When you hear the words “surgery” or “procedure,” your brain probably jumps straight to invasive doctor’s visits and long recovery times. While intense procedures are occasionally necessary, there are times when a minimally invasive option like Balloon Sinuplasty is just the ticket to bring you relief.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is a quick procedure to widen and unblock the sinus cavity. Your sinus specialist may recommend it if you’re dealing with frequently recurring or long-lasting sinus infections.
During the procedure, your specialist will guide a small balloon through the nostrils and inflate it to clear the blockage contributing to your sinus infection.
How Long Does Balloon Sinuplasty Take?
While some Balloon Sinuplasty procedures require the patient to go under general anesthesia, in-office procedures typically only necessitate a topical decongestant and local anesthetic, meaning you won’t have to wait for anesthesia to wear off.
The entire procedure only takes between 30 minutes and about an hour. Afterwards, you’ll need to rest at home for 24 to 48 hours and avoid any strenuous activities but should be able to return to most or all of your regular activities in about a week or two.
Why Is Balloon Sinuplasty Good for My Busy Lifestyle?
The fact that Balloon Sinuplasty is a short, in-office procedure performed with a local anesthetic, combined with its short recovery times, means that you can easily fit it into a busy schedule. You may even be able to have the procedure done on a Thursday or Friday and return to work or school the following Monday.
Your recovery time will depend on your anatomy. For example, some people may be able to restart their nightly workout at Equinox Plano in just two weeks. Other may take longer. Your sinus specialist will give you specific care instructions and a timeline for returning to your routine.
Most patients are feeling back to their normal selves in a matter of one or two days. They may have a bit of pressure or drainage but generally they’re feeling a lot better within a week, whereas with traditional sinus surgery, you may be looking at least a week if not more from feeling back to your normal self.
Dr. Tony Peter
What Are the Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty offers long-term relief without putting your life on hold. Healthcare providers have been performing the procedure since 2005 and find it an effective solution for reducing the severity and recurrence of chronic sinus infections.
That means you can stop sinus infection symptoms in their tracks, including but not limited to congestion, facial pain or pressure, tooth pain, postnasal drip and fever.
To learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty, contact Collin County ENT today.