Relieve chronic sinus pressure and congestion with balloon sinuplasty. This gentle, minimally invasive treatment opens blocked sinus passages to restore natural drainage and breathing. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs offer personalized, in-office treatments that help you feel better fast and get back to daily life without major surgery.
Open Blocked Sinus Passages
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic or recurrent sinus infections that don’t respond to medication alone. During the procedure, a small, flexible balloon is gently guided into the blocked sinus passage and then inflated to open it. This helps restore normal drainage and airflow without cutting or removing tissue. Balloon sinuplasty allows you to breathe easier with less discomfort and recover faster than with traditional sinus surgery.
What Does Balloon Sinuplasty Treat?
Your sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the cheeks and eyes that rely on small drainage pathways. When these openings become swollen or blocked from chronic inflammation, mucus can build up, leading to pressure and infections. Balloon sinuplasty opens these narrowed sinus pathways to improve drainage and airflow without removing tissue. It is often recommended when medications alone have not provided lasting relief.
Balloon sinuplasty can help treat conditions and symptoms such as:
- Chronic or recurrent sinus infections
- Persistent sinus pressure or facial pain
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Post-nasal drip
- Sinus-related headaches
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty offers a gentle option for relieving chronic sinus symptoms without traditional surgery. Because it opens blocked sinus passages rather than removing tissue, many patients experience meaningful relief with minimal downtime.
Key benefits of balloon sinuplasty include:
- Minimally invasive treatment with no incisions
- Improved sinus drainage and airflow
- Reduced facial pressure and congestion
- Short recovery time and quick return to daily activities
- Lower risk of complications compared to traditional sinus surgery
- Long-lasting relief from chronic sinus symptoms
Your Balloon Sinuplasty Experience
Your experience begins with a thorough consultation, during which one of our ENTs takes time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You’ll receive a detailed nasal exam, often with imaging, to look closely at your sinus anatomy and confirm whether blocked sinus pathways are causing your ongoing issues. If balloon sinuplasty is right for you, your provider will walk you through the procedure and explain what to expect.
During the procedure, your nose is numbed with anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Using a small endoscope, your provider carefully guides a tiny balloon into the narrowed sinus opening. The balloon is gently inflated to widen the passage, restoring normal drainage, and then carefully removed. You can typically return home the same day and resume most daily activities within a day or two.
Balloon Sinuplasty FAQs
Does Balloon Sinuplasty Hurt?
Most patients describe balloon sinuplasty as very tolerable. Your nose is numbed with topical and local anesthesia, so you may feel pressure but not sharp pain. Many people are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is compared to traditional sinus surgery.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Performed in the Office or in the Hospital?
At Surgical Associates Northwest, balloon sinuplasty is often performed in the office setting. This allows you to avoid general anesthesia and go home the same day, making the experience more convenient and less disruptive to your routine.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery is typically quick. You may have mild congestion, drainage, or fatigue for a few days, but most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Your provider will give you clear aftercare instructions to support healing and comfort.
Will I Need Nasal Packing After the Procedure?
In most cases, nasal packing is not needed after balloon sinuplasty. Because the procedure gently opens the sinus passages without cutting tissue, bleeding is usually minimal.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Balloon sinuplasty aims to permanently widen the sinus openings. As such, many patients experience long-lasting relief from sinus pressure, congestion, and infections. While it doesn’t prevent future colds or allergies, it can significantly reduce sinus-related symptoms.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has been serving the Auburn and Federal Way communities for 40+ years. Our providers focus on personalized, patient-centered care, taking the time to listen, explain your options, and recommend treatments that truly fit your needs. If chronic sinus symptoms are affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation to explore your candidacy for a balloon sinuplasty in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, today.
