Sick of living with chronic sinus issues? Dr. Christine Gilliam at Everyone’s ENT & Sinus Center in San Antonio, TX offers the balloon sinuplasty procedure to help you achieve relief.

Balloon Sinuplasty FAQs

Most people have dealt with sinus issues at some point in their lives. Often, these are seasonal or triggered by something temporary. For others, sinus problems are a regular part of life. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, a balloon sinuplasty might offer the relief you seek. Dr. Gilliam and the team at Everyone’s ENT & Sinus Center in San Antonio, TX answer some of the most common questions about this procedure below.

What is a balloon sinuplasty? 

A balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that is much less invasive than sinus surgery. A sinuplasty involves using a very small catheter into the nose and troubled sinus. An inflated balloon opens the sinus and allows your ENT specialist to clear it. This procedure allows the sinus to be restructured so that it can drain properly.

What are the pros and cons of this procedure? 

There are several advantages to balloon sinuplasty, starting with the fact that it helps many people enjoy lasting relief from sinus trouble. It’s also minimally invasive, requires no cutting or tissue removal, allows for fast recovery, and can be done with only local anesthesia in your ENT’s office. And as there is no cutting, the risk of infection is significantly lower than with sinus surgery.

However, it might not provide full relief for every patient, depending on the severity of the sinus condition. When the sinus condition is more complex or severe, sinus surgery or other methods might be necessary for full recovery and relief.

How long will it take to recover? 

Patients can typically get back to their regular activities within one to two days, though it can take a little longer for some. Sinus surgery can require weeks or months to recover.

Will I need the procedure more than once? 

It depends on how long your sinus can stay open. Most patients have great success with balloon sinuplasty and only need one treatment. Some have more severe sinus issues, which cause the sinus to close again. If this occurs, you might need another sinuplasty or to consider other options. Your ENT specialist will help you determine the best course of treatment should additional care be needed.

Learn more about balloon sinuplasty and if it’s the right move for you by visiting Dr. Gilliam at Everyone’s ENT & Sinus Center in San Antonio, TX. Call (210) 647-3838 to schedule your appointment today.