Turbinate Surgery Pre-Operative Information

Dr Jason Roth (MED0001185485) — Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon, specialist registration in Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery.

This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for inferior turbinate reduction surgery (turbinoplasty). It should be read alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment.

Read the full enlarged turbinates information page →

About Turbinoplasty

The inferior turbinates are bony structures lining the inside of the nose that warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air. When persistently enlarged — due to allergy, chronic inflammation, or compensatory enlargement alongside a deviated septum — they cause significant nasal obstruction, snoring, and disrupted sleep. Turbinoplasty reduces the volume of the inferior turbinates through submucosal diathermy, powered microdebrider reduction, or a combination of both, restoring nasal airflow while preserving the turbinate’s functional mucosal lining.

Turbinoplasty is very frequently performed in combination with septoplasty and occasionally with sinus surgery. It is performed under general anaesthesia and is usually a day surgery procedure. Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply.

Before Surgery

Medications to Cease

Stop the following at least two weeks before surgery:

Aspirin and any aspirin-containing products
Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) and all other anti-inflammatory medications
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprogesic)
Warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — discuss with Dr Roth and your GP before stopping
Vitamin E supplements
Fish oil
Garlic tablets
Ginkgo biloba and ginseng
St John’s Wort

Continue all regular prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise. A full list of medications to avoid is available on the Medications to Avoid page →

Fasting

No solid food or milk for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery time
Clear fluids permitted up to two hours before — confirmed by the hospital the day before surgery

Practical Preparations

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the first night
Purchase a large-volume saline nasal irrigation kit (NeilMed Sinus Rinse) before the day of surgery
Plan at least one week away from work and two weeks off strenuous exercise
Have prescribed medications ready before the day of surgery

What to Expect in Recovery

Night of surgery

Discharge home the same day. The nose feels congested and blocked — this is normal and reflects post-operative swelling rather than a failure of the procedure. A small amount of blood-tinged nasal discharge is expected. Rest with head elevated.

Days 1–5

Nasal congestion persists as swelling is at its peak. Begin saline nasal irrigation the day after surgery — this is the most important step in the recovery process. Use prescribed decongestant nasal spray (Drixine) for no longer than three days. Avoid nose-blowing.

Day 7 — post-operative appointment

Dr Roth will gently clean the nasal passages with microsuction. Crusting and debris are removed. Nasal breathing begins to improve noticeably.

Weeks 2–6

Progressive improvement in nasal breathing as the internal swelling continues to resolve. The final result — in terms of nasal airflow — is typically apparent by six to eight weeks after surgery.

Important Post-Operative Instructions

Begin saline nasal irrigation the day after surgery — twice daily using a large-volume delivery bottle. This accelerates healing and reduces crusting
Use Drixine nasal decongestant for up to three days only — prolonged use causes rebound congestion
Avoid nose blowing for 48 hours; thereafter, blow very gently
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending forward for two weeks
Avoid hot showers, steam, hot meals, and alcohol in the first week
Take paracetamol regularly for discomfort — avoid ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory medications
Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics
Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments — microsuction debridement is an important part of the healing process

When to Seek Urgent Assistance

Contact Dr Roth immediately or attend your nearest emergency department if you experience:

Brisk bleeding that does not settle after 20 minutes of firm direct pressure
Fever above 38.5°C
Increasing pain, redness, or swelling around the wound
Any discharge that appears purulent (cloudy or discoloured)

Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439 | Out of hours: attend the nearest emergency department.

Enlarged Nasal Turbinates — Full Information → | Nasal Surgery Post-Operative Care → | Contact the Rooms →

Dr Jason Roth | MBBS, FRACS (ORL-HNS) | MED0001185485
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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