If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis, it may feel like accepting sinus pain as a fact of life is your only choice. Antibiotics and other medications haven’t worked for you, but you’re unsure if the risks and downtime of conventional sinus surgery are worth it. Fortunately, there is an effective, non-surgical solution that is proven to provide lasting relief from chronic sinus disease.
Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA approved procedure that involves the use of a delicate balloon catheter to gently open up and widen the sinus passages, By opening up these sinus passages, trapped mucus and other fluids can finally drain out, quickly alleviating the pent-up sinus pressure and pain. This method is minimally invasive, requires no removal of bone or tissue, and delivers long-lasting results that can be experienced almost immediately after treatment.
What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty?
The advantages of undergoing balloon sinuplasty to treat chronic sinusitis are numerous, which include:
Fast recovery time-most patients are able to get back to regular activities within 24 to 48 hours after treatment Short treatment duration the procedure is performed in-office and requires no hospitalization
Dramatically reduced risk of bleeding and pain . Preservation of original sinus tissues and structures—there is no cutting or removal of
bone or tissue
• Permanent or long-term relief from sinusitis symptoms
• Immediate improvement in breathing
• Reduced need or use of sinus medicines
How is balloon sinuplasty performed?
Balloon sinuplasty is performed as an outpatient office procedure, which typically takes less than an hour to complete. This procedure can be administered without anesthesia, but we offer sedation and/or local anesthesia to ensure your relaxation and comfort during treatment.
An endoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera, is inserted into your nasal passages to enable a clear view within your sinus structures. This allows the precise insertion of the catheter balloon into the constricted sinus passageways. The balloon is then steadily inflated to gently open the sinus passageways. Once this is done, the sinuses will be cleared and drained with a saline solution.
There is absolutely no cutting involved in this procedure, so you don’t have to worry about scars or other potential disfigurements that might affect your appearance.
How long will it take to recover from my balloon sinuplasty procedure?
While everyone is different, the vast majority of patients have reported improved breathing as soon as treatment is completed. Most patients are able to come back to work or school within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, so as long as you are in good general health, you can expect to do the same. However, it is strongly advised that you refrain from strenuous physical activities for at least one to two weeks after treatment for best results.
Are there any side effects or risks from getting a balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty has been clinically proven to be overwhelmingly safe and effective when performed by an experienced medical practitioner. Like with any medical procedure, there are always potential risks, such as infection and injury to the sinus tissues. Thankfully, this minimally invasive treatment method ensures that the risk of adverse reactions remain exceedingly low.
How long will the results last from my balloon sinuplasty procedure?
According to numerous clinical studies, balloon sinuplasty provides consistent long-term relief, often lasting at least 2 years for an overwhelming majority of patients. How long your results can last will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of your sinusitis condition and your overall health.
Am I a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?
A balloon sinuplasty is an excellent treatment option if you have mild to moderate sinus disease, and if your sinusitis symptoms aren’t caused by a deviated septum (the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity) or nasal polyps (soft growths inside the nasal passages).
