Conchoplasty is the operation done to reduce the size of enlarged nasal turbinates which are in the internal and lateral wall of the nasal airway.

Nasal turbinates enlargement is caused by many factors like allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, the cold environment, dust, pollution, smoking, chronic use of decongestant sprays.

The Operation

The operation is done under general anesthesia through the nostrils without incisions. With the use of an endoscope and special instruments the size of the bone is reduced and a small part of mucous membrane is removed. Some small gauzes may be needed for one night, but there is no pain.

The turbinates have a rich vasculature, there is the risk of rhinorrhagia while results are permanent.

Nasal Concha Vaporization with Laser or Radiofrequencies

Alternatively, in some cases we propose nasal concha vaporization instead of conchoplasty.

It is done under general or local anesthesia and concerns the enlarged concha mucous membrane and not the bone.

Post-operatively it creates many crusts in the nose, while results are not permanent.

The selection of each operation will be done by the surgeon based on history, previous operations, chronic decongestant spray use and the check of sleep apnea syndrome.