Scottsdale ENT: Balloon procedure is 'so safe, it's minimally invasive, the downtime is so minimal'

Ear, nose and throat specialists are recommending balloon sinuplasty as the best procedure to provide relief for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis.

According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty -- also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery -- is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005.

"This procedure is great because it not only replaces the kind of Roto-Rooter sinus surgery that traditionally has been done for the past 30 years," Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center said. "It allows us to intervene earlier in the disease process, meaning that there may be some people with very mild or minimal sinus disease, which still really affects their quality of life."

Balloon sinuplasty is a fairly straightforward procedure, and reported complications are minimal. After having a balloon sinuplasty, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people are even able to drive themselves home from the procedure.

"With balloon sinuplasty, because it's so safe, it's minimally invasive, the downtime is so minimal, it allows us to intervene even for patients with mild disease," Lee explained.

There’s no cutting or removal of bone or tissue, but balloon sinuplasty is still a type of surgery and it carries the same kinds of risks as other types of sinus surgery.

Scottsdale Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center is committed to providing the best sinus and allergy relief in the Scottsdale area, using the most advanced, proven patient-friendly techniques available. With 29 million Americans suffering from sinusitis and 242,000 annual chronic sinusitis ER visits, our mission is to provide minimally invasive options for needed long-lasting relief so that patients can get back to living. We call this mission Breathe Free and Live Well, and it is the North Star that guides us in each unique, collaborative patient interaction. To learn more about Scottsdale Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center, please visit our website.