Balloon Sinuplasty
Sinusitis can interfere with your daily activities and make life more difficult. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can permanently relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis. In over 90% of cases, patients no longer experience their sinusitis symptoms. The balloon sinuplasty procedure is designed to get rid of those annoying or even debilitating symptoms such as headaches, a stuffy nose, coughing, and thick discharge.
Who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?
If you’re looking at balloon sinuplasty¹ as an option, it’s best to have your sinus complications diagnosed as early as possible. Unfortunately, those who are already suffering from long-lasting health complications with their sinuses may not benefit as much from the procedure.
Although each patient’s situation is different and requires a unique approach, certain symptoms can make someone an excellent candidate for balloon sinuplasty. Whether you’re dealing with recurring sinus infections, consistent headaches around the eyes, or difficulty breathing through the nose, all of these are reasons enough to consider the procedure.
Before you dive into the procedure, your physician should consider whether you’d benefit more from partial or full balloon sinuplasty treatment. It’s also vital to note that this procedure is best suited for adults. Although the procedure has been performed on children, it will only be suggested for them in very niche healthcare scenarios.
What is the procedure?
In balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Fletcher uses a catheter with a balloon at the end of it. He places it at the location of the blockage in your nasal passages, and opens the balloon. This allows the nasal passages to drain naturally so symptoms go away. With a single simple operation, your symptoms can disappear for good.
The whole procedure is easier for patients than traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery, or FESS². That operation requires general anesthesia and involves removal of the inflamed tissues in your sinuses. Recovery can be painful and include some bleeding from tissue damage.
Benefits of balloon sinuplasty
Before balloon sinuplasty became a common solution, endoscopic sinus surgery was the traditional method used to handle various sinus complications. Part of what made balloon sinuplasty an ideal choice were overall safety and minimal health risks.
The procedure itself offers a faster recovery period, no damage to the sinus or surrounding structures, and a reduced risk of post-op infections, inflammations, and potential scarring³.
Even if it’s considered to be quite safe and effective, there are still a few known side effects. Patients may experience different side effects such as minimal swelling, drainage mainly consisting of blood, tenderness in the localized area, and infections if the sinuses aren’t properly cleaned after the procedure. The procedure has been around since the early 2000s, but it can still be challenging to find a qualified and reliable surgeon who’s ready to take the job.
If you’re looking for balloon sinuplasty in Atlanta, contact us today to see if balloon sinuplasty is right for you.
What is the recovery like?
Balloon sinuplasty requires little recovery time. Many patients can return to work and regular activities within two days of the procedure. You may be able to get the procedure done under local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, and Dr. Fletcher can perform the procedure right in our office in Stockbridge instead of having you be admitted to a hospital.
BALLOON SINUPLASTY FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS
Tired of Chronic Sinus infections? Balloon Sinuplasty may be the answer.
LOOK AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL!
The Georgia Center for Ear, Nose, and Throat is more than an advanced sinus treatment facility. We offer a wide array of cosmetic facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Aaron Fletcher and his staff are committed to making sure you feel comfortable in each stage of the process. Call and schedule a consultation to learn more about Dr. Fletcher’s brow lift and other facial procedures. Call us at 678.902.9495 or contact us online for your consultation.
Balloon Sinuplasty FAQ
Balloon sinuplasty is known as the go-to surgical solution for treating sinusitis and other ailments related to the sinus. It’s minimally invasive and much more effective than the traditional endoscopic sinus surgery that was popular before.
Although sinusitis is one of the leading health conditions that warrant balloon sinuplasty, there are other complications related to the sinus that the procedure can help alleviate. The procedure is generally recommended when antibiotics can’t manage the symptoms of sinus issues and to help those who struggle with chronic congestion, stuffy nose, pressure in the face, and even issues with the sense of smell.
Another aspect that brings so much attention to the procedure is it’s relatively painless, apart from the fact that some patients may experience mild soreness. Most people report a pressure sensation during the procedure, but you can rest assured that minimal to chronic pain isn’t a part of the process. If necessary, a surgeon may consider general anesthesia in particular circumstances.
Recovery time is nearly non-existent, as patients will start feeling back to normal within 24–48 hours after the procedure. Patients will experience a faster healing process if they follow some minor aftercare instructions such as rinsing their nostrils with nasal spray, elevating the head while sleeping, and avoiding blowing the nose.
Ballon Sinuplasty References
[¹]Levine, H. L., & Rabago, D. (2011). Balloon Sinuplasty: A Minimally Invasive Option for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Postgraduate Medicine, 123(2), 112–118. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2011.03.2269
[²]Slack, R. (1998b, September 1). Functional endoscopic sinus surgery. AAFP. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1998/0901/p707.html
[³]Bizaki, A., Numminen, J., Taulu, R., & Rautiainen, M. (2016b). Decrease of nasal airway resistance and alleviations of symptoms after balloon sinuplasty in patients with isolated chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective, randomised clinical study. Clinical Otolaryngology, 41(6), 673–680. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.12583
Testimonials
FEATURED REVIEWS
“Dr. Fletcher and his staff are amazing. They have walked with my husband and I through every step of his surgery process. They are patient resourceful and genuine. God couldn’t have blessed us with a better team. Thank you for everything."
Brittany.
“Dr. Fletcher and his staff are all I could have hoped for in an ENT specialist. He has been my specialist for several years now and has always provided the absolute best care, best advice and treatment during every visit!"
Nicole S.
“That was my first visit and I really appreciate how prompt, attentive and thorough the staff and the doctor was. I would recommend my friends."
M.R.
“I've been looking for a great ENT, I'm so glad that I've finally found one in Dr. Fletcher! He makes me feel a part of the family, I recommend all of my friends and co-workers."
Genette Roberson.
“A very professional and friendly staff. Dr. Fletcher is very detailed and informational in his explanations. His office staff Ashley C Valerie are warm and friendly. They walked my daughter through her tonsils being removed and made it seamless."
Valewis.
“Terrific ENT practice. Was able to get an appointment by the next day to clear ear canals. In and out within 45 minutes. Excellent and professional service by friendly staff."
Rick Andreoli.
“Appt was on time. Staff very courteous. Every step & procedure explained.
Nothing rushed or ignored. Left with a clear plan of action and follow up in place."
Anne Leath.
“Wish I could give this place 10 stars. I've been seeing Dr. Fletcher for over a year about my under eye hollows. He always gets me right and when I came in for a touch-up yesterday, I received exactly what I'm used to. I love that although they were pretty busy, I still felt safe and clean in the office. The staff is friendly and comforting as well. I always look forward to seeing Dr. Fletcher and his team."
Kri Peck.
“Dr. Fletcher removed my thyroid. He took excellent care of me pre-op and post-op. Dr Fletcher took the time to answer all the questions that I and my family had. We were all at ease going in to the procedure and recovery has gone smoothly. Dr Fletcher has kept me well informed on my care and condition and I will readily recommend him and his staff for all of their services."
Dawn Zinn.
“Five star experience. I came to Dr. Fletcher for lip fillers and they turned out amazing. He did some tweaking to a previous filler job I had done, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Friendly office environment, staff is amazing."
Jasmina Alston.
Thanks For Visiting!
GET IN TOUCH
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fletcher, please contact our practice using the provided form. A member of our staff will be in touch with you shortly.