The role of turbinectomy in rhinoplasty

Turbinectomy, in cases of inferior or middle turbinate hypertrophy, is one of the solutions for nasal breathing difficulties. For many decades, this procedure was controversial owing to the severe complications believed to occur after such an operation. Its performance was held to be within the responsibility of otolaryngologists. However, eventually most of these complications were found to be nonexistent, and the performance of turbinectomy became a simple surgical procedure. The turbinate hypertrophy, which often exists on the contralateral side of the deviated septum, blocks the correct reposition of the septum with the consequent nasal bone, and thus prevents the plastic surgeon from achieving a straight nose. Therefore, proper handling of both septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy is an important aid for the plastic surgeon. This article is dealing with the various aspects of turbinate hypertrophy and its surgical handling.