Balloon Sinuplasty: What to Expect During and After Your Procedure

If you’ve been dealing with persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, or recurring sinus infections that keep coming back, a balloon sinuplasty might be the solution you need. 

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, this modern procedure doesn’t involve cutting or removing tissue. Instead, it uses a small balloon to gently open up blocked sinus passages and restore normal drainage.

It’s a great option for people with chronic sinusitis who haven’t responded well to medication or other conservative treatments. However, it’s not for everyone. People with severe sinus problems or nasal polyps may need a more complex procedure. The best way to know for sure is to book a consultation with an experienced ENT specialist, such as Mani Zadeh, MD.

Dr. Zadeh has helped countless patients struggling with chronic sinusitis find lasting relief with this procedure. In this blog, we’ll cover what happens during a balloon sinuplasty, what recovery feels like, and how to know if it might be right for you.

Who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?

You may be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty if you:

• Have chronic sinusitis with congestion, pressure, postnasal drip, or sinus headaches
• Have had limited success with decongestants, antihistamines, or antibiotics
• Don’t have structural issues like severe septal deviation or large nasal polyps

If you’re unsure, Dr. Zadeh thoroughly evaluates your condition and may use imaging techniques, such as a CT scan, to determine if the procedure is right for you.

What happens before the procedure? 

Before scheduling your sinuplasty, you consult with Dr. Zadeh. He takes a detailed history of your symptoms, performs a nasal endoscopy, and may order imaging to check the state of your sinuses.

If balloon sinusplasty is the best option for you, we guide you through the preparation process. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, prep is simple: You may need to avoid certain medications, eat lightly, and arrange for someone to drive you home.

What to expect during the procedure?

Balloon sinuplasty can be done right in the office. You’re awake, but we numb your nose so you won’t feel pain. 

Here’s how it works: First, we insert a tiny balloon catheter into the blocked sinus passage. Once it’s in the right spot, we gently inflate the balloon, opening up the sinus passage by reshaping the surrounding bone. 

Then we deflate and remove the balloon, leaving the passageway open so the sinuses can drain properly again. The whole procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and most people can go home the same day.

What recovery looks like

One of the biggest benefits of balloon sinuplasty is the recovery time. Since there’s no cutting of tissue or bone, the healing process is much quicker and more comfortable than traditional sinus surgery. You might have some mild congestion, drainage, or facial pressure for a few days after the procedure, but most people can return to normal activities within a day or two.

Dr. Zadeh provides aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly and avoid complications. It’s important to follow these guidelines closely, like avoiding strenuous activity for a few days and using saline sprays to keep your nasal passages moist.

Chronic sinus problems can be ironically draining. However, a balloon sinuplasty is a gentle and effective solution for opening up blocked sinuses. It has a short recovery time but offers long-term results. If you’re curious about whether this procedure is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zadeh today.