Balloon Sinuplasty: The Procedure Everyone is Talking About

Balloon sinuplasty may sound like a fun and entertaining carnival game, however, this procedure is not quite the same walk through the fairgrounds you may be envisioning (unless you are deathly afraid of clowns). But not to worry, balloon sinuplasty is actually pretty straightforward, and better yet, minimally invasive. This procedure is most commonly suggested for those with suffer from chronic sinusitis, or blocked airways. Think of how the start of spring has brought on pollen and with that all the sneezes- chronic sinutitis is kind of similar except more and throughout most of the year. So what exactly is balloon sinuplasty?
Also known as the balloon catheter dilation surgery, or “smart sinus” procedure, it was first introduced in the early 2000’s. The procedure itself is to help patients who suffer from blocked sinuses or chronic sinusitis, helping to clear those airways and passages. The surgery is performed in an ENT specialist’s office or hospital and can be done under general or local anesthesia, which you and your doctor will discuss before the surgery takes place.
By using a small device inserted into your sinus cavity, your doctor will slowly start to expand a thin, flexible balloon attached to the device, which then starts to expand the opening of your airways. Any build-up of mucus and pus lingering in the nasal and sinus cavity will be cleared and flushed out using a saline solution. If there was quite a bit of mucus build up, you may feel a significant decrease in pressure once it is flushed out. With the balloon still inserted, it will help to softly reconstruct the bones around the sinuses. Once complete, the balloon is removed and the passageways are now wider plus free and clear of buildup and pressure.
While this procedure is not the most expensive, it can cost a few pretty pennies. Balloon sinuplasty can range anywhere from $3000-$7000, however, most insurance companies have seen the value of having the procedure. If medically necessary a balloon sinuplasty surgery can be covered by most insurance companies and Medicare after 2014 when the American Academy of Otolaryngology called for all insurance providers to consider this coverage.
Recovery time for this procedure is fairly quick, with most patients returning to their normal activates within a few days of the surgery. Following the surgery, you may notice slight bloody drainage or discharge from your nose within a week. This is perfectly normal! Same goes for some fatigue, congestion or swelling. All of these can be expected after a sinus surgery, but typically clear up within a week. The fastest way to recover, of course, is to follow the instructions your doctor has laid out for you.
Any surgery is going to have risks and balloon sinuplasty is no different. Even though there is no cutting of bones, or removal of tissues, it is still a surgery. Each patient is unique and therefore each case if different. To make sure balloon sinuplasty is right for you, make sure to consult with a professional. If you are looking for a balloon sinuplasty in Tampa, Meyerson Sinus Center has you covered! Schedule a consultation with our expert team today to help you breathe easier.









