Balloon Sinuplasty in Houston, TX

No mask. No hose. Just sleep.

Sinus pressure, congestion, and recurring infections can make everyday activities uncomfortable and affect overall quality of life. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to open blocked sinuses, improving drainage and airflow. Many patients choose it to reduce the frequency of sinus infections, ease chronic pressure, and breathe more freely. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty often involves less discomfort and a quicker recovery, allowing patients to return to their normal routines sooner while enjoying lasting relief from persistent sinus problems.

Table of Contents

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to open up blocked sinuses. It’s an outpatient procedure performed in our AAAASF-certified surgery center in our Spring, Texas office. Most patients experience little to no downtime with the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure.

The process is like those used to clear blocked arteries in balloon angioplasty. We insert a tiny balloon into the sinuses and inflate it. This opens up blocked sinuses and helps drain mucus buildup. It also restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway. This happens all while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining. This allows our patients who suffer from sinusitis to breathe easily again.

Learn More About Balloon Sinuplasty in Houston from Dr. Ben Cilento

Sinuses are air-filled cavities that protect our eyes and brain from trauma. They have a lining of the same pink skin that lines your mouth and nose. They’re especially susceptible to inflammation.

If the lining swells from contact with allergens, viruses, or bacteria, it can completely close the openings to your sinuses. This causes the sinuses to stop draining. That is when you feel the symptoms of sinus pressure, pain, headaches, nasal drainage, and congestion, as well as recurring sinus infections. In some cases, treatment like balloon sinuplasty is needed to help reopen the sinus pathways.

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Blocked sinus pathways create pressure and cause sinusitis.

The balloon is positioned and gently inflated, remodeling the sinus pathways.

Open sinus pathways restore drainage and allow for fewer infections and clearer breathing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

A proper exam is the only way to know if you’re a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty. Patients with severe structural issues, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, are still good candidates. At Texas Sinus & Snoring, we have a state-of-the-art facility that can handle all levels of surgery in an in-office setting.

Balloon sinuplasty dilates the blocked passages. It doesn’t remove chronically inflamed tissue. When structural problems cause the blockage, Dr. Cilento may combine balloon sinuplasty with other forms of surgery, like endoscopic sinus surgery.

Again, a proper exam is the only way to know if balloon sinuplasty is right for you.

What Does Balloon Sinuplasty Cost?

Balloon sinuplasty in Houston typically costs between $3,000 and $5,500, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the number of sinuses treated. To ensure a smooth balloon sinuplasty, Houston clinics focus on using advanced technology and experienced surgical teams to make the process as comfortable and efficient as possible. Many patients appreciate that the procedure is minimally invasive, often allowing them to return to daily activities quickly while enjoying lasting relief from sinus issues.

Your insurance coverage depends on your specific provider and plan. Our patient care coordinator, along with our billing team, will work with you to understand your coverage. They will also help with determining the cost of your balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon Sinuplasty Snoring

If the cause of your snoring is sinusitis, a balloon sinuplasty may help with your snoring. A proper exam is important. During your exam, we can diagnose your snoring issues and find out what treatment is right for you.

In some cases, we may order a sleep study. We offer at-home sleep studies, another step towards comprehensive care.

Balloon Sinuplasty vs Traditional Sinus Surgery

Balloon sinuplasty offers a much easier solution for chronic sinusitis. The procedure doesn’t involve any removal of bone, cartilage, or tissue. Because of this, there is little to no downtime or loss of work.

In contrast, traditional sinus surgery requires the patient to be under general anesthesia. The patient should expect 3-5 days of recovery time. They also must limit strenuous exercise or activity for a couple of weeks.

In many cases, we can perform balloon sinuplasty with the patient under only local anesthesia. There is minimal or no bleeding and low post-procedure pain. There are also very few restrictions on activity post op.

What Are the Risks of Balloon Sinuplasty?

This procedure is safer than traditional sinuplasty because it is minimally invasive. Balloon sinuplasty doesn’t have the risks of bleeding and infection seen in traditional sinus surgery. Post-operative pain is far less. Plus, this treatment doesn’t limit any future treatments or procedures. In other words, you are not burning any bridges if you wind up needing more extensive surgery in the future.

What Anesthesia Is Used?

Dr. Cilento has designed a state-of-the-art facility with an advanced in-office operating room. Our surgery center isAAAASF certified (one of the only sinus surgery centers in Houston with this level of accreditation). We collaborate with only board-certified anesthesiologists for your safety and comfort.

We do balloon sinuplasty procedures right in our office. You have the option of only local anesthesia. General anesthesia is still available for those who prefer it. We will discuss all your options during your consultation.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Balloon Sinuplasty?

Overall, balloon sinuplasty does not cause much trauma to the nasal area. This makes it relatively non-invasive, with minimal recovery time. Most patients can return to work and their normal activities after one day.

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure Steps

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty requires no cutting or removal of bone and tissue. The procedure is pretty simple and can usually be done in our AAAASF-certified surgery center right in our office.

Step 1

We make our patients as comfortable as possible. During your pre-op appointment, we’ll discuss sedation options ranging from mild to general anesthesia.

Step 2

Your surgeon will insert a guide catheter with an endoscope into the nostril. We use the latest technology to help guide the surgery process.

Step 3

The guide catheter reaches the sinus opening and is then advanced into the blocked sinus.

Step 4

The balloon catheter is placed onto the guide and moved up to the opening of the blocked sinus.

Step 5

The balloon is slowly inflated. As it widens, it instantly restructures the walls of the sinus. This does not harm the sinus lining in any way. This is a permanent change and results in “remodeling” of the sinuses from that point on.

Step 6

We spray saline solution through the catheter into the inflamed sinus to flush out the pus and mucus.

Step 7

Next, we take cultures to identify any pathogens present, including sensitivities, to direct appropriate antibiotic therapy. Then, we remove the catheter.

Schedule an In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty at Texas Sinus & Snoring

At Texas Sinus & Snoring, patients can receive personalized care designed to restore normal function and provide lasting sinus relief. Our team treats a wide range of sinus issues, including chronic postnasal drip and blocked sinuses filled with built-up mucus, using advanced surgical techniques that help the sinuses drain properly. Many patients also benefit from improvements in sleep apnea symptoms after treatment. Procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art facility, often under IV sedation, which allows for greater comfort, reduced bleeding, and a smoother recovery. We work with multiple insurance providers to help patients access the care they need and get back to breathing freely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does balloon sinuplasty help prevent chronic sinus infections?

Yes, balloon sinuplasty can help reduce the risk of recurring sinus infections by widening blocked nasal passages and improving drainage. By keeping the nasal passages open, mucus flows more freely, which decreases the chances of infections returning and supports overall sinus health.

Will the procedure relieve sinus headaches?

Balloon sinuplasty can help relieve sinus headaches by addressing the root causes of facial pain and facial pressure. The procedure improves nasal congestion and restores normal sinus drainage, reducing the buildup of pressure that often triggers headaches.

What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty compared to endoscopic sinus surgery?

Balloon sinuplasty uses a small balloon that is gradually inflated to open blocked sinus passages. Unlike traditional nasal surgery, this approach preserves the sinus lining, minimizes trauma, and typically results in less discomfort and faster recovery while still providing effective relief from sinus issues.

What role do sinus openings play in chronic sinusitis?

The openings of the sinus cavities are critical for drainage and airflow. When they are blocked, it can cause sinus symptoms such as a runny nose and contribute to recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. Maintaining open sinus passages helps prevent mucus buildup and reduces the frequency of infections.

Is balloon sinuplasty considered a minimally invasive procedure?

Yes, balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon sinus dilation, is a minimally invasive procedure. It is an effective treatment for patients with chronic sinus issues, as it widens blocked sinus passages without the need for cutting or removing tissue, allowing for quicker recovery and reduced discomfort.