From trouble breathing to problems getting a proper night’s sleep, chronic sinus infections can greatly affect your quality of life. A balloon sinuplasty procedure may be the solution. In this blog, we’ll go over some frequently asked questions about this type of sinus surgery and tell you what you need to know.
Is Sinus Surgery Worth It?
Many patients ask if this surgery is worth it. There have been several studies done on this procedure and its success rates as self-reported by patients, and the results are very encouraging. In a six-month post-op survey, 84% of patients reported that their sinusitis symptoms had improved.
In another study, this time measuring long-term outcomes (24-months post-op), 61.7% reported significantly improved symptoms, 23.3% reported improved symptoms, and only 15% reported no change. Zero patients reported worse or significantly worse symptoms.
It’s important to note that these patients and any individual looking to undergo this procedure are screened as to whether they are good candidates for the procedure. This is an important factor in determining whether this surgery is worth it in your particular case.
Read more: Does a sinus infection cause dizziness?
Can You Have Sinus Surgery with an Infection?
Patients with chronic sinusitis often worry they will need to cancel a scheduled procedure if they happen to have an active sinusitis infection the day of the surgery. The good news is, you can still have a balloon sinuplasty performed with an infection. Your surgeon may use a saline solution to clear out the nasal passageways and sinuses.
Is Sinus Surgery Painful?
Due to the nature of the procedure, some patients worry about potential pain. Namely, the fact that the bones in the nose are moved and tiny fractures are created to allow for more space with wider sinus cavities. While this may sound worrisome, several things ensure that this is not a painful procedure.
First of all, the bones of the nose are extremely thin, so you won’t feel any fracturing. Second, local anesthesia is used around the nasal area to eliminate any pain or uncomfortableness—at most, some patients report feeling mild pressure around the eyes or teeth depending on which sinus cavities are worked on. Conversely, some patients report the opposite: a relief from pressure once their sinuses are opened!
Read more: Get Rid of Sinus Pressure Fast
Unlike some other procedures, a sinusplasty involves no cutting of skin or removal of bones. Perhaps most importantly, the minor discomfort and possible side effects experienced after the procedure have been reported by many patients to be worth it in order to lessen or eliminate their sinusitis symptoms.
If you are experiencing chronic sinus infections, you do not have to suffer. Balloon sinuplasty can be the answer to your trouble, and it has high success rates with little risk of pain. If you are located around the Bakersfield area, Dr. Edmund Fisher of Bakersfield Sinus Center would love to help. Give our office a call and schedule a consultation today!
