Throughout the world, many people are living with chronic sinusitis on a daily basis and need sinus treatments. The symptoms of this persistent infection include fevers, congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus pain, sinus pressure, and severe headaches — and chronic sinusitis can last for months. When other more traditional treatment options have failed, many patients assume that they have to resort to a major surgical procedure in order to get the relief that they need. However, depending on the causes, there are two procedures that can help improve breathing without a full rhinoplasty or septoplasty.
The first is a new minimally-invasive procedure available that can be performed right in the doctor’s office. This latest treatment option is called balloon sinus dilation, and it can be performed by qualified nose experts.
Balloon Sinus Dilation
The balloon sinus dilation procedure is an excellent advancement in sinus treatment options. It is designed to provide patients immediately with long-term relief from their worst chronic sinusitis symptoms. The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office and takes about half an hour to complete. Local anesthesia is used, making it a safer alternative to endoscopic surgery and other sinus surgery procedures that require the use of local anesthesia.
The surgeon utilizes a balloon catheter tool for this procedure. A balloon catheter is inserted into the patient’s nose and subsequently inflated in order to clear the infection from the sinus cavity instantly. It helps to eliminate nasal blockages, and patients feel immediate relief that will last for months and years to come. The balloon sinus dilation procedure is increasing in popularity, mainly because of the ease of this procedure and the superior results that are achieved.
Advantages of Balloon Sinus Dilation
Another reason that this is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about treatment options for chronic sinusitis is the fact that there are many benefits associated with this non-surgical procedure. Not only is it a safe and effective way to treat chronic sinusitis, but it also offers patients minimal risks and a shorter recovery time. Given the fact that local anesthesia is used and no surgery is required, patients experience less blood loss and a faster recovery time. Most people are able to return to work and other daily obligations within 24 hours. In addition, patients love the fact that this treatment option is successful after they have tried other treatments without any luck.
Patients who are interested in learning more about the balloon sinus dilation procedure should set up a consultation with an expert nose surgeon. Many board-certified facial plastic surgeons are not only experts in rhinoplasty techniques and superior nose job results but are also considered expert ENT surgeons. Expert plastic surgeons are experienced in treating a variety of sinus issues and are committed to improving the lives of their patients by offering the most advanced techniques available.
Turbinate Surgery
Some patients come to plastic surgeons because they are suffering from turbinate hypertrophy, or enlarged turbinates. Many patients with this condition find that they have more sinus infections, allergy attacks, and upper respiratory infections when they are suffering from this condition. Many people seek expert plastic surgeons’ practices because they assume they need a rhinoplasty. But in reality, they require a turbinate surgery.
Every person has three nasal turbinates — an inferior, superior, and middle turbinate. These turbinates act as the body’s own personal air conditioning system. The turbinates humidify the air that comes into the nose, and at the same time, these structures reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and cold air from entering the body. The turbinates serve to protect the lungs and are an essential part of the nasal structure.
Facts About Turbinate Surgery
- The goal of this surgery is to reduce the size of the turbinates in the nose. When patients find that they need this surgery, their turbinates are often so large that they are obstructing the nasal passageways. When the surgery is complete, patients will find that it is easier to breathe, and their nose can function the way it was meant to once again.
- Many times, a septoplasty is performed at the same time as the turbinate surgery in order to maximize the results. A septoplasty is a medical procedure that helps to correct a deviated septum, which can also be causing obstructions in the nasal passageway. Many patients with enlarged turbinates often also have a deviated septum.
- This surgery is completed through the nostrils, and this is considered to be an outpatient procedure. Therefore, the average patient is able to return home the same day.
- Depending on the patient and the complexity of the case, patients will be placed under either local or general anesthesia. The surgeon will decide which type of anesthesia will work best for the individual patient. Therefore, it’s important that patients discuss their anesthesia options with the plastic surgeon during the consultation appointment.
- Most patients can expect to feel crusting and dryness in their noses after the surgery. Other common side effects of the procedure include bleeding and minimal scarring. Most patients will require the use of a saline spray after the operation. However, within a few days’ time, most patients will feel back to normal and will be able to breathe better than ever.
Professional plastic surgeons will only recommend that patients have this procedure performed if all other medical options have failed. This surgery can be done safely in the office, but experienced plastic surgeons often recommend that patients have it performed at a surgical center. These centers are properly equipped for any situation that might pop up during the operation. To find out more information about the turbinate surgery and to see if you are a candidate, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon today and set up a consultation appointment. The surgeon will evaluate your symptoms and help you come up with a patient plan to find you relief.