4 FAQs About Balloon Sinus Surgery

Do you suffer from chronic sinusitis? If you do, then it’s likely your ear, nose and throat doctor has recommended something called balloon sinus surgery. At the mere mention of the word surgery, you may have been sent into panic mode.

However, don’t worry, it’s a non-invasive procedure that’s over in a flash. It involves a small balloon catheter that’s inserted into your sinus and expanded with air to open it up. A saline solution is flushed through to clean an infected sinus, and then the balloon is removed – leaving you with an unblocked sinus. If you want to learn more about this surgery, then here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Is balloon sinus surgery a safe procedure?

Most people worry that they’ll have to go under the knife and put themselves at risk when they have this treatment. This isn’t the case at all, as balloon sinus surgery doesn’t involve any cutting or stitching at all. It’s very non-invasive and entirely safe. Numerous studies back this up, and many patients will get through the procedure without any complaints at all.

How long does it take?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your ear, nose and throat doctor. Some experienced specialists can complete the whole procedure in under an hour. But, a more realistic timeframe would be anywhere between 60-75 minutes. This is normally where the average time falls in, so it’s not a very long surgery at all. Not least when you compare it to other sinus procedures that take well over an hour.

Is it a permanent solution to my sinus problems?

Clearly, whenever you choose a surgical option, you want to know if it will provide a permanent solution or not. Many people are afraid of any surgical treatments because they get anxious when in an operating theatre. You’ll be pleased to know that balloon sinus surgery is considered to be a permanent solution that will help unblock your sinuses in the long-term. Having said that, if you have extremely severe sinus issues, then your ENT doctor might recommend repeat treatments. It’s important to stress this isn’t the norm, and most people have one surgery and are sorted.

Does it hurt and will I take long to recover?

You’ll be under general/local anesthetic when receiving balloon sinus surgery so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. However, due to the fact you’re still having something pushed up into your sinus, there’s likely to be a bit of tenderness and soreness afterward. What’s more, because your sinuses cover a lot of your face, you may feel slight dizziness or pain in your eye when the anesthetic wears off. But, don’t worry, these problems are minor and won’t last long at all. In most cases, you’ll be fully recovered and good to return to your regular routine within two days.

Hopefully, these frequently asked questions have helped give you an insight into balloon sinus surgery. It’s a really good procedure to consider if you have terrible sinus issues, and there are very few risks when compared to traditional sinus surgery.