Here are some frequently asked questions about the procedure from patients like you!
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
If you have trouble with chronic and recurrent sinusitis, your blocked sinus drainage pathways can prevent effective drainage, airflow and healing. If medications and first line treatments have failed to help resolve symptoms and inflammation in the past or you experience multiple episodes of sinusitis, Balloon Sinuplasty may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
This procedure gently expands your sinus openings and drainage pathways to restore airflow, aid with drainage and helps healing. After locating the treatment area and applying local anesthesia, your physician will place the small balloon, inflate the balloon to dilate the treatment area, and then deflate and remove the balloon.
Will Medicare or my insurance off-set the cost of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Most insurance companies and Medicare cover Balloon Sinuplasty if considered medically reasonable and necessary. To be certain of what your insurance coverage will pay for, contact your provider to find out about your specific policy.
What are the side effects and complications of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Possible side effects of the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure include, but are not limited to, post-operative bleeding; pain and swelling; allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during the procedure; or infection. There is also a small risk of mucosal/tissue damage from the expansion. Make sure to consult with your doctor to determine if your condition presents any special risks.
What are some of 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. Consult with your ENT specialist for further details, which would include your anatomy and medical history, among other factors, to determine the risks for you as a patient.
What's the success rate of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Absolutely. In fact, 96% of patients undergoing a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure have reported drastic improvement in sinusitis symptoms. Learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty and results of this procedure by visiting the FAQ page on http://www.balloonsinuplasty.com.
What is the average recovery time for Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. Most patients undergo the in-office procedure with general anesthesia, but it varies from patient to patient. While recovery time varies with each patient, most patients who undergo the in-office procedure can return to normal activities within two days or sooner.
Can Balloon Sinuplasty correct a deviated septum? What about snoring?
Balloon Sinuplasty is an effective way to manage the symptoms of sinus disease. A deviated nasal septum is not a sinus problem, however. It is considered a nasal problem, so if you only have a deviated nasal septum, then Balloon Sinuplasty is not a recommended treatment.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a proven and safe technology to relieve obstructions associated with chronic sinusitis. It can not be expected to affect snoring, but has been proved wholly effective in addressing sinus disease.