition, the patient’s general health should be suitable to withstand a turbinate reduction surgery well and should have reached the age of 18 to ensure sufficient maturation of the nose. Exceptions must be permitted in Turkey, as in Germany, by the personal consent of the legal representatives if the patient is younger. Any blood thinning medications taken should be discontinued briefly in consultation with the attending physician to minimize the development of secondary bleeding during the healing phase.

Conchotomy is now one of the routine treatments for symptoms caused by enlarged turbinates. Our experienced surgeons can therefore usually rule out serious risks and avoid complications almost universally. Nevertheless, as with any medical procedure, there remains a residual risk with rhinoplasty. This can lead to unintentional injuries of the skin, the mucous membranes or at the nasolacrimal duct, or a dry nasal mucosa can lead to severe crust formation. In individual cases, the patient perceives an unpleasant odor (so-called “stinky nose” / ozaena) or experiences limitations in the sense of smell.

Pain, swelling and sensitivity to touch may occur, as well as sensory disturbances in the face (eyes, nose, upper jaw). These are comparatively common, as they are closely associated with the treated areas. Any potential discomfort is usually temporary and will pass as healing progresses. Should such aspects arise after your turbinate reduction in Turkey, the medical team will be at your disposal immediately and, if necessary, supported by a German-speaking escort. Even after your return, you will be supported by the team and can have follow-up treatment not only by your family doctor, but also by our doctors who come to Germany in person on a quarterly basis.

With a surgical procedure such as a conchotomy, an extensive recovery period should always be planned due to the exertion on the body. Due to the reduction of the nasal concha, the face is usually extremely sensitive, which is why fast and violent movements in the face should be avoided, as well as heavy physical activity (lifting, sports, etc.). Already during your consultation, you will receive some behavioral recommendations from your attending physician that will support the healing process. For your own sake, you should adhere to these to promote wound healing and provide the body with the energy it needs to heal.

Since nose surgery is a comparatively simple procedure, you should feel completely fit again within a few days. Many of our patients transfer to our wellness hotel after just one night in our clinic. There you should take it easy, avoid sports, sauna and intensive sunbathing. Instead, you can be pampered all around by the hotel staff, and after just a few days you can already take smaller excursions into beautiful Istanbul. If you have any questions or problems, you can entrust yourself to a German-speaking travel companion or contact the attending physician directly. The clinic will be there for you throughout your stay until your final consultation before you leave.