I HAVE BEEN CONSULTING MY EN&T SPECIALIST FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF FOR A DECREASED AND FLUCTUATING SENSE OF SMELL.
WE HAVE TRIED MANY PRESCRIPTIONS AND NUMEROUS NASAL SPRAYS. HE HAS SINCE SCHEDULED ME FOR BI-LATERAL TURBINOPLASTY.
HE TELLS ME THAT BY REMOVING THE BONE BEHIND MY TURBINATES THIS WILL REDUCE THE OBSTRUCTION IN MY NOSE TO NOT ONLY HELP MY BREATHING BUT TO POSSIBLY RETURN MY SENSE OF SMELL.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE AFTER SURGERY? NOT THAT THIS REALLY MATTERS TO ME, BUT WILL I HAVE ANY OUTSIDE SIGNS THAT I HAD SURGERY? WHAT ABOUT BLACK EYES OR ETC? ( I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD AND I DON'T WANT TO SCARE HER.)
WILL I HAVE ANY PROBLEMS SUCH AS NOSE SENSITIVITY OR INFECTIONS?
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF HAVING TO HAVE ADDITIONAL SURGERIES?
PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.
CONCERNED, CURIOUS, AND WANTING TO KNOW,
Reply: -------------------------
Turbinoplasties are intranasal operations performed to reduce the overall size of the turbinates so as to reduce nasal airway obstruction while preserving the function of the turbinates - humidification and warming of the air that is inspired through the nose. The surgery is done entirely inside the nose and in general there is little if any evidence of surgery externally - ie there should be no black and blue discoloration around the eyes nor would there likely be any visible swelling of the face. After surgery one can expect dryness, crusting, and some difficulty breathing through the nose for a variable period of time during healing - usually 1-3 weeks, although in some cases it can be longer. Most physicians recommend frequent use of nasal saline and emollients to help in the healing process.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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