Balloon Sinuplasty Recovery vs. Traditional Sinus Surgery

Contrary to popular belief, there are a few key differences between balloon sinuplasty recovery and traditional sinus surgery recovery. Traditional sinus surgeries – also known as endoscopic sinus surgery – have been performed in operating rooms for decades in an attempt to help people find temporary relief from their sinus problems – until balloon sinuplasty was introduced and changed the game.

What is balloon sinuplasty? Balloon sinuplasty is a newer and innovative alternative to traditional sinus surgery that offers patients permanent solutions to their chronic sinus issues. Dr. Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Sinus Relief is the pioneer of balloon sinuplasty in Houston who treats a multitude of patients for sinus-related problems. Through his work, Dr. Kaplan has found that the balloon sinuplasty recovery experience positively differs in many ways from the traditional sinus surgery recovery experience. Here’s how.

For better results and better recovery, consider trying balloon sinuplasty as a permanent sinus treatment option. Call 713-766-1818 to schedule an appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief today.

1. Balloon sinuplasty recovery is safer

Traditional sinus surgeries often require invasive cutting of the bone and tissue and are performed in operating rooms using general anesthesia. What some patients may not know is that this general anesthetic can often cause significant tissue damage and more bleeding to the patient, resulting in a much longer recovery time with more complications. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we offer the option of local IV sedation with an anesthesiologist for a more comfortable procedure. IV sedation is not necessary though and is offered to help individuals who are anxious about the procedure. Due to the minimally invasive nature of balloon sinuplasty, there is significantly less or no damage to the tissues, resulting in a safer, virtually painless recovery process.

The balloon sinuplasty procedure explained

In our balloon sinuplasty FAQ blog, we explain how the balloon sinuplasty procedure is simple, quick, and effective. Dr. Kaplan will place a small endoscopic balloon within your sinus cavities that he will inflate, enlarging the cavities around it so that your sinuses can drain properly. Dr. Kaplan then uses TGS navigation to help guide the balloon and target areas within your sinus cavities with more precision and accuracy for a quick, minimally invasive procedure. No cutting, no damage. It really is that simple.

2. Balloon sinuplasty recovery is faster

The basic recovery time for traditional sinus surgeries is approximately 5-7 days – if the patient is experiencing complications, the recovery process can be much longer. However, the time frame for balloon sinuplasty recovery is almost cut in half.

How long does it take to heal from balloon sinuplasty?

Since there is no cutting or removal of bone or tissue involved, most patients recover from balloon sinuplasty quickly and are completely healed within 1-2 days. In fact, most patients are able to return to work in 24 hours. That said, there are several medications and activities you should avoid after balloon sinuplasty.

What should you not do after balloon sinuplasty?

Here is what you should avoid after you’ve had your procedure:

• Do NOT drive yourself home. If you opted for IV sedation, you will not be awake enough to drive safely. Ask someone that you trust to drive you home after your procedure.
• Do NOT blow your nose for at least 24 hours. Though bloody drainage is normal for a few days after surgery, blowing your nose could cause excessive bleeding and damage to your sinuses.
• Do NOT take any pain medication unless you are instructed to. Avoid taking over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol and Aleve, as well as vitamin E, as they can increase your risk of bleeding due to their blood thinning nature. If you need to take any medication, talk with your doctor before your balloon sinuplasty procedure.
• Do NOT do any strenuous exercise. It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week, but moderate exercise is fine for the first 48 hours. Try your best to rest the day after your procedure!

3. Balloon sinuplasty recovery has fewer side effects

While traditional sinus surgeries can have side effects including infection, tissue damage, and reoccurring sinus problems, there are rarely any complications after balloon sinuplasty.

For most patients, the balloon sinuplasty recovery experience is fairly painless and comes with few side effects. There’s still a chance that you might experience congestion, slight swelling, or even drowsiness for the few days after the surgery. It’s important to note that bloody drainage is one of the normal side effects of balloon sinuplasty and shouldn’t last longer than a few days!

However, if you notice that these side effects are not letting up after 48 hours, contact your doctor and schedule a follow-up appointment.

Balloon sinuplasty recovery is faster and safer with Kaplan Sinus Relief

Balloon sinuplasty is a great alternative to traditional – and sometimes outdated – sinus surgery methods. Hear from Dr. Michael Kaplan himself about the differences between balloon sinuplasty recovery and traditional sinus surgery recovery.

Permanent chronic sinus relief is possible and virtually painless with balloon sinuplasty. If you think that you would be a good balloon sinuplasty candidate, call 713-766-1818 or request an appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief today.

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• Everything You Need to Know About Balloon Sinuplasty For Allergies
• Why Is It Hard to Breathe Through My Nose?
• These Are the 5 Most Common Allergies in America
• The Best Way to Stop Snoring
• Cold or Sinus Infection: How to Tell the Difference