Balloon Sinuplasty in Houston, TX
Experience Sinus Relief with Balloon Sinus Surgery
Experience lasting relief from long-term or recurring sinus infections with a balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive treatment widens the sinus passages without cutting through tissue or bone. With a success rate of over 90%, a balloon sinuplasty is often the next step for patients who have not responded well to medication.
At HEAR Surgical Associates, we offer balloon sinuplasty to Houston, TX, patients struggling with chronic and recurrent sinus infections. Led by an ENT doctor with fellowship training in ear and hearing surgery, our team provides personalized treatment plans for your care.
Book an appointment online or call us at (346) 371-4327 to learn if this procedure is right for you.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
A balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved treatment for cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis where medications and other conventional approaches have been ineffective. It relieves symptoms by dilating the sinus passageways, allowing for easier mucus drainage.
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty preserves the surrounding tissue and bone. It is typically performed in an office or outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and return to normal activities within a day or two.
Breathe Easier With Balloon Sinuplasty
You don’t have to live with chronic sinusitis or sinus infections that keep coming back. Balloon sinuplasty is safe and effective, providing lasting results without the downtime of surgery.
Learn more about this treatment by scheduling an appointment with a trusted balloon sinuplasty doctor in Houston. Dr. Sana and the team at HEAR Surgical Associates will evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Call or text (346) 371-4327 or book online today.
How Balloon Sinuplasty Is Performed at HEAR Surgical Associates
At HEAR Surgical Associates, balloon sinuplasty procedures are performed by Dr. Said Sana, a board-certified and licensed ENT physician and surgeon. The entire process, including preparation, takes about an hour.
1. Numbing the Area
Before the procedure begins, our team administers the appropriate numbing or anesthesia method selected for your specific treatment plan.
2. Placing the Guide Wire
Dr. Sana uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera to look inside your nasal passages. A small, flexible guide wire is gently inserted through the nostril and directed into the opening of the blocked sinus cavity.
3. Inflating the Balloon
After the wire is positioned, a tiny sinus balloon is slid over the guide wire and placed inside the sinus opening. Dr. Sana gradually inflates the balloon, widening the walls of the sinus passage.
4. Flushing Out the Sinus
A sterile saline solution is used to flush out the cavity. This rinses away the trapped, stagnant mucus and debris that have been causing your facial pressure and sinus infections.
5. Completing the Procedure
Dr. Sana deflates the balloon and gently removes it from your nose. The same process is repeated for any other blocked sinus cavities that require treatment during your visit.
Recovery From Balloon Sinuplasty Treatment
Most patients resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after balloon sinuplasty. Some mild congestion, light nasal drainage, or sinus pressure is normal in the first few days as the tissue settles. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort during this period.
Dr. Sana will provide specific post-procedure instructions, which typically include rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution and avoiding strenuous activity for a short period.
What Conditions Does Balloon Sinuplasty Treat?
Sinusitis occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed and blocked, preventing normal drainage. When symptoms persist despite antibiotics, nasal sprays, or other conservative treatments, a balloon sinuplasty may be an appropriate next step.
Physicians use balloon sinuplasties to treat the following sinus conditions:
- Chronic Sinusitis: A long-term inflammation of the sinuses lasting 12 weeks or more, often causing persistent congestion, facial pressure, and a reduced sense of smell
- Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: A pattern of frequent sinus infections, typically four or more per year, that return despite medical treatment
Dr. Sana will review your imaging, symptom history, and prior treatments to confirm you are a good candidate before recommending the procedure.
Find Lasting Relief From Chronic or Severe Sinus Symptoms
HEAR Surgical Associates is a Houston ENT practice led by Dr. Said S. Sana, a fellowship-trained surgeon focused on ear, sinus, and allergy care. We serve patients throughout the greater Houston area, providing diagnostic evaluations, in-office procedures, and surgical care for the whole family.
Text or call (346) 371-4327 or schedule a consultation online. You may also walk in at any time for urgent ENT concerns.
When To Go to ENT Urgent Care
Sinus symptoms can be easy to dismiss, especially early on. However, sinusitis shares several symptoms with the common cold and seasonal allergies, so an evaluation is important to identify the actual cause and get the right treatment.
Seek medical attention at an ENT practice or urgent care if you experience any of the following:
- Symptoms that last more than 7 to 10 days without improving
- Four or more sinus infections per year, even if each one eventually clears
- Severe headache or facial pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medication
- Fever with sinus congestion lasting more than three to four days
- Symptoms severe enough to interfere with sleep, work, or daily activities
Some symptoms require immediate emergency care rather than a routine or urgent care visit. Go to the ER right away if you have:
- Swelling or redness around the eyes
- Sudden vision changes
- Confusion
- A stiff neck
- A high fever
Frequently Asked Questions
Is balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance?
Many major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover balloon sinuplasty when it is deemed medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific plan and documented treatment history. Our team can help verify your benefits with your carrier.
How much does balloon sinuplasty cost with insurance?
The cost can vary depending on your insurance plan, your deductible, and whether the procedure needs to be approved ahead of time. Contact your insurance company to confirm your plan’s coverage.
How long do the results of balloon sinuplasty last?
Clinical studies show that many patients experience significant symptom improvement for two years or more after balloon sinuplasty, and some continue to do well for several years.
Can balloon sinuplasty be combined with other sinus procedures?
Yes. In some cases, Dr. Sana may recommend combining balloon sinuplasty with other procedures, such as turbinate reduction or septoplasty, to address more than one issue at the same time. Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and imaging results.