Balloon Sinuplasty: Side Effects and Recovery Time

Balloon sinuplasty can help you find permanent relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms. This non-invasive procedure is done in the office, under local anesthesia, in about an hour. In fact, according to the American Sinus Institute, “Those who have had Balloon Sinuplasty performed have reported no relapses in their symptoms two years after the procedure.”

But if it’s that easy, why aren’t more people having it done? One reason for the reluctance is that people are worried about the side effects and recovery time. So in this blog, we are going to take a look at what the side effects of balloon sinuplasty are; and we bet when you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to make an appointment at CT Sinus Center.

What should you expect before the procedure?

The one thing to keep in mind is that balloon sinuplasty is a medical procedure, and all procedures, no matter how minor or serious, pose risks. That said, as far as procedures go, this one leaves you with very little to worry about.

Allergic reaction to anesthesia: Because such a small amount is used on such a small part of your body, it’s unlikely that you will have any side effects from its administration. It is possible, but extremely rare, to have an allergic reaction to local anesthesia, so if you have experienced this in the past, alert your doctor.
Infection: It’s unlikely that you will develop an infection after balloon sinuplasty since it is non-invasive, but your doctor will send you home with discharge instructions and possibly an antibiotic to make sure that you remain on your path to wellness.
Pain: Patients will testify that the procedure may cause a feeling of pressure in their sinus cavity, but not pain. This, too, is quickly resolved.
Postoperative bleeding: The tissue in your nose is sensitive and the slightest scratch can cause a bit of bleeding. Also, some minor blood drainage is to be expected, not unlike when you are extremely congested and find blood in your tissue after blowing your nose.
Swelling: Inflammation is your body’s normal response when reacting to something foreign. In this procedure, both the tube and the balloon are unfamiliar objects, and some minor swelling may occur and then go down quickly.

Recovery time for balloon sinuplasty varies from person to person, but on average, patients are back to feeling like themselves (only better) in 24 to 48 hours.

Are you eligible for Balloon Sinuplasty?

If you experience chronic sinus pressure and pain, dizziness and repeat infections, you just may be the ideal candidate. Schedule an appointment with CT Sinus Center’s expert team to find out for sure. When you come in, we’ll take the time to sit down and talk with you, answering all your questions, fully explaining the procedure, and completely putting you at east. And when it comes time for the balloon sinuplasty procedure, in just under an hour, it’ll be over and you’ll be breathing freely and painlessly.

Call 860-BALLOON to schedule an appointment at one of CT Sinus Center’s four conveniently-located offices: Kent and Waterbury. Finding permanent relief is easier and more worry-free than it’s ever been.

For additional information on sinus-related conditions or treatments, read more about CT Sinus Center and take a look at our blog.