Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Traditional Sinus Surgery in Augusta, GA
Common chronic sinusitis symptoms like nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, postnasal drip, sinus pain and pressure, and headaches can be frustrating, especially if left untreated and unmanaged.
If medications and other forms of treatment prove to be ineffective in managing your symptoms, an ENT doctor in Augusta, GA, can evaluate whether treatments like balloon sinuplasty or sinus surgery may be appropriate for your condition.
There are a few important things you should learn about sinus surgery before making any decision.
What Is Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is an ENT treatment designed to treat certain cases of chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and address other persistent sinus issues when medications and other forms of treatment become ineffective.
There are two common types of sinus surgeries: balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Our ENT clinic in Augusta, GA, can help assess your symptoms and discuss your treatment options based on clinical findings, medical history, and other individual health factors.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to treat certain cases of chronic sinusitis. A consultation with an ENT specialist can assess your condition and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this treatment option, depending on the severity of your symptoms, clinical findings, medical history, and potential underlying causes.
The procedure uses a small and flexible balloon catheter that is inserted into the affected sinus cavity. It may widen blocked sinus passages and potentially improve sinus drainage and airflow in select patients.
What happens during the procedure?
During a balloon sinuplasty procedure, your ENT doctor injects local anesthesia into your nasal tissue to numb the area. Then, they will insert a small, flexible balloon catheter into the affected sinus cavity via the nose. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated. This is intended to widen blocked sinus passages to facilitate sinus drainage and airflow. Then, the balloon is deflated and removed.
What is healing and recovery like after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will stay in the hospital or medical office until you are comfortable enough to leave and travel back home. Your doctor might also advise you to have someone take you to and from your appointment. They will discuss follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and recovery after the procedure.
During your pre-procedure consultation, your doctor will discuss tips and instructions to aid in healing and recovery, which may include:
☑️ Use nasal packing if needed
☑️ Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
☑️ Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure
☑️ Sleep with your head elevated to minimize post-procedure congestion
☑️ Avoid strenuous activities for about seven days after the procedure
Recovery timelines and healing experiences vary per patient, depending on individual health factors. As with any medical procedure, there may be some risks and complications, including congestion, swelling, and bloody nasal discharge.
What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a type of sinus surgery that can treat some cases of chronic sinusitis and remove nasal polyps. This may be the recommended procedure for cases where symptoms don’t respond to other forms of treatment, based on clinical findings, symptom severity, and potential underlying causes.
FESS allows ENT doctors to perform sinus surgery via the nostrils, without external cuts or incisions.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the procedure begins, you will be put to sleep with general anesthesia. Then, your ENT doctor will inject a local anesthetic into the sinus tissues to numb the area for the procedure.
Then, they will insert an instrument called an endoscope (which has a camera on one end) into the affected sinus cavity via the nostril. They will use specialized instruments to remove nasal polyps, bone, or diseased tissue that may be contributing to persistent sinus issues.
What is healing and recovery like after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will stay in the hospital or medical office until you wake up and are comfortable to leave and go home. It might be a good idea to have someone take you to and from your appointment for safety. Your doctor will also discuss follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
Before your scheduled appointment for FESS, your ENT doctor will thoroughly discuss what you can expect after, including instructions to aid in healing and recovery. General instructions may include:
☑️Open your mouth when sneezing
☑️ Avoid blowing your nose for at least seven days after the procedure
☑️ Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
☑️ Avoid strenuous activities as advised by your ENT doctor
Healing experiences and recovery timelines vary per patient. As this is a medical procedure, risks and complications are possible, including bleeding, swelling, and discomfort in the treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Surgery in Augusta, GA
What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by the irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses, which are hollow, air-filled spaces located behind the nose, cheekbones, and forehead. Naturally, the sinuses produce mucus and humidify the air we breathe in. However, sometimes, they can become irritated and swollen, which traps mucus.
Chronic sinusitis typically lasts for 12 weeks or more. Common symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose with thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Mucus dripping down the back of the throat, or postnasal drip
- Pain and tenderness around the nose, eyes, cheeks, and forehead
- Cough
- Ear pain
- Toothache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Chronic bad breath, or halitosis
Which between balloon sinuplasty and FESS is the right treatment for me?
Both balloon sinuplasty and FESS are widely used ENT treatment options for ideal patients. Which of the two is better for your condition will depend on a variety of factors. A consultation with an ENT specialist in Augusta, GA, can help guide you toward the right direction, taking into account your clinical findings, symptoms, medical history, underlying causes, and other individual health factors.
Generally, balloon sinuplasty may be recommended for patients with chronic sinusitis, based on their nasal anatomy and potential underlying causes. On the other hand, FESS may be ideal for patients with structural issues, such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or other complex sinus issues.
Is sinus surgery worth it in Augusta, GA?
Persistent sinus issues are typically not considered life-threatening in most cases. However, they may affect day-to-day life, productivity, sleep quality, and comfort if left untreated and unmanaged. Your ENT doctor can help assess your candidacy for sinus surgery and determine if you will benefit from such treatment.
Learn More About Your Sinus Surgery Options in Augusta, GA
Augusta Breathe Free is an ENT care provider that serves the residents of Augusta, GA, and the nearby communities of Evans, Martinez, and Grovetown. For more information specific to our clinic, services, and specialties, visit and explore our website.
