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Common Types of Sinus Surgery
Sometimes sinus surgery is the best option for people who are suffering from sinus blockages or other sinus-related problems. When this is the case there are a number of common types of sinus surgeries that an experienced ENT doctor near you will have at their disposal to choose from. Sinus surgeries are used for people who typically suffer from chronic sinusitis to open up the natural drainage passageways in the sinuses when medication is not providing sufficient relief.
- Septoplasty – a type of sinus surgery used to straighten a crooked or deviated nasal septum, the partition between the two nasal cavities. An ENT specialist will remove excessive portions of the bone or cartilage in the nasal cavity and realign the bone to make it straight.
- Balloon Sinuplasty In-Office – a minimally invasive sinus procedure used to treat chronic or recurrent sinusitis or sinus infections when medication has failed to provide relief. An ENT surgeon uses a catheter system to place a small balloon into the sinus passages to help dilate the sinus openings.
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) – another minimally invasive sinus procedure performed by inserting an endoscope (a thin, rigid tube with a camera on the end) through the nostrils so that an ENT specialist can see and assess the nasal passages and sinuses. They will then remove any swollen or infected sinus tissue or obstruction that is causing a sinus blockage.
- Turbinate Reduction – a quick procedure performed in-office by an ENT specialist where a needle-like instrument is inserted into the nasal passage’s turbinate and radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the tissue. This causes a small amount of controlled damage, and as the turbinates heal the swelling in them is reduced, allowing improved airflow through the nose.
- Rhinoplasty – commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’ but medically called nasal reconstruction, rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure done by ENT surgeons used to alter and reconstruct the shape of the nose to improve its function.
- ClariFix – this sinus procedure uses a technique known as cryotherapy to freeze or cool down specific nerves in the nasal passages to interrupt the overactive signals sent by these nerves to mucus-producing glands. It is used to reduce the inflammation and congestion associated with chronic rhinitis.
- Propel – this procedure is performed following ethmoid sinus surgery to maintain the open passages that were created in surgery. A small, innovative, stent-like device is inserted into the nasal passages to provide relief of chronic sinusitis symptoms.
When you have a consultation with your ENT specialist they will be able to determine which sinus surgery will be the best for your specific situation.
Are You a Candidate for Sinus Surgery?
Several conditions would require the use of sinus surgery to help alleviate symptoms. The most common would include sinusitis. Sinusitis is the swelling of the passages and sinuses that result in a stuffy nose, pressure in the nose, eyes, and forehead, coughing, nasal drainage and more.
Another common reason for sinus surgery is a nasal polyp. Enlarged polyps or clusters of polyps are swelling of the nasal lining inside the nose. If they expand a person can experience a reduced sense of taste and nasal blockages that could infect the sinuses.
Deviated septums block one side of the nose causing a reduction in air flow. Treatments exist to reduce the swelling of the nasal tissue that contribute to the deviation, but in some cases when the patient does not respond to medication, surgery is needed to restore balance of nasal airflow.
Contact A Boise Sinus Surgery Specialist Near You
Sinusitis and other sinus conditions can be painful and debilitating. An experienced ENT specialist near you can help determine the best course of action whether it be a treatment or sinus surgery. Here at Boise ENT Sinus & Snoring Specialists, we have years of experience helping patients get relief from their sinus troubles with our effective treatment methods. If you are looking for a sinus specialist in or near Boise, ID, contact our office today to set up an initial consultation. (208) 314-4044
We treat sinusitis, rhinitis, deviated septums, nasal injuries, and other nose conditions.
Sinus Surgery Recovery Information
After having sinus surgery performed it is important to follow any recovery instructions you receive from your ENT specialist this will help you to recover faster and to reduce the risk of post-op complications or infection. For most sinus surgeries the expected recovery is anywhere from 1-2 months. During this time it is important to reach out to your ENT doctor if you think something does not feel right, if you are experiencing heightened pain or excessive bleeding.
Some common steps when it comes to sinus surgery recovery and post-up include:
Recommended Irrigation Care:
Irrigation frequency (starting 1 week AFTER surgery):
• 3-5 times daily for 1 week
• 2-3 times daily for the next two weeks
• 1-2 times daily for the next one to several weeks
We recommend the kit provided by our office, Boise ENT Sinus & Snoring Specialists or store-bought salt
packets, however, there is a recipe for making your own homemade solution if desired:
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
Also see our printable handout for sinus surgery post-op recovery instructions.