Balloon Sinuplasty: A Minimally Invasive Option for Sinus Relief

For millions of people, chronic sinusitis is more than just a nuisance—it's a persistent and often painful condition that affects daily life. Fortunately, modern medicine has introduced effective, less invasive treatment options: Balloon Sinuplasty.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis without the need for traditional sinus surgery.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:

Preparation – The procedure is often performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
Balloon Insertion – A thin catheter with a small balloon on the end is guided into the blocked sinus passage.
Inflation – The balloon is carefully inflated to expand the sinus opening.
Drainage & Removal – The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the newly widened sinus passage open for natural drainage.

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty does not involve cutting or removing bone or tissue, which means a faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.

Who is a Candidate?

Balloon Sinuplasty is particularly effective for individuals with:

Chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medication
Recurrent sinus infections
Sinus-related headaches or facial pressure
A preference for minimally invasive treatment options

However, it may not be suitable for patients with nasal polyps or more complex sinus disease. A consultation with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist is essential to determine candidacy.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Minimally invasive: No cutting or removal of tissue
Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days
Reduced pain and bleeding: Compared to traditional sinus surgery
Long-term relief: Many patients experience sustained symptom improvement
In-office option: Can often be performed under local anesthesia without hospitalization

What to Expect After the Procedure

Recovery is generally fast and well-tolerated. Patients may experience mild nasal congestion or drainage for a few days, but severe discomfort is rare. Most can return to work and normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to ensure proper healing and to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to further discuss if this is a procedure that could help you with your symptoms, call the office of Dr. Lapco, ENT, in Broward County, at 954-942-6868 to schedule an appointment for effective treatment options.