Are you tired of suffering from chronic or recurrent sinus infections? If other treatment options have failed to treat these symptoms, you may benefit from a minimally invasive option known as balloon sinuplasty. At AOO/ENT Specialists of the Rockies, our ENT doctors are highly skilled in performing this procedure to help you feel more like yourself again!

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Ballon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive technique used to treat recurrent sinus infections and mild to moderate sinus issues. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, which is typically performed in an operating room and involves the removal of tissue, balloon sinuplasty can be performed in the office. Because no tissue is removed, there is a much lower chance of bleeding and a quicker recovery.

Overall, balloon sinuplasty offers many benefits, including:

• Minimally invasive 
• Quick recovery
• High success rate
• Fewer complications
• Customizable treatment 

Who is Considered a Good Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

At AOO/ENT Specialists of the Rockies, we offer balloon sinuplasty to address recurrent sinus infections, blocked or narrowed drainage pathways, and barometric pressure headaches. However, this procedure is not recommended for those with extensive inflammation of the nose and sinuses, nasal polyps, or severe nasal scarring. 

The best way to determine if balloon sinuplasty is right for you is through a consultation appointment with one of our skilled ENT doctors such as Dr. Cutler. Certain testing may be needed, such as a CT scan, to determine the underlying cause of your sinus issues. 

The Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure 

At our practice, balloon sinuplasty can be performed in the office instead of an operating room. To begin the balloon sinuplasty procedure, a numbing spray and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the inside of the nose. Next, your physician will use a thin tube with a light on the end (called an endoscope) to insert a catheter into the nostril and sinus cavity. This catheter is used to guide a small, flexible balloon into the sinuses, which will gradually inflate to open the blocked sinuses. At our practice, our physicians can also employ image-guided navigation using CT technology to navigate this procedure for precise results. On average, this procedure takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete. 

Is There Downtime Following Balloon Sinuplasty?

One of the great benefits of balloon sinuplasty is that there is generally minimal downtime required. There is very minimal discomfort, and most patients can expect to return to their regular activities within a couple of days. Your physician will provide you with specific instructions regarding aftercare, which may involve the use of saline rinses and steroid sprays to keep the nasal cavities clean and reduce swelling. 

While patients can notice an improvement in their breathing within a week or two, the final outcomes can be enjoyed after 6-8 weeks. The results of balloon sinuplasty are often long-lasting. 

Treat Your Sinus Issues Today!

At AOO/ENT Specialists of the Rockies, we pride ourselves on taking an individualized approach to balloon sinuplasty. No two patients are the same, which is why we take the time to determine the underlying issues causing your sinus problems. To learn more about this procedure and whether it is right for you, please contact our practice today to schedule a consultation with one of our ENT doctors in Lone Tree, Denver, or Castle Rock, CO.