🎙️ 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.

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In this episode Dr Dan is talking all about the dorsal hump

In this episode Dr Dan talks all about "What is a rhinoplasty"

In this episode, Dr Dan dives into the fascinating world of the nasal septum, the thin piece of cartilage and bone that separates your left and right nostrils. Although most people have a septum that isn’t perfectly straight, for some it can cause significant breathing problems.

🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What the septum is and why it’s so important for nasal airflow.

• How common septal deviation is (spoiler: almost everyone has one!).

• The difference between caudal deviations (at the front of the nose) and posterior/bony deviations (further back).

• Why facial asymmetry and natural growth patterns often cause deviation, even without trauma.

• How to know if your septum is deviated, including the role of nasal endoscopy vs. CT scans.

• When a deviated septum needs no treatment at all versus when it can benefit from sprays or surgery.

• Dr Dan’s approach to surgical correction, including rhinoplasty, cartilage reinforcement, and when rib or ear cartilage may be used.

💡 Key Takeaway

A deviated septum is extremely common and not always a problem. But if it’s causing breathing issues, an ENT consultation and possibly surgery may significantly improve quality of life.

👨‍⚕️ About the Host

Dr Dan Robinson is a specialist in facial plastic surgery, sharing insights from thousands of rhinoplasty procedures and years of experience in nasal surgery.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Find this episode and more on:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts (if applicable)

• Google Podcasts / Amazon Music

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Episode Description:

Welcome to Dr. Dan Behind the Scalpel! In this introductory episode, Dr. Dan Robinson, a Gold Coast-based ENT surgeon and International Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, shares what you can expect from this podcast.

Dr. Dan takes you on a journey through facial plastic surgery, exploring the patient experience, common pathologies, and the surgical procedures involved. With over 1,500 rhinoplasties performed and 13 years of experience, he gives insight into the world of facial plastics from both a professional and patient perspective.

Whether you're curious about rhinoplasty, other facial procedures, or simply want to understand the science behind facial aesthetics, this episode is the perfect starting point.

Show Notes / Key Points:

• Introduction to Dr. Dan Robinson: ENT surgeon and facial plastic specialist
• Overview of the podcast focus: patient perspective + pathology
• Experience and credentials: 13 years in practice, 1,500+ rhinoplasties
• What listeners can expect from future episodes
• Behind-the-scenes production credits:
  • Sound design: Chelsea Lee Inches
  • Fact-checking & narration: Dr. Dan Robinson
  • Sound editing, artwork & footnotes: Chelsea Lee Inches