Sinus Suffering Stops Here: The Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Sinus issues can affect just about everyone at one point or another; your sinuses can clog due to a cold, allergies, or even changes in barometric pressure. When nasal sprays, steroids, and over-the-counter treatments don’t work, surgical intervention may be your best option. However, there’s a minimally invasive way to deal with the issue.

At SLENT, with locations in Mandeville, Slidell, and Hammond, Louisiana, our otolaryngology specialists can identify what’s causing your chronic sinusitis, and determine if you’re a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty 101

Unlike open sinus surgery, which often means going under general anesthesia and having a long recovery period, balloon sinuplasty is performed in our office, and you’ll only need a local anesthetic.

First we pinpoint where your area of sinus blockage is, Then we numb the area, and insert a tiny camera with a built-in, even smaller balloon up your nostril. When we reach the point of blockage, we inflate the balloon and flush the area with saline. 

Benefits of balloon sinuplasty

While balloon sinuplasty isn’t appropriate for all patients, it’s the perfect solution for many people who are tired of sinus suffering. This approach has multiple benefits, including:

Minimally invasive procedure

Balloon sinuplasty doesn’t require any incisions. That means the procedure and recovery time are faster, and you’ll endure less pain, bleeding, and scarring than with traditional surgery. Most people can go back to normal activities within a couple of days.

High success rate

Balloon sinuplasty has a very high rate of success. The procedure was introduced in 2005, and by 2008 a multicenter study of more than 1,000 patients showed a patient satisfaction rate of over 95%.  That’s a pretty impressive success rate.

Fewer complications

Invasive surgery like traditional sinus surgery always carries the risk of severe complications. By changing to a minimally invasive surgery, your risks of infection, excess bleeding, or other adverse effects can be greatly reduced.  

Reduced need for medications

Balloon sinuplasty can be very effective. You may find your symptoms disappear so completely that you no longer need allergy meds or nasal sprays to keep your sinus passages unblocked, and that you can breathe easier year-round. 

Long-lasting results

Unlike medications or sprays, balloon sinuplasty results can last a long time. Most patients receive symptom relief for at least a year, and, for some, the elimination of mild but chronic sinusitis may even be permanent.

Do you constantly have sinus issues? We can help. You can schedule a consultation at SLENT by calling 985-327-5905, or visit our contact page today.