Balloon Sinuplasty

Clear your sinus passages with balloon sinus dilation


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What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to open up the blockages in the sinuses. This procedure is done under local anesthesia so that you can recover faster.

How is balloon sinuplasty performed?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that uses a balloon to widen and straighten the nasal passage.


Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses caused by infection or allergies. It usually presents with symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, sinus pressure, headache, and difficulty breathing.


A balloon sinus dilation procedure can be performed at your doctor’s office in less than 30 minutes under local anesthesia. The patient may be given a sedative before the procedure begins to ease any anxiety during the procedure. Your doctor will insert one end of the thin balloon catheter into the sinus opening and fill balloon with saline to expand the sinus. The catheter is then gently removed. The procedure requires to tissue cutting as it uses the natural openings into the sinus cavities.

 

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What is the success rate of balloon sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty has been FDA approved since 2005. Studies show that balloon sinuplasty can lead to significant relief of symptoms in the majority of people with chronic sinusitis. The success rate was 95% in a multicenter trial of balloon catheter sinus dilation of 1,038 patients where success was defined as improvement in sinusitis symptoms.


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What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty?

When you have chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches, it can be difficult to breathe or function normally. Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that lets doctors put a balloon inside your nose to widen your airway so you can breathe more easily.


The benefits of this procedure include decreased risks and complications, less overnight hospital stays, and faster recovery times.



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What are the risks of balloon sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure in which an inflatable balloon is inserted through the nose and guided towards the sinuses, where it helps to widen the sinus openings. The risks associated with this procedure are relatively low, with lower complications and minimal downtime. Bleeding may occur but is usually less than other nose and sinus procedures. Complications such as scarring, smell and taste loss, eye injury, and skull base injury are rare, especially when your surgeon has extensive expertise in the procedure.


Dr. Thomas Higgins in Louisville, Kentucky has trained hundreds of surgeons on the techniques of performing safe and effective balloon sinuplasty. Do you think you need an expert in sinusitis? We are here to help.


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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should I see to perform balloon sinuplasty?

    We recommend you see an otolaryngologist or ENT who has expertise in managing nose and sinus conditions. Dr. Thomas Higgins is a fellowship-trained rhinologist (sinus specialist) and advanced sinus surgeon in Louisville, Kentucky who is dedicated to relieving people's sinus issues. Contact us today to begin your journey back to health.

  • How much does balloon sinuplasty cost?

    Balloon Sinuplasty costs depend on which sinuses are dilated, the type of anesthesia used, and the location of the procedure. The average cost for this procedure ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Fortunately, health insurance policies cover balloon sinuplasty when certain criteria are met.

  • Does health insurance pay for balloon sinuplasty?

    Health insurance typically covers balloon sinuplasty. Our dedicated staff reviews the medical necessity with your insurance company on your behalf and, occasionally, Dr. Higgins will even get on the phone with the health insurance doctor representative to aid in the approval process. Breathe easier with Dr. Thomas Higgins, a sinus surgeon dedicated to sinusitis relief. (*Please note that insurance may require a portion of your individual contribution in the form of such items as deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and co-pays.)

  • Is balloon sinuplasty painful?

    Balloon sinuplasty is not very painful when anesthesia is used to dull the pain. Post-operative pain is minimal and people typically return to regular activities in a day.


     Looking for a sinus surgeon in Louisville who does not pack the nose? Make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Higgins today.

  • How long does it take to recover from sinus surgery?

    Balloon sinuplasty has a fast recovery. You may have some discomfort and bleeding from the nose the first few days after the procedure. We ask our patients to avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks and there are no restrictions after that. You will receive instructions for your care at home, which includes medications and when to call if there are any problems. You will typically have a post-operative appointment a week after surgery to make sure you are healing well from surgery. Please call our office if you have any concerns and our staff will be ready to assist you.

  • Is balloon sinuplasty worth getting?

    For people with chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections, studies have shown that balloon sinuplasty significantly improves symptoms and reduces the frequency of sinus infections. Many of our patients report that balloon sinuplasty is definitely worth getting. Make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Higgins today if want to know more about sinusitis and if balloon sinuplasty is worth it for you.