8 Common Questions Asked By Patients
The following answers to some of the most common balloon sinuplasty FAQs can help you better understand the procedure as a whole. In doing so, you can make a more informed decision when contemplating various chronic sinusitis treatment options.
Balloon sinuplasty is a modern and increasingly popular choice among sinusitis sufferers. This procedure is best known for restoring normal sinus drainage and helping patients find lasting relief from issues such as snoring, congestion, and more.
Use our balloon sinuplasty FAQ list to learn more about the benefits of this increasingly popular procedure.
1. What is balloon sinuplasty used for?
Balloon sinuplasty is gaining in popularity for a variety of reasons. One reason, of course, is that it’s quick and safe. Another reason, however, is that it can be used to effectively treat a wide variety of sinus-related issues. These issues include but are not limited to:
- Chronic sinus infections
- Severe post-nasal drip
- Snoring (check out our article on balloon sinuplasty and snoring)
- Sinus congestion
- And much more
2. What does the balloon sinuplasgty procedure entail?
During the balloon sinuplasty procedure, your sinus doctor will place a small endoscopic balloon within your sinus cavities. Your doctor will then inflate this balloon, enlarging the cavities around it so that your sinuses can drain again properly. Already a safe procedure, Kaplan Sinus Relief uses TGS navigation to help your doctor guide the balloon and target areas within your sinus cavities with more precision and accuracy.
3. How long does balloon sinuplasty last?
Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure, so the permanence of the procedure is still being analyzed. However, the results of balloon sinuplasty are typically very long-lasting. Test have shown that the majority of patients do not experience any noticeable relapse in symptoms even after two years at minimim. This number will likely grow as more time passes.
4. How long does the recovery process take?
Many of the top balloon sinuplasty FAQs have to do with the recovery process. While recovery time varies from patient to patient, most people can expect a near-full recovery around 24-48 hours after the procedure.
However, there are some activities your physician might ask you to avoid for 5-7 days post-procedure (like strenuous exercise). It’s okay to take a walk, but you might want to avoid attending a jiu jitsu class or running a marathon.
If you do feel some pain or tenderness or notice some bloody discharge during your recovery process, don’t worry. These side effects are completely normal, but do communicate these symptoms with your doctor. It’s always good to err on the side of caution.
If or when these symptoms do show up, over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen is usually okay to take to help you find relief. As always, double-check with your doctor before taking anything.
5. Is balloon sinuplasty safe?
This balloon sinuplasty FAQ is easy to answer. Yes. Balloon sinuplasty is very safe. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is quick, can be done in-office, and requires no cutting of soft tissues or bones. It’s a simple procedure that comes with long-lasting results and minimal-to-no recovery issues.
6. Can you be sedated during balloon sinuplasty?
You can definitely be sedated during balloon sinuplasty. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we offer IV sedation. IV sedation for balloon sinuplasty is a great option if surgical procedures tend to give you anxiety.
With IV sedation, you aren’t completely unconscious. Instead, you’re in an in-between state. You won’t feel any pain, and you’re fully relaxed. However, you might not remember much (if anything) from the procedure.
7. What is the basic information I need to know about balloon sinuplasty?
This is another popular balloon sinuplasty FAQ. And if you’re asking yourself this question, then there are a few main takeaways to remember:
- Restoring normal sinus drainage: The whole point of balloon sinuplasty is to restore normal drainage to your sinuses. To do this, your doctor will insert a balloon into your sinus passage and then inflate it to expand your opening. This process relieves pressure and flushes out blockage.
- Less invasive than traditional sinus surgery: One of the great aspects of balloon sinuplasty is that it’s quick, painless, and less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. The whole procedure takes around 20-25 minutes, and there’s no cutting of soft tissue or bones involved.
- In-office procedure: Since balloon sinuplasty is a relatively simple procedure and there are no major surgical processes involved, it is a procedure that you can undergo in the office.
8. How do you get started with balloon sinuplasty?
Getting your balloon sinuplasty journey started is simple! All you have to do is schedule a consultation with your trusted sinus doctor at Kaplan Sinus Relief
At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we are leaders in the balloon sinuplasty procedure, and we’ve helped hundreds of patients breathe easier through simple and effective treatment options.
Ready to start breathing better? Give us a call at 713-766-1818 or request an appointment online today.
More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:
- Have a Cough After a Sinus Infection? Here’s Why.
- Sinus Pressure Causes
- Understanding Summer Sinus Infections
- Weather Change & Fatigue
- Why Do I Have Sinus Congestion?