Thank you for your question. I have addressed your previous question here:
Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids (Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy respectively) are effective treatments in children with snoring and OSA. Age is not really a factor when considering tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
These surgeries are indicated if your child has snoring and symptoms suggestive of OSA (e.g. loud snoring, "choking" episodes during sleep, feeling tired/cranky during the day, behavioural issues etc) and have large adenoids and tonsils. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can be done in children as young as two years old onwards.
The chances of regrowths of tonsils and adenoids are very low if the surgery was done effectively. The chances of turbinate regrowth depends on the method of turbinate reduction used and if your child has severe nasal allergies. For young children, aggressive surgery to the turbinates are not usually recommended as there is a higher risk of bleeding and crusting. In Singapore, the two most common ways used by ENT Specialists to reduce the size of turbinates in children in a safe and effective manner is by using coblation or radiofrequency ("microwave" energy).
This involves passing a needle probe into the soft tissue of the turbinates. High energy/heat is administered through the probe to induce scarring/shrinkage of the turbinates over the next few weeks.
This is a safe and effective turbinate reduction method in children, although compared to more aggressive turbinate reduction procedures (e.g turbinoplasty), the risk of recurrence/needing a repeat procedure is higher. In older children and adults, radiofrequency or coblation of the turbinates can be done under local anaesthesia. Even if the procedure has to be repeated when your son is older, do be assured that it is simple to perform, often well tolerated and has minimal side effects.
Hope this helps and all the best!
