Breathing & function
Enlarged Turbinates Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
more room to breathe.
The turbinates are ridges inside the nose that warm and humidify air. When they stay enlarged, they block airflow and cause constant stuffiness. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, turbinate reduction can be combined with septoplasty or rhinoplasty to open the airway.
- 01 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon
- 02 3D CT scan & virtual simulation before surgery
- 03 Structure-first design with your own cartilage
- 04 English-friendly support via WhatsApp
What are enlarged turbinates?
Turbinate hypertrophy is chronic enlargement of the inferior turbinates, often linked to allergies, irritants or a deviated septum, where the larger side compensates for the narrow one.
When medicines and sprays are not enough, turbinate reduction shrinks the tissue while preserving its function. It is often performed together with septoplasty so the whole airway is opened.
| Surgery time | About 1–2.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Approach | Internal, or open if combined with rhinoplasty |
| Splints | Usually removed after about 7 days |
| Stay in Seoul | About 7–10 days |
| Breathing | Improves as swelling settles over weeks |
Signs you may relate to
- Your nose feels blocked most of the time
- Blockage switches from side to side
- Decongestant sprays work only briefly
- You breathe through your mouth at night
- You also have a deviated septum
Turbinate enlargement is partly a medical condition. ENT assessment may be recommended alongside surgery.
How enlarged turbinates are treated
- STEP 01
Assess
Turbinate size and septum are checked on exam and CT.
- STEP 02
Medical first
Medical treatment is considered where appropriate.
- STEP 03
Reduce conservatively
The turbinate is reduced while protecting its lining.
- STEP 04
Combine if needed
Septoplasty is added when the septum is deviated.
Turbinate reduction recovery
Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.
- Day 1–3 Congestion and mouth breathing while splints are in place.
- Day 7 Splints removed; airflow begins to open up.
- Week 2–4 Crusting clears with saline rinses.
- Month 1–3 Breathing keeps improving as internal swelling settles.
- Month 3–6 A stable, lasting result.
Enlarged Turbinates in Seoul: your questions answered.
Will my turbinates be removed?
No. They are reduced conservatively, because they are important for healthy breathing.
Is this an ENT procedure?
It is a functional nasal procedure; Dr. Yoo will advise whether ENT assessment is also needed.
Can it be done with rhinoplasty?
Yes, it is often combined with septoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty.
Will my allergies go away?
No, but breathing may improve even if allergies continue.
How long is recovery?
Congestion and crusting are common for one to three weeks.
Plan your breathing consultation in Gangnam, Seoul.
Address
8F, 18 Gangnam-daero 94-gil
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Getting here
Near Gangnam Station
Line 2 · Shinbundang Line
Hours (KST)
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00
Sat 10:00–16:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays
Contact
