If you’re consistently dealing with blocked nasal passages, sinus infections or trouble breathing through your nose despite using sprays, you might be ready to explore other solutions.
AENT physician Dr. Traci Bailey says there are three procedures that could help. Let’s break each procedure down, and see how they stack up in terms of recovery, results and which one might be right for you.
Septoplasty: Straightening Out Your Airway
Who’s the Ideal Candidate? If you have a deviated septum (that’s the wall dividing your nostrils), you’re likely familiar with the struggles of trying to breathe freely. When this “wall” bows to one side, it creates a kind of internal roadblock, sometimes with bone spurs making things even tighter. Dr. Bailey says a septoplasty is the go-to procedure to fix a deviated septum, especially for those who’ve tried nasal sprays with little success.
What’s the Procedure Like? During a septoplasty, the surgeon straightens out the septum, allowing for better airflow. This procedure won’t alter the shape of your nose, and since it’s done from the inside, you can eliminate the fear of facial bruising. Although it’s done under full anesthesia, Dr. Bailey says her patients typically find it to be minimally painful. Splints are placed inside the nose for about five days post-op. After that, recovery is pretty smooth, with most patients back to work in about a week.
Results? “I have patients who’ve cried in my office after this procedure because they’ve never breathed successfully through their nose until now. It can be life-changing,” said Dr. Bailey.
Balloon Sinuplasty: The Minimally-Invasive Option
Who’s the Ideal Candidate? For people with frequent sinus infections and constant drainage, but no significant structural issues, Dr. Bailey suggests a balloon sinuplasty. The procedure is a minimally invasive option that keeps your sinuses open. It’s quick and super effective. A small balloon is inserted into your sinus cavity, inflated to create space, then deflated and removed.
What’s the Procedure Like? “Most people are back to their normal routine within 48 to 72 hours. The procedure involves very little pain, so doctors typically don’t even prescribe pain meds,” said Dr. Bailey.
Results? Patients who undergo a balloon sinuplasty typically experience significant relief from sinus pressure and improved drainage, with many reporting fewer sinus infections and an easier time breathing. For many of Dr. Bailey’s patients, this minimally invasive procedure is enough to clear their sinuses completely.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): For Severe Cases
Who’s the Ideal Candidate? Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is best for patients with more serious sinus issues, like severe sinus disease or nasal polyps, that can’t be tackled with minimally invasive methods. Unlike balloon sinuplasty, FESS opens the sinuses with surgical instruments, creating new drainage pathways and addressing deeper blockages.
What’s the Procedure Like? Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is more involved than other sinus procedures with a recovery time of about a week. Patients can expect some bleeding and will likely need prescription pain management, but Dr. Bailey reports that most of her patients are back to work within five to seven days.
Results? “This procedure gives my patients substantial relief for severe sinus disease. They’re reporting major reductions in congestion and sinus infections,” said Dr. Bailey.
Bottom Line: Which Solution is Right for You?
Septoplasty, balloon sinuplasty and FESS each offer unique benefits depending on your needs. The right choice can mean life-changing relief.
If you’re ready to take the next step on the quest for relief, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bailey today!
