Reduction of Lower Turbinates (Nasal Tissue Treatment with Radiofrequency)

The structures commonly known among the public as “nasal tissue” are actually organs called “Conchae” located on the side walls of the nose, responsible for warming and humidifying the air we breathe. Every individual has three conchae (inferior, middle, superior) on both the right and left sides. However, the Lower Turbinates (Inferior Conchae) play the most significant role in breathing.

If these tissues enlarge more than they should (hypertrophy) due to allergic reactions, air pollution, smoking, or curvatures in the nasal bone, nasal congestion becomes inevitable.

In Istanbul, Op. Dr. Bekir Can Gümüşlü utilizes Radiofrequency (Radiowave) Technology, a bloodless and tissue-preserving method, for the treatment of enlarged nasal tissue instead of old-fashioned excision methods. Our goal is not to completely eliminate these tissues—which act as the “air conditioner” of the nose—but to protect their functions by reducing them to their original size.

Why Do Turbinates Enlarge? Beware of Nasal Spray Addiction!

Lower turbinates are spongy structures very rich in blood vessels. They can swell and shrink according to environmental temperature, humidity, or allergens. However, in some cases, this swelling becomes permanent:

• Allergic Rhinitis: Seasonal or year-round allergies cause the turbinates to remain constantly swollen.

• Septum Deviation (Bone Curvature): If the nasal bone is tilted to one side, the space on the other side is wide. The body enlarges the nasal tissue on that side to close the gap (Compensatory Hypertrophy).

• Nasal Spray Addiction (Rhinitis Medicamentosa): Using decongestant sprays obtained from pharmacies—which provide short-term relief—for more than 5 days disrupts the structure of the turbinates and makes them “unable to breathe without the spray.” Surgical intervention is the most effective way to break this vicious cycle.

How is Turbinate Reduction Performed with the Radiofrequency Method?

In the past, nasal tissues were cut and removed with scissors; this led to both severe bleeding and permanent damage called “Empty Nose Syndrome,” where the patient cannot feel their breath even if the inside of the nose is wide open.

With the Radiofrequency Method applied by Op. Dr. Bekir Can Gümüşlü:

• The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation and takes an average of 10–15 minutes.

• A special needle tip is inserted into the nose.

• Without damaging the surface of the turbinate (mucosa), radiowave energy is applied only to the swollen tissue inside.

• This energy creates a controlled shrinkage (scarring) within the tissue.

• No bleeding occurs during the procedure, no sutures are required, and no nasal packing is used.

Recovery Process and Expected Results

The radiofrequency procedure is an outpatient treatment that does not require hospitalization. The patient can return home or to work immediately after the procedure.

• First Week: There may be mild edema and crusting in the treated area. During this period, nasal congestion may temporarily increase.

• Result: Within approximately 2–3 weeks, the shrinkage is complete, and the airway opens.

• Risk of Recurrence: The radiofrequency procedure provides permanent results; however, if the patient’s severe allergies persist or smoking continues, minimal growth may be observed over the years. In such cases, the procedure can be safely repeated.