Different Types of Sinus Surgeries: Which Procedure Is Right for You?

When you've been dealing with chronic sinus problems for months, or even years, the constant pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing can be debilitating. If medications and other treatments haven't provided lasting relief, it may be time to consider the different types of sinus surgery to restore your breathing and quality of life.

ENT specialists recommend surgery to treat chronic sinusitis, address structural issues like a deviated septum, or remove obstructions such as nasal polyps. Today, there are several advanced, minimally invasive sinus surgery types available, many of which offer faster recovery times and less discomfort than traditional methods.

Wondering which procedure is right for you? Contact the expert physicians at ENT of Georgia South today to schedule a consultation. We will explain each option step-by-step and help you understand the best path forward for your specific symptoms.

An Overview of Sinus Surgery Types

1. Balloon Sinuplasty

For many people with chronic sinusitis, the issue stems from allergies or naturally narrow sinus openings where even slight inflammation can cause a major blockage. In these cases, balloon sinuplasty is often an excellent, minimally invasive solution.

This procedure uses a small, flexible balloon catheter that inflates to gently open blocked sinus passageways. This facilitates the drainage of built-up mucus that causes the frustrating symptoms of chronic sinus infections.

The Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

Performed in-office under local anesthesia, this procedure involves inserting the balloon catheter through the nostril into the blocked sinus opening. The balloon is then gently inflated for a few seconds, widening the passage and reshaping the surrounding sinus bones without any cutting or removal of tissue. Once the sinus is opened, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving a permanently widened passage that allows for proper drainage and relief from pressure.

2. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is one of the most common types of sinus surgeries performed to resolve chronic infections. The goal of FESS is to remove problematic tissue, open the sinuses, and restore normal ventilation and function. Studies have shown that 80-90% of patients report significant, long-term improvement after the procedure.

The FESS Procedure

During FESS, one of our ENT of Georgia South physicians will guide a magnifying endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) through the nostrils. This allows for a clear, detailed view to pinpoint the source of your sinus problem. Specialized surgical tools are then used alongside the endoscope to carefully remove bone, diseased tissue, or nasal polyps that are causing the obstruction. The surgery typically results in only mild discomfort, and follow-up visits are required to ensure the area heals properly.

3. Endoscopic Nasal Polyp Surgery

If you suffer from nasal polyps - noncancerous growths in the nasal passages - and medications are no longer effective, endoscopic nasal polyp surgery is the definitive next step for relief. This procedure is specifically designed for nasal blockage removal by extracting the polyps that obstruct airflow.

How Do They Remove Nasal Polyps?

So, how do they remove nasal polyps with this technique? The procedure is minimally invasive and highly precise. It's conducted under either local or general anesthesia, where a surgeon inserts an endoscope into the nasal passages for a magnified view. Using specialized micro-instruments, the surgeon carefully extracts the nasal polyps and clears any other blockages in the sinus cavities. If needed, the sinus openings may be widened to improve drainage and help prevent future inflammation and polyp recurrence.

Recovery is usually quick, with most patients experiencing a significant improvement in breathing within a few weeks. Post-operative care, including nasal irrigation and corticosteroid sprays, is crucial for preventing regrowth.

4. Septoplasty (To Correct a Deviated Septum)

Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure used to correct a deviated septum - a condition where the thin wall of bone and cartilage between your nostrils is crooked or off-center. This misalignment can make it difficult to breathe through one or both sides of your nose. The primary goal of a septoplasty is to straighten the septum to improve airflow and relieve nasal obstruction.

The Septoplasty Procedure

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision inside the nose to lift the mucosal lining that covers the septum. This exposes the underlying cartilage and bone, which can then be reshaped or partially removed. Once the septum is straightened, the lining is repositioned. If enlarged turbinates (structures inside the nose that warm and humidify air) are also contributing to the blockage, they may be reduced at the same time. Septoplasty is highly effective, with up to 85% of people reporting improved breathing after surgery.

5. Laser and Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction

For patients whose primary issue is nasal congestion from swollen turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy), laser and radiofrequency treatments offer a quick, minimally invasive solution. These in-office procedures are designed to shrink the enlarged tissue and immediately improve airflow.

The Turbinate Reduction Procedure

After applying a local anesthetic, an ENT specialist inserts a small laser or radiofrequency probe into the nasal passage. The probe delivers targeted energy to the inflamed turbinate tissue, causing it to shrink and vaporize without harming surrounding healthy tissue. The entire procedure is typically completed in under 20 minutes, offering a convenient and lower-cost alternative to traditional surgery with minimal discomfort and faster healing.

Find the Right Type of Sinus Surgery for You

Choosing between the different types of sinus surgery depends entirely on your specific diagnosis. Whether you need a simple in-office procedure like Balloon Sinuplasty or a more comprehensive surgery like FESS, the first step is a thorough evaluation by a board-certified ENT specialist.

Don't let chronic sinus issues control your life any longer. The experienced physicians at ENT of Georgia South are here to help you breathe freely again. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and find a lasting solution.