Here's What to Expect in the Days and Weeks Following Your Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

Chronic sinusitis — and the never-ending congestion that comes with it — can wreak havoc on your quality of life. Chronic congestion can make it hard to sleep well, and it can even impact your ability to taste and smell your favorite foods.

Traditional sinus surgery isn’t your only option. Here at Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing, Conrad Kyle McCutcheon, MD, FACS offers a minimally invasive alternative: balloon sinuplasty.

Although this in-office procedure has a lower potential for complications and less postoperative discomfort than traditional surgery, it is important to understand what you can expect in the days and weeks following your procedure. Here’s what you need to know.

What happens during a balloon sinuplasty procedure

During balloon sinuplasty, Dr. McCutcheon inserts a thin balloon catheter into your sinuses under the guidance of a 3D navigation system. He gently inflates the balloon to restructure and widen the sinus openings and rinses out the sinus with saline and often medications such as antimicrobials and steroids.

After the irrigation, Dr. McCutcheon deflates the balloon and removes the catheter. That’s it! No incisions, sutures, or tissue removal involved.

What to expect the day after your balloon sinuplasty procedure

Because there’s no need for incisions or sutures, you can expect a quicker recovery as opposed to a traditional surgery. You also don't need general anesthesia for the procedure, so you avoid side effects such as brain fog, nausea or constipation.

Recovery from balloon sinuplasty procedure only takes about two days. Plan to take the next 24-48 hours resting at home. This can be a good time to catch up on your favorite books or podcasts.

After your procedure, it's common to experience mild discomfort or swelling. These symptoms are normal reactions as your sinuses adjust to the treatment. Dr. McCutcheon may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort. You can help keep swelling down by keeping your head elevated.

Follow any additional post-procedure instructions from the Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing team. This may include:

Refraining from blowing your nose for 48 hours
Rinsing your nose with a medicated saline irrigation.
Taking antibiotics and other medications.

If you have any questions post-procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is available to address your concerns.

What to expect during the first week after your procedure

Continue to follow your post-procedure instructions in the week following your balloon sinuplasty. Avoid strenuous activity for the first week or as directed by Dr. McCutcheon. You will have a follow-up appointment to make sure your sinuses are draining properly.

What to expect in the weeks following your procedure

In the weeks following your procedure, you can expect:

Relief from chronic congestion
Restoration of free and clear breathing
Improved sleep

Before your procedure, you likely completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) — a 22-question survey designed to assess the severity of your congestion. After your procedure, you should be able to see an improvement in how you rated your symptoms.

Is balloon sinuplasty right for you?

You might consider balloon sinuplasty if:

You suffer from chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections
You're seeking a minimally invasive alternative to traditional sinus surgery
You want to improve sinus drainage and alleviate symptoms without a lengthy recovery period
You’ve already tried more conservative options without relief

Relief from chronic congestion is just a call or click away. To schedule your consultation, click here to get started. You can also reach the friendly Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing staff by calling 281-822-3777.