Does balloon sinuplasty work for a deviated septum? Is balloon sinuplasty for deviated septum a safe alternative to traditional sinus surgery?
We receive these questions often at Sinus Solutions of South Florida perhaps because their answers aren’t 100% straightforward, or perhaps because so many balloon sinuplasty before and after stories are positive. Either way, here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know about balloon sinuplasty for a deviated septum.
Can balloon sinuplasty fix a deviated septum?
While balloon sinuplasty can relieve sinus-related symptoms that are exacerbated by a deviated septum, it cannot straighten or correct a deviated septum by itself.
In other words, if you have sinus issues and a deviated septum, balloon sinuplasty may be able to enlarge your sinus cavities enough to help restore proper drainage without correcting your deviated septum. But if you have a deviated septum and no sinus issues or a severely deviated septum, you will have better luck finding deviated septum relief from deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) proper.
Where applicable, it’s possible for the two procedures — balloon sinuplasty and traditional sinus surgeries such as septoplasty — to be performed in conjunction with one another.
What are the risks of balloon sinuplasty?
The balloon sinuplasty procedure does not require the cutting of any nasal tissue or bone and is considered to be very safe overall. However, patients may experience some of the following symptoms after their surgery:
- Tenderness and minor swelling around the nose, cheeks, and forehead
- Minor nasal bleeding and/or blood in the mucus
- Infection (if the sinuses are not cleaned well post-surgery)
- Congestion
Nasal congestion after balloon sinuplasty is one of the most commonly reported symptoms but often abates within 24 hours to a few days. Very rare risks of balloon sinuplasty include damage to the nasal structure and reduced sense of smell.
How long does it take to heal from balloon sinuplasty?
Many patients are drawn to the idea of balloon sinuplasty for deviated septum due to the procedures minimally invasive procedure and short recovery time. Since it does not require nasal packing, balloon sinuplasty aftercare is typically brief and simple; most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within 24 hours.
Considering balloon sinuplasty for deviated septum with sinus issues?
Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer and his team at Sinus Solutions of South Florida are always happy to clarify any sinus-related questions you may have. Since founding Sinus Solutions of South Florida, former chief of staff at Palms West Hospital, Dr. Bequer has helped thousands of patients breathe freely again with balloon sinuplasty in Tampa and West Palm Beach.
Ready for a solution to your sinus problems? Call Sinus Solutions of South Florida at 561-790-7744 or request an appointment online today.