If you’re planning a rhinoplasty, you may have come across terms you’ve never heard before—like turbinates. Many patients ask: What do turbinates do? What is turbinate surgery? And do I need to worry about this with my rhinoplasty surgery?
At Aspen Facial Plastics, we believe an informed patient is a confident patient. Let’s break this down in simple terms so you can understand how turbinates affect breathing—and whether turbinate surgery might be part of your rhinoplasty plan.
What Do Turbinates Do?
Turbinates are small, curved structures inside your nose. They’re covered in soft tissue and sit along the nasal walls. Most people have three on each side: inferior, middle, and superior turbinates.
So, what do turbinates do? Their job is actually essential. Turbinates:
- Warm the air you breathe
- Humidify (add moisture to) the air
- Filter out dust, allergens, and particles
- Help regulate airflow through your nasal passages
In short, turbinates are part of your body’s natural air-conditioning system. They make sure the air reaching your lungs is clean, warm, and properly humidified.
However, when turbinates become enlarged—often due to allergies, chronic sinus issues, or structural problems—they can block airflow and cause chronic nasal congestion.
What Is Turbinate Surgery?
If enlarged turbinates are contributing to breathing problems, your surgeon may recommend turbinate surgery.
So, what is turbinate surgery exactly?
Turbinate surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the size of the turbinates while preserving their important function. The goal is not to remove them entirely but to reshape or reduce the tissue so air can flow more freely through the nose.
There are several techniques used in turbinate surgery, including:
- Submucosal reduction (reducing tissue underneath the surface lining)
- Radiofrequency reduction
- Partial turbinate reduction
The key is balance. A skilled facial plastic surgeon reduces the turbinate tissue enough to improve breathing—without compromising the nose’s natural ability to filter and condition air.
Do I Need Turbinate Surgery with My Rhinoplasty?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask before cosmetic nose surgery.
The answer depends on your anatomy and your symptoms. Rhinoplasty focuses on reshaping the external appearance of the nose. However, many patients also have internal structural concerns—like a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates—that affect breathing.
If you struggle with:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty exercising due to airflow restriction
- Poor sleep from nasal obstruction
Your surgeon may evaluate whether turbinate surgery should be performed at the same time as your rhinoplasty.
Combining procedures can be beneficial. Addressing internal airflow issues during rhinoplasty means you improve both form and function in a single surgery. You heal once, and your results are comprehensive.
Should You Be Worried?
The short answer: no.
When performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who understands nasal anatomy, turbinate surgery is safe and commonly done alongside rhinoplasty. It does not change the external appearance of your nose. Its purpose is purely functional—to help you breathe better.
At Aspen Facial Plastics, your consultation includes a thorough evaluation of both cosmetic goals and functional concerns. We assess the septum, turbinates, nasal valves, and overall airway to ensure your surgical plan is tailored specifically to you.
Our goal isn’t just to give you a beautiful nose—it’s to give you a nose that works beautifully, too.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been wondering:
- What do turbinates do? → They help filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe.
- What is turbinate surgery? → It’s a procedure that reduces enlarged turbinates to improve airflow.
- Do I need turbinate surgery with my rhinoplasty? → Only if your anatomy and symptoms indicate it would improve your breathing.
You don’t need to worry—but you do need a careful evaluation. When both appearance and breathing are considered together, your rhinoplasty results are not just aesthetic—they’re functional and long-lasting.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty and want expert guidance on whether turbinate surgery should be part of your plan, schedule a consultation with Aspen Facial Plastics. Breathing better and looking your best can go hand in hand.