Scarring is an integral part of the healing process and was essential to our ancestors’ survival as it helped seal wounds. But scars can also cause numerous other issues including itching and pain.
Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). It enlarges sinus openings without cutting or removing tissue, thus decreasing post-operative pain, bleeding, and recovery time.
1. It is a natural part of the healing process
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally-invasive sinus surgery procedure designed to reopen blocked sinus passageways and restore normal drainage of sinuses, providing permanent solutions for chronic problems caused by poor drainage that create an environment for bacteria to flourish. Treatment options available over-the-counter include decongestants, nasal sprays and steroids; however, these will only provide temporary relief. For patients who do not find relief through noninvasive therapies, doctors may suggest more invasive surgical options like endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS. Unfortunately, these surgical procedures may leave behind scar tissue and bone removal that inhibit normal sinus drainage; additionally they require an extended recovery time of weeks or months.
The balloon sinuplasty procedure offers a safer alternative to traditional surgery. Conducted in an office setting using topical anesthetic, this noninvasive process uses an endoscope to locate treatment areas before inserting a catheter with an inflatable balloon tip through one nostril into a sinus cavity – then inflating and deflating before being removed by an ENT surgeon – lasting roughly an hour with high success rates, less invasiveness than traditional surgery, no bleeding or bruising and minimal risk for recovery.
After your procedure, it is normal for the scar area to experience swelling and redness for the first few days following healing. This indicates that the wound is being addressed. Once this initial swelling subsides, however, your scar should begin to shrink and paler as you go through its four stages of healing – eventually reaching its final state as flat and more natural looking scar. In more serious cases of excess bleeding after your procedure occurs you may require medical assistance such as visiting your physician’s office or emergency room for further care; although this situation should not occur frequently.
2. It can be a cosmetic issue
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that restores sinus drainage and relieves pressure within the sinuses, helping treat chronic sinusitis symptoms as well as improving quality of life. Proven safe and effective, this minimally invasive option does not involve cutting tissue removal for fast recovery without risk of complications – ideal for patients not interested in being sedated for traditional surgery procedures.
Beginning the procedure involves an ENT administering either general or local anesthesia and inserting a lighted guide wire through one of the sinus passageways into the nose, near its entrance to a sinus. At that point, they slowly advance a balloon catheter with an inflated balloon over it that they then slowly stretch against sinus walls to widen passage and open sinus. Stretching it too far causes bone fractures that eventually force an opening into it and allows drainage of sinus.
Once the sinus has been opened, the doctor deflates and removes the balloon so that the sinus can drain normally – this reduces pain, swelling, and bleeding, providing permanent solutions to chronic sinus issues. Furthermore, this procedure is much less invasive than traditional surgery as it can be completed in an office environment; its only potential risk may include optic nerve damage near the sinus but this risk is extremely rare.
If you are suffering from chronic sinus issues, contact an Houston ENT immediately to see if balloon sinuplasty may be beneficial to you. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to assess your eligibility for balloon sinuplasty as well as provide more details regarding this procedure and its advantages.
Candidates for this procedure typically have tried traditional medical therapies like medication and have CT scans that show mild disease with mostly bony obstruction, rather than significant swelling. FESS can provide more severe sinus disease cases; thus this procedure is an attractive alternative option.
3. It can be a psychological issue
Recurrence of symptoms after sinus surgery is one of the major obstacles to effective recovery, resulting in frustration for both patient and surgeon. Unfortunately, effective psychological treatment exists that can address this issue and contribute to recovery efforts.
Balloon Sinuplasty is an alternative to traditional sinus surgery that is much less invasive. Instead of cutting and extracting bone and tissue, an ENT will insert a small latex-free balloon through one nostril into your sinus cavity; once filled it will be inflated to widen out your sinus passageways before deflating and being removed later – meaning there are no cuts made and reduced risk for scarring.
Balloon Sinuplasty can be used to treat various sinus issues, including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and sphenoid cysts. Additionally, this procedure can be used to correct adenoid enlargement and to shrink frontal sinus ostium size. All procedures can be conducted under local anesthesia in-office; most patients don’t require overnight stays at hospital.
Note that patients with nasal or sinus tumors, nasal adhesions, skull base abnormalities or sinus or brain infections cannot undergo Balloon Sinuplasty surgery. Furthermore, bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinner medications should seek consultation before considering this surgery as it might not be suitable. It’s wise to speak to your ENT in regards to whether this procedure would be right for you.
Balloon Sinuplasty can restore normal sinus drainage, improving quality of life. Many have seen successful outcomes from this procedure; however, its success depends on factors like severity of sinus issues. If recommended by your ENT, be sure to follow their advice and take an active part in recovery – this will enable faster healing times and possibly prevent complications down the road.
4. It can be a medical issue
Scarring is a medical issue that can alter how your body functions. For instance, having surgical scars rub against your rib cage or belly button may hinder breathing, leading to discomfort and potentially leading to chronic sinus infections and other health concerns. Scars may even form adhesions that restrict organ movement within the body as well as deformities of nose or face structures which are unsightly.
There are medical solutions available to address chronic sinusitis. One such procedure is balloon sinuplasty, which involves minimally invasive procedures performed by an ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat specialist).
Non-surgical sinusitis treatment utilizes a small balloon catheter to open blocked sinus passageways and allow mucus drainage. The procedure is safe and effective for most patients and can be performed safely at your physician’s office with local anesthesia. It may improve quality of life by alleviating painful symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Recovery time from Balloon Sinuplasty depends on the severity of your symptoms, but most people report a short healing period. Although you may experience some discomfort post-procedure, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can typically help manage any discomfort afterward. It is important to avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they increase your risk of bleeding following the procedure.
At the start of a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure, your doctor will administer topical anesthetic spray and place thick cotton pads soaked with anesthetic in both nostrils to numb the area before inserting an endoscope – a thin tube with light on one end – into your nose to allow your doctor to see where a problem lies and then use a wire guide a small balloon into it before inflating it gently to open any blocked sinus passageways.
