WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BALLOON SINUPLASTY?

Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive procedure than conventional sinus surgery for clearing blocked sinuses, as it does not require the nose surgeon to operate on the nasal bones or remove any tissue. In general, balloon sinuplasty patients experience less downtime and less pain during recovery than with traditional sinus surgery.

Although still considered a newer, more advanced technique, balloon sinuplasty has been proven safe and effective for over a decade, with almost 400,000 successful cases. As a functional surgery, balloon sinuplasty is covered by Medicare and most insurance carriers.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE AN ENT FOR BALLOON SINUPLASTY?

Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure to improve the function of the nose. Dr. Shabdiz is board certified in facial plastic surgery and ear, nose and throat surgery, outfitting him with the rigorous training, expertise and skill so integral to a successful result. Dr. Shabdiz offers balloon sinuplasty to his patients in Orange County, CA. Balloon sinuplasty patients seeking to undergo rhinoplasty will find that Dr. Shabdiz can easily accommodate both procedures at once, facilitating faster recovery times and fewer incisions.

As among the best balloon sinuplasty specialists, Dr. Shabdiz is adamant about conducting in-depth consultations with clients that promote trust, transparency and peace of mind. The doctor will examine your nose, review sinus imaging and your medications and prior surgeries if any, discuss your goals and most importantly, address any lingering questions or concerns about the procedure. Dr. Shabdiz will only proceed once he is satisfied that your expectations are realistic and that you fully understand your treatment plan.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A BALLOON SINUPLASTY?

The one-hour balloon sinuplasty procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in an ambulatory surgical center. The procedure is based on a concept used by heart surgeons to expand the arteries while performing balloon angioplasty.

During the balloon sinuplasty surgery, a small catheter is inserted into the nose. The catheter in some cases is “computer-assisted”, meaning that a computer guides the Dr. Shabdiz’s movements in order to more accurately target difficult-to-reach areas of the nose.

After draining any excess fluids, a latex-free balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated inside the sinuses, gently expanding to stretch and unblock the nasal cavity. No tissue, cartilage or bone is removed; however, if any polyps are causing obstruction, these may be eliminated at this juncture. The balloon and catheter are then both removed with no packing placed in the nose.

RECOVERY FROM BALLOON SINUPLASTY

One of the benefits of this procedure is that patients may quickly return to work and normal activities, usually within a few days. The nose can be blown normally, and patients can get back to exercising without concern after a few days.

While balloon sinuplasty does not prohibit clients from undergoing additional surgeries on their sinuses, this is rarely needed, as the procedure is highly effective the first time with results continuing to improve for several years. An immediate improvement in quality of life is usually imminent.