Balloon Sinuplasty in New York

Are you researching balloon sinuplasty in New York? When your sinuses become inflamed, it can lead to a variety of associated health conditions that may become chronic. Sinusitis, in its most severe form, can cause incredible pain, discomfort and typically results in recurring infection of the nasal cavities. Symptoms may include persistent sinus headaches, tenderness and pain in the face, and complications arising from secondary conditions, such as allergies or asthma. Dr. Greg Levitin is a balloon sinuplasty treatment expert in NYC. Balloon sinuplasty is typically an effective treatment for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.

It is important to choose the correct treatment option for each patient, as sometimes non-surgical procedures are more than adequate in providing long lasting relief. Balloon sinuplasty is proven to work for the majority of patients, and there is seldom any need for a great deal of aftercare or support. Dr. Gregory Levitin prefers to offer minimally invasive treatments like balloon sinuplasty in New York when possible. If you would like to avoid surgery, we highly recommend that you arrange a comprehensive assessment with Dr. Levitin today to see if NYC balloon sinuplasty or BSP is right for you.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

The purpose of a balloon sinuplasty treatment is to provide relief from symptoms caused by chronic sinus and nasal problems by opening up the sinuses. Once your balloon sinuplasty treatment has relieved the pressure, it becomes much less problematic for the patient to breathe. The chance of recurring infection is reduced, as viruses and bacteria will not spread as easily. When the balloon sinuplasty procedure is carried out by a surgeon who is as experienced as Dr. Gregory Levitin, the balloon sinuplasty treatment is safe and effective. With an office in New York, Dr. Levitin can provide balloon sinuplasty to patients from across the northeast.

During your consultation, you will be asked a series of questions related to your sinus problems and how they impact your day-to-day life. The purpose of these questions is to establish whether you are suffering from acute or chronic sinus problems. The former will likely clear up in a matter of weeks with the aid of medication, whereas the latter is persistent and more suited to treatment using a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty. An NYC balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that opens up the sinus passages using an inflatable balloon catheter.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Those who suffer from chronic sinusitis and are looking for a long-term solution to relieve their pain and discomfort can benefit from balloon sinuplasty. When medication management is not successful, or sinus infections keep reoccurring, a surgical procedure may be the best option. Balloon sinuplasty offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgical sinuplasty (FESS). Some of the benefits include:

• Outpatient procedure. Patients can usually return home the same day.
• Short recovery time. Many people can return to most regular activities in a day or two, with full recovery within a week. There is also less post-operative pain than traditional sinus surgery.
• Safe with fewer risks. Compared to more invasive sinus surgeries, balloon sinuplasty is safe with fewer risks. There are no incisions needed, reducing bleeding and possible complications.
• Effective for chronic sinusitis. The success rate for patients with chronic sinusitis is high, helping reduce symptoms and reoccurrence of sinus infections.

Balloon sinuplasty has helped millions of people have fewer sinus infections and symptoms, improving their health and comfort. Dr. Levitin can help you decide if this procedure would be beneficial for you or if another type of sinus treatment would better suit your needs.

How long will it take to recover?

Recovery times after a balloon sinuplasty may vary. However, collected data from centers around the country that routinely provide the procedure consistently show the majority of patients fully recover within a week. That includes being able to return to work without the need for any reasonable adjustments to workload or hours. Dr. Gregory Levitin will discuss your recovery as part of your pre-treatment consultation. If any potential complications would result in a longer recovery period, we will make you aware before you agree to go ahead with balloon sinuplasty as a treatment option.

To book your comprehensive exam, just pick up the phone, and contact us today at (212) 784-6643. Dr. Levitin will let you know if balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment option for you.

Frequently asked questions about Balloon Sinuplasty

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus tissues or lining, often preceded by a nasal cold or allergy attack. When the sinus lining inflammation blocks mucus drainage, it can cause infections and other painful symptoms. Some of the symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Facial pain and pressure
• Headache, often across the forehead
• Stuffy nose
• Yellow or green mucus discharge from the nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Sore throat
• Upper tooth pain

Some people have several symptoms, while others may only have a few. The symptoms can worsen with recurrent sinusitis or infections.

What are the types of sinusitis?

Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Sinusitis commonly follows a cold or nasal allergy and may last for a few days. If an infection or symptoms persist beyond a few days, it can become acute sinusitis. When the symptoms continue over three months or infections keep recurring, acute sinusitis can become chronic.

What are the treatments for sinusitis?

Sinusitis is usually treated with over-the-counter medications for mild cases. When sinusitis becomes acute or there is a sinus infection, antibiotics and other medications may be needed to fight the infection and reduce inflammation to control symptoms. For those with chronic sinusitis, medication management may no longer be effective. Surgical intervention to open the sinus passages can help reduce infections, sinusitis and improve symptoms. The two most common sinus surgeries are FESS, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and balloon sinuplasty.

What is the difference between FESS and balloon sinuplasty?

FESS uses endoscopic medical instruments to access the sinus passages. FESS involves widening the sinus passages by removing bone and tissue through a surgical incision. After the surgery, nasal packing is needed to stop the bleeding, and there can be two weeks or more of recovery time needed before resuming all normal activities.

Balloon sinuplasty also uses endoscopic tools, but no incisions are made, and no tissue or bone is removed. Instead, the sinus passages are widened with a balloon catheter that is inserted and inflated in the nasal passages. Without any incisions or tissue removal, there is less bleeding, fewer risks, less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery than from FESS.

Is balloon sinuplasty FDA-approved for treating sinusitis?

Yes. The FDA approved the devices and procedure for performing balloon sinuplasty for sinusitis in 2005.

What is the success rate of balloon sinuplasty?

In one study, 95% of patients reported improved symptoms nine months after undergoing balloon sinuplasty. Many patients have long-term relief from chronic sinusitis, but results can vary by patient.

Who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?

Anyone who has chronic sinusitis that is not well controlled with medications could be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty. The procedure is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery time, with few risks or possible complications.

Can you still have FESS after balloon sinuplasty?

Patients that undergo balloon sinuplasty are not restricted from having other sinusitis treatments in the future. It is possible to have another balloon sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) if chronic sinusitis returns.

Can I travel to New York for my Balloon Sinuplasty?

Yes, many out-of-town patients seek Dr. Levitin for his expertise in balloon sinuplasty! The authorization of your procedure as well as your preoperative work-up of a medical history, physical exam, CT scan and any lab tests can be done remotely at your convenience. In most cases, patients only need to plan to stay in New York for 1-2 days and can return home the next day to recover. Our team will stay in close contact with you and monitor your healing and progress from this minimally-invasive procedure.

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