Radiofrequency Turbinoplasty
Rediscover comfortable breathing and healthy airways at the VenArt Clinic!
Conditions Treated
- Sept Deviation
- Nasal Obstruction
- Benign and Malignant Nodules and Tumors
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Medical Procedures
ENT Surgery
Rhinosinus Surgery
- Radiofrequency Turbinoplasty
- Functional and Aesthetic Reconstruction
Radiofrequency turbinate reduction Persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, or excessive nasal secretions are symptoms that can easily be confused with those of a common cold. However, they may be hiding a much more serious condition: nasal turbinate hypertrophy.
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What are nasal cones and why are they important?
The nasal conchae are fine bone structures arranged in three pairs (upper, middle, and lower) on the lateral walls of the nasal cavities. These formations are covered by a mucous membrane rich in blood vessels and play an essential role in filtering, warming, and humidifying the inhaled air.
Under normal conditions, the nasal turbinates may temporarily enlarge during the nasal cycle or when we lie down. However, when these structures become chronically enlarged (hypertrophied), they can completely block the nasal passage and severely affect the quality of breathing.
Symptoms that may indicate nasal turbinate hypertrophy
When the cornetta, especially the lower ones, increase in volume beyond normal limits, the following symptoms may occur:
- Constant feeling of nasal congestion (alternating or bilateral);
- Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially at night;
- Snoring;
- Dry mouth in the morning;
- Reduced sense of smell;
- Abundant nasal secretions;
- Feeling of pressure in the forehead and face;
- Mouth breathing during sleep;
- General discomfort in the nasal area.
In children or young adults, these symptoms may also be accompanied by decreased performance in daily activities due to poor sleep quality.
It is important to note that these symptoms may resemble those of a common cold. The difference lies in the duration of the symptoms: in the case of turbinate hypertrophy, the symptoms persist and do not improve on their own.
What can cause enlarged nasal turbinates?
Hypertrophy can have temporary or chronic causes. Among the most common are:
- Acute respiratory infections (viral infections, common cold);
- Sinusitis (acute or chronic);
- Allergic rhinitis – reaction to dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.;
- Non-allergic rhinitis (irritation from smoke, perfumes, pollutants);
- Nasal septum deviation – which aggravates obstruction;
- Hormonal changes or reactions to certain medications;
- Nasal polyps or other obstructive formations.
How do we treat nasal turbinate hypertrophy?
When conservative treatments—such as avoiding environmental triggers and taking specific medication—fail to relieve symptoms and nasal obstruction persists, surgery may be considered.
The procedures mainly aim to reduce the volume of the inferior turbinates, which are most commonly involved in respiratory discomfort.
The fundamental objective of these procedures is to improve airflow through the nasal passages without compromising the physiological function of the turbinates, such as warming, humidifying, and filtering the inhaled air.
The main surgical techniques used include:
- Cryosurgery (cryoturbinectomy);
- Ultrasound reduction;
- Laser surgery;
- Radiofrequency turbinoplasty;
- Turbinoplasty by electrocautery.
Radiofrequency turbine reduction – a modern solution for easy breathing
Radiofrequency turbinate reduction is an advanced, minimally invasive therapeutic method used to treat nasal turbinate hypertrophy—a common cause of chronic nasal congestion, snoring, and some forms of nasal sleep apnea.
This technique is intended for patients who experience nasal breathing difficulties, nocturnal respiratory discomfort, or reflex coughing caused by nasal obstruction.
What does the procedure involve?
Radiofrequency turbinate reduction involves the controlled application of energy waves to the nasal turbinates using a fine electrode inserted under the mucosa.
Radiofrequency waves generate localized heat, which causes a gradual reduction in the volume of hypertrophied tissue without affecting the functional mucosa or surrounding tissues.
Why are nasal cannulas important?
The nasal turbinates are essential structures inside the nasal cavities, responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering inhaled air.
When they become enlarged (hypertrophy), they can obstruct the nasal passages and significantly affect the quality of breathing.
Benefits of radio frequency reduction:
- Quick, minimally invasive procedure;
- Usually performed on an outpatient basis;
- No incisions or sutures required;
- Short recovery period;
- Preserves the physiological function of the nasal mucosa;
- Relieves symptoms such as snoring, chronic cough, or mild apnea.
Our team of medical specialists
At VenArt Clinic, we offer our patients access to radiofrequency turbinate reduction, a modern, minimally invasive, and highly effective procedure for treating persistent nasal congestion, snoring, and breathing difficulties caused by nasal turbinate hypertrophy.
The procedure is quick, incision-free, and performed in maximum comfort, allowing patients to resume their daily activities in a very short time.
Our team is committed to providing the highest quality care, and their experience and expertise contribute to exceptional results for our patients.
Medical Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens before the procedure?
Before the procedure, you will be examined by an ENT doctor, who will assess the structure of your nose using rhinoscopy or endoscopy. If you are eligible, you will receive simple preoperative instructions (usually no food or drink for several hours beforehand, depending on the type of anesthesia used).
Is anesthesia used?
Yes. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, applied by spray or local infiltration, which ensures maximum comfort without pain. In some cases, light sedation may be used.
How is the actual procedure performed?
The doctor inserts a thin electrode into the lower nasal turbinate. This electrode transmits radiofrequency waves, which produce controlled heat deep within the tissue. The thermal action causes a progressive reduction in the volume of the turbinate, without affecting the healthy mucosa on the surface.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire process takes approximately 15–30 minutes and is performed in a specialized clinic, without hospitalization.
