CELON

Turbinate reduction, also known as CELON, is a surgical procedure that removes or reduces excessively grown mucosal and bone tissue masses located inside the nose to improve breathing.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Risto Vaikjärv

Ear, nose, and throat specialist, Somnologist

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Persistent nasal congestion 
  • Impaired nasal breathing 
  • No or minimal effect from medications (topical hormones) 
  • Fatigue and/or sleep disturbances due to nasal congestion

Common symptoms

  • Constant or intermittent nasal congestion

    When lying down nasal congestion becomes more prominent. When lying on your side, the lower nostril closes.
  • Dry mouth and throat in the mornings

    Indicates mouth breathing and insufficient nasal breathing.
  • Frequent need to use nasal sprays (decongestants)

    Continuous use of decongestants can lead to dependence.
  • Nasal congestion during physical exertion

    Physical exertion can cause turbinate enlargement and nasal congestion in some people.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring your ID card or other identification document to the clinic.
  • Before planning the surgery, an ENT consultation is necessary to discuss your expectations, goals, and the course of treatment. 
  • The patient must be healthy for the procedure. In case of acute illness, please inform the clinic, and we will find a new suitable time.

What to expect during your appointment

Anesthesia

During the procedure, the nasal mucous membranes are first anesthetized with tampons, which are placed in the nose before the procedure with a local anesthetic. At the beginning of the procedure, an anesthetic is also injected under the nasal mucous membrane.

Procedure

The nasal turbinate is treated with a special CELON electrode, which heats the tissues.

Post-procedure monitoring

After the procedure, you will be monitored in the clinic for about twenty minutes, longer if necessary.

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
CELON radiofrequency procedure The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 310 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
CELON radiofrequency procedure The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 310 €
Payment methods

The service at Tartu Kvartal clinic is funded by the Health Insurance Fund based on a referral. To book an appointment funded by the Health Insurance Fund, please call +372 605 1500 or write to klienditugi@meliva.ee.

Referral

An appointment with a specialist is required first to assess whether the service is suitable or necessary.

Clinics offering this service

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recovery last?

In the first few days, severe nasal congestion and nasal discharge occur. Symptoms will begin to decrease within 1-2 weeks, and the final result will develop after 3-4 weeks.

How permanent is the result?

The result can be long-lasting but not always lifelong. If the turbinates become large again, the procedure can be repeated.

Does it affect the sense of smell?

Temporary loss of smell is possible due to swelling, but permanent loss of smell does not occur. 

Does it change the appearance of the nose? 

No, the turbinates are located inside the nose, so it does not change the external appearance.