Often the inferior turbinate on the opposite side enlarges, which is termed compensatory hypertrophy.

The growth can be a result of increased cell size (compensatory hypertrophy) or an increase in cell division (compensatory hyperplasia) or both.

Unilateral irradiation to doses of 14 Gy to 20 Gy may reduce the ability of the contralateral (untreated) kidney to undergo compensatory hypertrophy.

Portal hypertension-the condition shared by all TIPS patients regardless of etiology-generally causes compensatory hypertrophy of the hepatic artery and a decreased reliance of the liver upon the portal vein for its oxygenation.