Balloon Sinuplasty Frequently Asked Questions

Get the best answers about Balloon Sinuplasty.

Questions asked by patients like you and answered by experienced providers

Click on each of the questions below to reveal what our sinus experts have to say about this revolutionary procedure.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty may be the right treatment option for you, especially if medications and first line treatments have failed to help resolve your chronic and recurrent sinusitis symptoms and inflammation in the past.

This procedure gently expands your sinus openings and drainage pathways to restore airflow, assists with drainage and helps healing. After locating the treatment area and local anesthesia is applied, the physician will place and inflate a small balloon to dilate the treatment area. The balloon is then deflated and removed.

What is the success rate of Balloon Sinuplasty? Is it worthwhile?

Absolutely. In fact, 96% of patients undergoing a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure have reported drastic improvement in sinusitis symptoms.

Does Medicare pay for Balloon Sinuplasty?

Most insurance companies and Medicare cover Balloon Sinuplasty if considered medically reasonable and necessary. To be certain of your level of insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider to find out your specific policy.

What should the average patient expect for recovery time?

While recovery time varies with each patient, most patients who undergo the in-office procedure can return to normal activities within a couple days or sooner.

What are the risks involved with the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure?

Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery and has a low complication rate. As with any medical procedure, potential risks and complications also exist with Balloon Sinuplasty. Make sure to consult with your doctor to determine if your condition presents any special risks.

Possible side effects can include, but are not limited to: pain and swelling, allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during the procedure, some post-op bleeding. There is also a small risk of mucosal/tissue damage from the expansion.

How long does the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure take?

To allow time for pretreatment preparation and post treatment examination, you should expect to spend around one and a half to two hours in our office. Procedure length is dependent on your specific condition and anatomy.

Is the patient awake for the procedure?

Balloon Sinuplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. Most patients undergo the in-office procedure with general anesthesia, but it varies from patient to patient.

Is balloon sinuplasty permanent?

Several studies concerning the long-term effectiveness of balloon sinuplasty have been performed in Europe and Asia. These studies spanned ten years and included high resolution thin cut computed tomographic images. The studies suggest continued normal functioning of the sinuses. Studies have also been performed in the United States with similar findings.