The turbinates are 3 ridges within the nasal passageway (nostrils) that help warm and moisten inhaled air. When they become swollen, many doctors recommend removing them via turbinate excision surgery. Making no cuts on the exterior of the nose, the surgeon removes the swollen tissue with a fine knife or laser from the inside of the nose. This tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination to determine the cause of the swelling. Nasal turbinate excision does not change the shape of the patient s nose. The nose often feels slightly sore and uncomfortable after nasal turbinate excision surgery.