Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure (since 2005) that uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to open blocked sinus passageways, promoting mucus drainage for patients with chronic sinusitis. Clinical studies show high effectiveness: in a multicenter trial of over 1,000 patients, 95% reported significant symptom improvement at nine months post-procedure, with another study confirming sustained benefits at two years. At ENT of Georgia South, our expert physicians perform this outpatient treatment in-office, drawing patients from across South Georgia - including Macon, McDonough, and Milledgeville - for convenient, comprehensive care starting from your first visit. Schedule your appointment today at our Fayetteville or Stockbridge locations, just off I-75.
How Balloon Sinuplasty Works
The Balloon Sinuplasty procedure is straightforward and typically takes 30-60 minutes under local or general anesthesia in our office. First, your ENT specialist uses a thin endoscope to guide a balloon catheter through your nostril to the affected sinus opening - no incisions or tissue removal required. The balloon is then gently inflated for about 10 seconds, cracking sinus walls to widen the passageway and restore drainage. It's deflated and removed, leaving natural tissues intact for faster healing. This breakthrough technology, similar to angioplasty for the heart, targets inflamed sinuses without the cutting of traditional surgery, making it ideal for recurrent infections.
Benefits and Comparison to Traditional Surgery
Compared to traditional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), Balloon Sinuplasty offers superior benefits with fewer risks: no tissue removal means less bleeding, scarring, or infection (risk rate ~5% vs. 7% for ESS), quicker recovery, and preserved sinus function. Patients enjoy long-term relief from symptoms like facial pain, congestion, and headaches, with studies showing comparable effectiveness to ESS but with minimal downtime - most return to work in 1-2 days. It's covered by most insurance for eligible chronic sinusitis cases, preserving your quality of life without the hospital stay or general anesthesia often needed for conventional methods.
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery from Balloon Sinuplasty is remarkably swift and comfortable - far easier than traditional surgery. Expect mild symptoms like congestion, tenderness, or light bloody drainage for 24-48 hours; over-the-counter pain relievers and nasal saline rinses suffice for most. Avoid nose-blowing or strenuous activity initially, but light walking is encouraged after 24 hours. By day two, 90% of patients resume normal routines, with full benefits emerging in weeks as sinuses heal. Follow-up visits ensure optimal results; contact us if symptoms persist. Our team provides personalized aftercare to get you breathing freely again.
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Office Locations
Buckhead
1218 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
UNIT 208
Atlanta, GA 30327
Monday - Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday - 8am-2:30pm