Balloon Sinuplasty – Facts, Procedure, Recovery Time & More
The nose can cause some serious medical woe.
Sinusitis, one of America’s largest health problems, is endured by some 37 million people each year. That’s about 16 percent of the adult U.S. population.
But, interestingly, the sinuses themselves are rarely diseased. The culprit is more likely to be inside the nose where the sinuses become infected because they don’t drain properly.
The blocking is often due to structures inside the nose being bent or twisted due to accidents or simply the way a patient was born.
You’ve probably heard of a deviated septum. The septum is a thin wall separating the two nasal passages. If it is bent, crooked or twisted, airflow to the sinuses can be blocked. (Correcting only the septum will not make the nose look better.)
Other nasal structures inside the nose can react and swell because they are sensitive to allergies or other environmental insults like cigarette smoke or mold.
For years, one of the most common treatments has been relieving the blockage between the sinuses and the nasal passages by removing from inside the nose some very small pieces of bone or tissues.
Now, a new treatment has been approved by the FDA.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty or The Sinus Balloon Surgery
Balloon Sinuplasty, aka sinus balloon surgery, is the technique that uses a small catheter which the nasal surgeon or otolargyngolist (a specialist in surgery of the head and neck) inserts into the nasal passage at the point of the blockage. Then he or she gently inflates a tiny balloon device which pushes the blockage away to restore normal draining.
What Does Balloon Sinuplasty Treat?
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects a significant portion of the population, with over 30 million individuals grappling with its symptoms.
While many find relief through conventional medical treatments like antibiotics, persistent symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks may prompt a recommendation for more advanced interventions.
In such cases, healthcare providers may suggest procedures such as balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic nose balloon procedure to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
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- Common symptoms associated with CRS encompass a range of nasal and facial discomforts, including:
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- Stuffy nose
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- Congestion
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- Facial pressure
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- Runny nose
- Loss of sense of smell
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Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure Details
During a balloon sinuplasty procedure, the following steps are typically involved:
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- Administration of general anesthesia or conscious sedation.
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- Application of a topical decongestant within the nasal passages to manage any potential bleeding during the procedure.
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- Injection of a local anesthetic into nasal tissue to further alleviate discomfort.
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- Insertion of an endoscope-equipped thin tube, called a catheter, into the nostril to facilitate navigation.
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- Guiding a small balloon through the catheter into the sinuses.
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- Gradual inflation of the balloon to gently alleviate sinus blockages.
- Removal of the deflated balloon, either after a single inflation or after repeating the process as necessary.
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Also Read: Difference Between Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty – A Complete Guide
Sinus Balloon Surgery – Recovery Time
After undergoing sinus balloon surgery, it’s advisable to allocate 24 to 48 hours for rest at home. Your healthcare provider may suggest the following measures to facilitate your recovery:
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- Refrain from blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the sinus balloon surgery.
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- Utilize nasal spray to rinse your nostrils as directed.
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- If experiencing congestion, consider sleeping with your head elevated to ease discomfort.
- Avoid engaging in strenuous activities during the initial week following surgery.
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Is Balloon Sinuplasty Painful?
No, balloon sinuplasty usually isn’t painful. Most people who have balloon sinuplasty report feeling a sense of pressure in their nose during the procedure. This pressure is typically manageable, and patients often find the discomfort minimal. Overall, sinus balloon procedure is considered a relatively comfortable procedure for the majority of individuals undergoing it
Assessing Balloon Sinuplasty’s Impact on Nasal Appearance
Opting for balloon sinuplasty for chronic sinusitis might help, but if you’re looking for a more attractive nose, a sinus or nasal balloon procedure alone won’t change its appearance.
(Read more about rhinoplasty and see some before and after nose surgery pictures.)
A 2006 Australian study printed in a professional journal for surgeons described the procedure used on 10 patients. The researchers found the technology to be safe and effective.
However, scientists (plastic surgeons are also considered scientists) want to see the results of a new procedure performed on hundreds or thousands of patients before fully backing it.
So for some plastic surgeons, the jury might still be out.
Feel free to contact Dr. Smiley, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, if you wish to know more about this procedure or any other nose surgeries.
