Laser Turbinate Surgery

What is Laser Turbinate Surgery?

Laser submucosal resection (SMR) surgery is a procedure to shrink the blood vessels in the turbinates so that air in the nasal passages can flow freely. During the surgery, a fiberoptic wire attached to a laser is passed underneath the lining of the turbinate. The surgery takes about 15 minutes, and patients typically go home about an hour after surgery. Pain after surgery is minimal. Within two weeks after surgery, patients experience gradually subsiding nasal congestion. It takes approximately six to eight weeks to see the final results of the surgery.

Not all patients are candidates for SMR surgery. You should be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat physician to determine if this is the appropriate treatment for you.

What is the expected outcome?

Approximately 70 percent of the people having laser SMR surgery report major improvements in their symptoms, including a decrease in nasal congestion, nasal drainage headaches, and the need for decongestants and antihistamines. The majority of patients maintain the benefits of the surgery for many years. Occasionally, second laser treatments are required as a touch-up, but such occasions are rare.