🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: The Inferior Turbinates

Blocked nose keeping you up at night? It might not just be your septum — your inferior turbinates could be the cause. In this episode, Dr Dan explains what turbinates are, why they swell, and how they can be treated when they become a problem.

🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What inferior turbinates are and why they’re often mistaken for nasal polyps.

• The role of turbinates in airflow sensation, humidification, and the nasal cycle.

• First-line treatment with steroid sprays (safe and effective for long-term use).

• When surgery (turbinoplasty) is needed, what it involves, and why it’s safe.

• The importance of post-op saline rinses to ensure recovery.

🗝️ Key Notes

• Inferior turbinates are normal structures, not growths or polyps.

• Swelling often worsens at night or when lying down due to venous congestion.

• The nasal cycle (every ~6 hours) naturally causes alternating blockage.

• Steroid sprays should always be trialled before surgery.

• Turbinoplasty safely reduces turbinate size without affecting nasal function.

• Post-surgery saline rinses for 3 months are key to full recovery.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Catch this episode and more on:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Google Podcasts

Follow the show to keep up with everything facial plastics!