Treatment of nasal obstruction by radiofrequency

Usually, chronic nasal obstruction is due to an excessive growth of the inferior nasal turbinates. These are small bones covered by mucous membranes. They are inside the nasal route.

Nasal obstruction caused by an excessive growth of the turbinates, is related to allergies and rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose).

When this happens the blood vessels inside the mucous membranes expand causing an increase of the nasal turbinates and a blockage of the airflow through the nose.

Chronic nasal obstruction impedes normal breathing, and you have to breathe through your mouth. This transforms the simple act of eating, drinking, sleeping and speaking in uncomfortable experiences.

Nasal turbinate enlargement can also cause headache and it is a major cause of snoring and sleep apnea.

The volumetric reduction of the turbinates by radiofrequency is a safe, fast and effective way to alleviate chronic nasal obstruction due to nasal turbinate enlargement.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Normally it is painless and its duration is less than 20 minutes. The volumetric reduction of the turbinates uses radiofrequency energy at low temperature and low power in order to reduce the tissue in the inferior turbinate. Radiofrequency energy is sent underneath the superficial layer of the inferior turbinate.

The treated tissue gets hot enough to create a zone of coagulation.

The treated tissue is expelled from the body in a natural way, between three and six weeks after the operation, alleviating the obstruction which is responsible for the chronic nasal blockage.

In cases of nocturnal snoring, the same procedure is applied to the soft palate in order to decrease its volume.

Radiofrequency alleviates chronic nose blockage, improves the symptoms of nasal allergy and other nasal diseases and is less painful than conventional or laser surgery.

After the procedure you might notice some discomfort or swelling which will last a few days. You will begin to experience an improvement in nasal airflow, between three and six weeks after the operation.

Most patients do not need any medication against pain or nasal blockage. Very few patients need a second operation or retouching