Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that has been designed to provide relief for the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis and recurring sinus infections. This is one of Dr. Shari Reitzen’s main services at her Upper East Side practice.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Many people suffer from chronic sinus pain or pressure, as well as recurrent sinus infections. Balloon sinuplasty uses a small, flexible balloon catheter (a soft catheter with an inflatable “balloon” at the tip) to open sinus passageways that are blocked. The balloon catheter also helps to drain built-up mucous. As the balloon catheter inflates, it widens the walls of the sinus passageway without damaging the sinus lining.

Key Benefits of a Balloon Sinuplasty

Unlike medications that just treat the symptoms, balloon sinuplasty could permanently address the cause of the problem
Balloon sinuplasty requires no cutting and no removal of bone or tissue
No general anesthesia needed
Faster recovery time than traditional sinuplasty
After the procedure, patients report that they can breathe better, have fewer sinus infections, and have less sinus pressure and drainage
Up to 95% of patients report a significant improvement

Who Gets a Balloon Sinuplasty?

If you’re in the Upper East Side area and you’re interested in a balloon sinuplasty, you could be the ideal candidate. This procedure is an excellent option for those who:

Are experiencing chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections
Have symptoms that have not improved for more than three months
Have tried nasal sprays, antibiotics, allergy meds, and antihistamines with no luck
Do not have an underlying structural issue such as nasal polyps or a severely deviated septum

Balloon Sinuplasty FESS Animation

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure Details

One of the biggest advantages of balloon sinuplasty is that it can be done in the office in a convenient 10-15-minute procedure. In fact, the average time from a patient arriving to them leaving is one hour. The balloon sinuplasty uses only local anesthetic (topical and injections).

Numbing medicine will be used on the surface areas of the nose interior, and once these have done their job, we will administer the local anesthetic. Once the area is properly numbed, the balloon catheter will enter the nasal cavity, where the tiny “balloon” tip will inflate and widen the walls of the nasal passageways. During this process, you may feel some pressure, but there should not be any pain. Some patients also experience a “smoky” smell. This is normal. The blockage will be addressed, and once this has been done, a saline solution will then be sprayed into the cavity to cleanse the area and the catheter will be removed.

“Great bedside manner and solved my issue on the first visit. I would definitely recommend.”

Michael L.

Recovery

After your balloon sinuplasty, you can expect to feel sore for a couple of days, and possibly congested for about one week.

Directly after your procedure, your throat may feel strange and your voice may sound different due to the numbing agent. This will wear off in 2-3 hours.

Post-operative oozing, red drainage, and bleeding may occur for up to three days, and many patients choose to use gauze during this time.

If you have excessive bleeding, please contact us immediately.

To minimize nasal congestion, we recommend sleeping with your head elevated by a couple of pillows. Blowing your nose should be completely avoided for two weeks, as should any strenuous activity. (Taking walks is fine.) Over the following month after your balloon sinuplasty, you should notice improvement.

Balloon Sinuplasty with Dr. Reitzen

We understand that you want to feel better — to regain function and to breathe better. This is why Dr. Shari Reitzen works together with you to find a solution. With her balloon sinuplasty procedure, she has helped countless patients who weren’t seeing success with medications. As a double board-certified reconstructive/plastic surgeon and ENT, Dr. Reitzen has the experience and skill you need to feel confident that you’re in good hands. We believe that you should be able to breathe without issue, and we invite you to contact us to book a consultation if you’re in the Upper East Side area with sinus issues. Dr. Reitzen will get to the bottom of your problem.

FAQ

Are results from a balloon sinuplasty permanent?

Is the “balloon” on the tip of the catheter made of rubber or latex, like a real balloon?

Is a balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance?

Are results from a balloon sinuplasty permanent?

In most cases, yes. A balloon sinuplasty is typically permanent, but some patients may have more severe symptoms or conditions that require a repeat procedure.

Is the “balloon” on the tip of the catheter made of rubber or latex, like a real balloon?

No, the “balloon” is made from high-strength, latex-free plastic.

Is a balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance?

Most insurance covers a balloon sinuplasty; however, you should contact your health insurance company to double-check. We will assist you in this process.

Balloon Sinuplasty

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Key Benefits of a Balloon Sinuplasty

Who Gets a Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure Details

“Great bedside manner and solved my issue on the first visit. I would definitely recommend.”

Recovery

Balloon Sinuplasty with Dr. Reitzen

FAQ

Are results from a balloon sinuplasty permanent?

Is the “balloon” on the tip of the catheter made of rubber or latex, like a real balloon?

Is a balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance?

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