Reduction of the Lower Concha

What Causes Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Flesh Growth)?

Structural disorders such as abnormal swelling and growth occur from time to time in the bone and / or soft tissue contained in the turbinates, which fulfill nasal functions and have a sensitive structure. These growths are called turbinate hypertrophy (turbinate hypertrophy). This growth is mostly seen in the lower turbinate and rarely in the middle turbinate.

Inferior turbinate enlargement; It occurs due to curvatures in the septum (septum deviation) as a result of allergic causes or nasal trauma. It is not seen in children except in very rare cases. Sometimes pregnancy, hormonal diseases and medications are also a factor for inferior turbinate enlargement.

Inflammations in the concha tissues of people with allergy disorders cause edema in these tissues, vasodilation and blood supply, causing the concha to enlarge.

In people with deviation; Since the space in the septum, that is, on the opposite side of the nasal cavity inclined by the curvature of the nasal bone, will expand, the concha tends to narrow this width and grows in order to control the air duct and maintain normal air flow. This growth is called compensatory hypertrophy.

Hormonal changes that occur in women during pregnancy and diseases such as sinusitis, thyroid gland diseases, diabetes or excessive hormone production can also cause blood in the turbinates and edema, resulting in turbinate enlargement.

The air sacs that make up the sinuses, a different structure in the nose, are sometimes located where they should not be, inside the bone structure that forms the inner part of the middle concha. The formation of air bubbles in this bone is called concha bullosa and causes the middle turbinate to enlarge and block the airway.

What kind of complaints does turbinate hypertrophy (nasal meat growth) cause?

The biggest complaint of people with Concha Hypertrophy is nasal congestion. Because the turbinate grows and narrows the airway, the sufficient amount of air required by the body cannot be obtained through the nose. The air required for the respiratory system, which cannot be obtained due to nasal congestion, is taken through the mouth. Since there is no structure in the mouth area to compensate for the tasks performed by the nasal hairs and nasal flesh, the air taken through the mouth is dry and dusty, causing dry mouth and lung infections due to dust ingestion. Conchae, which normally grow in the horizontal position of the body, will grow too much due to the effect of concha growth, causing snoring, decreasing sleep quality and causing fatigue and exhaustion. Difficulties are experienced in sports or labor-intensive activities that require excessive effort.

Concha Hypertrophy causes headaches in the face and forehead, especially in the sinus areas, as it affects the normal course of air flow.

At the same time, dirt, dust, viruses, bacteria and toxins that enter the body cause recurrent allergic reactions. Allergic problems are accompanied by secondary ailments such as itchy and runny nose, runny and itchy eyes, sneezing, which negatively affect quality of life.

Conchae whose natural structure is disrupted cause the odors to be misperceived or not perceived.

When turbinate bullosa, which occurs in the middle turbinates, reaches an advanced level, it causes narrowing of the canal entrances where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity and causes sinusitis.

How is Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Flesh Growth) Diagnosed?

Hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate occurs as soft tissue growth, bone growth or growth of both structures together. Correct diagnosis of the area of growth will ensure that the treatment method is chosen correctly.

For diagnosis, the intranasal examination of the patient who shows symptoms of Concha Hypertrophy is performed painlessly with the help of physical, radiographic imaging or cameras. When needed, the doctor may request tests and detailed imaging.

How to Treat Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Flesh Growth)?

The aim of the treatment of turbinate hypertrophy is to reduce the nasal flesh (turbinate reduction) and eliminate the problems complained of. Generally, one of the surgical, laser and radio frequency methods is applied. Different treatment methods can be used depending on the area and size of the hypertrophy and the patient's complaints:

Passive Measures: If concha hypertrophy is present, but the complaints are not very intense and frequent and do not affect the quality of daily life, measures such as raising the pillow or head of the bed, using humidifying devices in the living area, frequent washing of the nose with saline or nasal wash kits will have positive results.

Medication Therapy: Again, depending on the condition of hypertrophy, nasal sprays and allergy medications (antihistamines and decongestants) that will be deemed appropriate by the doctor can be used, provided that the duration and limit of use are observed.

Radio Frequency Application (Submucosal Diathermy - SMD): It is a preferred method in patients where the use of general anesthesia is risky, in children, in patients who use blood thinners due to blood pressure disorders, in patients who do not have a nasal structure disorder other than concha growth. It is usually intervened using local anesthesia. It is applied without damaging the mucosal structure by inserting a needle into the lower concha from 3 different points and applying heat for about 10 minutes. After the application, growth is seen in the concha for 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, shrinkage and shrinkage begins in the heated concha and is completed up to 6 weeks. After the application, it is discharged from the hospital and does not affect daily life. It is not as effective as surgical intervention and growth may recur in the following period.

Laser Application: Although it was frequently used in the previous years, the high postoperative pain and crusting, as well as the uneconomical application, led to a lower preference compared to radio frequency and surgical methods.

Surgical Intervention: It is performed as cutting, shaving and breaking applications. One of the general, local or sedation anesthesia types is decided by the surgeon by taking the patient's opinion. The most important issue to be considered in surgical interventions is not to damage the mucosal structure as much as possible, and to minimize damage in case of necessity. In parallel with the developments in the field of medicine, turbinate reduction surgeries (turbinate reduction) have also become painless, with limited side effects and a shorter recovery period. With the special apparatus and instruments used, the soft tissue excess underneath is removed without damaging the mucosal structure covering the concha. This intervention is called Inferior Turbinate Bone Resection (ITBR). If there is growth in the innermost bone, some of the bone is also shaved. This intervention is called inferior turbinate coronectomy (Partial Inferior Turbinectomy - PIT). The operation time is about 15 minutes for each intervened concha. After the operation, tampons or silicone splints with air passage channels are placed. After the tampons and splints are removed, mild bleeding may occur for a few days. It is generally recommended to rest for a week. After the rest period, you can return to work and daily life.

Apart from these methods, there are also different applications such as Argon Plasma Application, Cryotherapy (Freezing Method) Application.

Does Concha Hypertrophy (Nasal Flesh Growth) Recur After Surgery?

In all nasal flesh reduction (turbinate reduction) applications, the mucosal structure is tried to be preserved. This keeps the sensitivity of the nose at the level it should be, that is, just as there is a risk of growth of the turbinates before rhinoplasty, there is the same risk afterwards. This risk is slightly higher in patients with allergic rhinitis. However, it is seen that; the case of concha hypertrophy renewal after surgical intervention is less common than after other applications.

Another point to be considered in nasal meat reduction (turbinate reduction) applications is that excessive reduction or complete removal of the turbinates will cause the turbinates, which are vital for nasal functions, to become unable to function and are inconvenient. Because this situation is defined as Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS), in which the air passing through the nose is not felt, crusting and bad odor problems are experienced.

If you are experiencing constant nasal congestion, difficulty breathing and frequent problems such as sinusitis, headache, snoring, nasal and nasal discharge, you can contact us using our contact information.