Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Question:
What is turbinoplasty and is it often performed with ethnic rhinoplasty?

Answer:
Some ethnic patients request cosmetic improvement and improvement in their breathing. In a significant number of these patients, the turbinates are enlarged and benefit from reduction.

The turbinates are structures that exist in your nose and play an important role in nasal breathing. In the winter they moisturize and warm the cold dry air as it flows through your nose. In the summer the turbinates also play an important role in air conditioning as you breathe air through your nose.

Also, the turbinates provide some resistance to airflow, and they contain nerves that sense airflow. The resistance and the sensation of airflow are important to our sensation of nasal breathing. When the turbinates are too swollen, the patient feels nasal obstruction.