For the right patient with chronic sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty offers a less-invasive way to open blocked sinuses. Here’s what it is and who tends to benefit.
How it works
A small balloon is guided into the blocked sinus and gently inflated to widen the drainage pathway, then removed. It reshapes the opening without removing tissue in the way traditional surgery may.
Who it may help
It is often considered for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis who haven’t gotten adequate relief from medications, and whose anatomy is suitable.
Why candidacy matters
Not every sinus problem is right for balloon sinuplasty — some need more comprehensive surgery. A proper evaluation, often with imaging, determines the best approach.
Frequently asked questions
Is balloon sinuplasty surgery?
It’s a minimally invasive procedure; many cases are done in-office under the right circumstances.
Is the recovery quick?
Recovery is generally faster than traditional sinus surgery, but varies by patient.
Am I a candidate?
Candidacy depends on your symptoms and sinus anatomy, confirmed at evaluation.
Does it treat everything?
No — some sinus disease needs more comprehensive treatment.
Talk to a specialist
To see whether balloon sinuplasty fits your sinus problem, Request a consultation.
Dr. Hootan Zandifar, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
