Objective. To describe surgical treatment of hypertrophied inferior turbinate and piriform aperture enlargement through vestibular approach during functional rhinoplasty.

Material and methods. The study was carried out at the Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology between September 2019 and September 2020. The study involved 114 patients (82 women and 32 men) aged 19—47 years (mean age 33 years) with signs of inferior turbinate hypertrophy according to clinical (complaints) and CT data. We analyzed postoperative results after at least 3 months (from 3 months to 1 year). NOSE scale (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation) was applied for survey.

Results. Precise incision of vestibular skin of the nose ensures an approach to inferior turbinate and lateral edges of piriform foramen. This technique is characterized by less trauma and risk of early postoperative bleeding, accelerated tissue regeneration and potential increase of internal nasal valve angle via piriform foramen enlargement during rhinoplasty. All these factors have a beneficial effect on nasal breathing, since nasal mucosa function remains intact. This technique usually results earlier and more comfortable postoperative rehabilitation. This is no need for long-term nasal tamponade (tampons are removed the next day). Moreover, nasal crusts are also absent. Indeed, 106 (92.98%) out of 114 patients were satisfied with nasal breathing improvement after surgery (77 (93.9%) women and 29 (90.63%) men).

Keywords. conchoplasty, turbinates, hypertrophy, rhinoplasty, vestibular approach, nasal breathing