Turbinoplasty Surgery in Singapore

Turbinoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, which are structures within the nasal cavity that help warm, filter, and humidify the air we breathe.

Enlarged turbinates (hypertrophic turbinates) can block airflow and contribute to nasal obstruction, causing breathing difficulties, snoring, or chronic nasal congestion. By reducing the size of these turbinates while maintaining their essential function, turbinoplasty helps restore proper airflow and alleviate related symptoms.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

Benefits Preparation Procedure Recovery Risks FAQ

Indications for Turbinoplasty

Turbinoplasty is recommended when specific conditions interfere with normal nasal breathing or overall health. The following are common scenarios where surgical intervention is considered.

Chronic Nasal Obstruction: Persistent difficulty in nasal breathing due to enlarged turbinates that does not respond to medical treatments, such as nasal sprays or antihistamines.
Chronic Sinusitis: Recurrent or prolonged sinus infections caused by inadequate nasal airflow or drainage due to turbinate hypertrophy.
Snoring and Sleep Issues: Blocked nasal passages caused by turbinate enlargement can lead to snoring and disrupted sleep patterns, including obstructive sleep apnoea in some cases.
Allergic Rhinitis: Chronic allergies that cause persistent turbinate swelling unresponsive to conservative measures may benefit from surgical reduction.

Benefits of Turbinoplasty

Patients undergoing turbinoplasty can expect significant improvements in nasal function. Here are the key advantages of this procedure.

Improved Nasal Breathing: By reducing turbinate size, this procedure allows for more effective airflow through the nasal passages, alleviating congestion and making breathing easier.
Enhanced Sleep Quality: Better nasal airflow reduces snoring and nighttime breathing problems, improving overall sleep quality and reducing fatigue.
Reduced Nasal Congestion: Patients experience less congestion and a decrease in symptoms associated with sinus infections or allergic reactions.
Preservation of Nasal Function: Unlike complete turbinate removal, turbinoplasty retains the turbinates’ ability to filter, warm, and humidify the air you breathe.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Medical Evaluation: At our clinic, a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging studies such as nasal endoscopy or CT scans, is conducted to assess the extent of turbinate enlargement and plan the surgery. Your medical history, including any allergies or previous nasal surgeries, will also be reviewed.
Medication Adjustment: Your doctor may advise stopping blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen several weeks before surgery. Other medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, may need to be adjusted.
Pre-Operative Guidelines: Before surgery, follow instructions such as fasting after midnight the day of the procedure and avoiding smoking to promote better healing. Hygiene measures, such as nasal rinses, may also be recommended.

Step-By-Step Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration

The procedure begins with either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery and patient preference. Anaesthesia ensures comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

Surgical Access

The surgeon accesses the turbinates through the nostrils, avoiding external incisions and ensuring no visible scarring. This approach provides direct visualisation and control during the procedure.

Turbinate Reduction

Excessive turbinate tissue is reduced using precise techniques such as trimming, radiofrequency ablation, or microdebrider-assisted resection. The aim is to decrease the size of the turbinates while preserving enough tissue to ensure proper airflow regulation and nasal function.

Tissue Realignment

The remaining turbinate structure is reshaped and realigned to promote optimal airflow and ensure balanced nasal function. Dissolvable sutures may be used to secure tissues in place.

Procedure Completion

The surgery concludes with the placement of nasal packing or splints, if needed, to support the internal structures and reduce post-operative bleeding.

Post-Operative Care & Recovery

Immediate Post-Operative Care: After surgery, mild discomfort and nasal congestion are common. Pain is usually managed with prescribed painkillers, and ice packs may help reduce swelling. Saline sprays or rinses are often recommended to keep the nasal passages clean and promote healing. Avoid blowing your nose to prevent disruption of the surgical site.
Activity Restrictions: Patients should avoid strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least 1–2 weeks after surgery. These precautions minimise the risk of complications such as bleeding or trauma to the healing nasal tissues. Your ENT surgeon will provide specific guidance on when it is safe to resume normal activities.
Recovery Process: Swelling and congestion typically subside within two weeks, with noticeable improvements in nasal breathing. Full recovery occurs over 6–12 months as residual swelling resolves and the nasal tissues settle. Regular follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns during this period.

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Potential Risks and Complications

While turbinoplasty is generally safe, potential risks include nasal dryness, crusting, or mild nosebleeds during recovery. Rare complications, such as infection, scarring, or over-reduction of the turbinates, may occur. These risks can be reduced by following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments. Empty nose syndrome (a condition where excessive removal of turbinate tissue leads to impaired airflow sensation and chronic nasal dryness), though extremely rare, can be avoided through precise surgical planning to ensure enough tissue is preserved for normal nasal function.

For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents

Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved

Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is turbinoplasty a permanent solution?

Turbinoplasty offers long-term relief from nasal obstruction by reducing turbinate size. However, conditions such as chronic allergies, ongoing inflammation, or environmental triggers may cause the turbinates to enlarge again over time, potentially requiring further management.

Can turbinoplasty be performed with other nasal surgeries?

Yes, turbinoplasty is often performed alongside other nasal procedures, such as septoplasty (to correct a deviated septum) or sinus surgery (to improve drainage and airflow). Combining surgeries allows for comprehensive treatment of multiple nasal issues in a single operation.

Will I experience any changes in my voice after turbinoplasty?

Temporary changes in the sound of your voice, particularly nasal resonance, may occur during the healing process due to swelling. These changes are typically minor and resolve as swelling subsides. Permanent changes in voice are extremely rare.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)

2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

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