Balloon Sinuplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO

Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that addresses rhinosinusitis, or sinusitis, which is a long-term swelling of the nose and sinus passages. It is an ongoing immune response, and the common signs are a blocked nose, thick mucus drainage, face pressure, and a weak sense of smell.

Dr. Rob Cristel is a double board-certified surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He leads his practice, Synergi Facial Surgery, by providing individualized care and evidence-based techniques to deliver the goals of each patient. Contact us online or call our office at (314) 523-5738 to learn more about how you can cure your sinus concerns.

About Rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis is a swelling of the nose and sinus passageways that typically lasts weeks to months. This condition causes a stuffed or blocked nose that creates breathing difficulties, thick yellow or green mucus in the nose or throat, pain, aching, or swelling in the face, eyes, or forehead, a weakened sense of smell, and trouble sleeping. (1) Many factors can trigger or cause rhinosinusitis, including an overactive immune reaction, type 2 inflammation, nasal polyps, allergies, asthma, exposure to smoke or pollution, or a crooked septum.

Types of Rhinosinusitis

There are two main types of rhinosinusitis: acute and chronic.

Acute rhinosinusitis lasts less than four weeks, and you may experience a stuffy nose, facial pressure, yellow or green mucus, and loss of smell. Most of the time, it will improve in about a week or ten days with simple care.

Chronic rhinosinusitis typically lasts 12 weeks or more and is caused by allergies, swollen nasal tissue, or lasting infections. You may experience ongoing stuffiness, thick mucus, a lingering cough, or dull facial aching.

How Can a Balloon Sinuplasty Help?

A balloon sinuplasty can help treat chronic rhinosinusitis by inserting a small, flexible balloon catheter into the blocked sinus pathways and gently inflating it. This action is able to widen the natural drainage openings, without cutting or removing any bone or tissue, to restore normal airflow and ease pressure. This also helps drain mucus and remove other blockages. Balloon sinuplasty can also reduce a patient’s reliance on medications, reduce the frequency of debilitating sinus infections, and lower the need for repeated rounds of antibiotics. (2)

Benefits

A balloon sinuplasty does not require incisions or tissue removal, making it a minimally invasive yet incredibly effective procedure. Under Dr. Cristel’s care, patients see benefits such as:

  • Minimal recovery times
  • Reduced mucus buildup
  • Safe and effective treatment
  • Clearer airflow and reduced congestion
  • Reduced risk of sinus infection
  • Enhanced nasal drainage

Candidates

If you are suffering with chronic sinusitis or a recurrent acute sinus infection where symptoms do not improve with medications, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure. Balloon sinuplasty is also ideal if you have multiple sinus infections a year. This is often a clear sign of an underlying concern and not just a superficial issue. Ideal candidates are in good general health and hold realistic expectations for achievable outcomes. Dr. Cristel will determine candidacy during the consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Cristel will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail. He will also perform a physical examination of your nasal pathways and a nasal endoscopy to evaluate your chronic congestion or infections. After gathering this information, he will explain how balloon sinuplasty can benefit you, how the procedure unfolds, and what improvements you can expect. He will also provide further details about your anesthetic options and recovery process. By explaining every step of the procedure, Dr. Cristel aims for you to feel confident and comfortable before entering treatment.

If you are ready to alleviate your rhinosinusitis, feel comfortable breathing again, and no longer experience disturbances through each changing season, contact us online or call our office at (314) 523-5738 to schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

Effectively preparing for a balloon sinuplasty lays a foundation for an effective treatment and optimal results. Dr. Cristel will provide you with specific preparation guidelines, but general instructions include:

  • Pause the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements
  • Arrange transportation home after your procedure
  • Pick up prescribed post-procedure nasal sprays, saline rinses, or pain relievers ahead of time
  • Avoid alcohol consumption
  • Cease smoking or other nicotine use
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing to your procedure

Procedure

At the beginning of your procedure, you will receive sedation and/or local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Dr. Cristel will utilize an endoscope, which is a specialized instrument with a camera, to look inside your nasal passages. With the help of the endoscope, he will carefully and strategically pass a balloon catheter into the nostrils and gradually inflate it to open up the sinus passageways. Once your nostrils are open, he will clear and drain the trapped mucus, pus, and debris from the sinuses with a saline solution. (3) Once he completes this step, he will deflate the balloon and remove the entire catheter system, leaving the natural pathways open.

Recovery

Immediately after your procedure, you may return home and resume normal light activities within 24 to 48 hours. (4) You must avoid blowing your nose for the first 24 hours to let the delicate tissue heal and use the prescribed saline nasal sprays to keep the passages clean and prevent crusting. Dr. Cristel also recommends prioritizing rest and avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercises for the first couple of days. Additionally, you should sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling and improve nighttime breathing. If you are experiencing any discomfort, over-the-counter or prescribed medications can help provide relief.

Results

Your balloon sinuplasty will create noticeable improvements in nasal breathing and drainage, relieve congestion, and alleviate pressure. Long-term, your nasal passages will remain open and clear, resulting in easier breathing, fewer infections, and a drastically reduced need for antibiotics. Patients can prolong their outcomes by protecting their nasal health. Because this procedure involves the widening of the sinus pathways, the structural changes do not wear out.

Cost of Balloon Sinuplasty in Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Kirkwood, MO

The total cost of your balloon sinuplasty will vary depending on your insurance. Because balloon sinuplasty corrects a functional concern, most insurance providers will cover this procedure. Dr. Cristel and the Synergi team can help you explore your coverage options and navigate this process.

Contact us online or call any of our offices in Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, or Chesterfield at (314) 523-5738 to explore balloon sinuplasty and receive a cost estimate!

FAQ

Are there any risks involved in a balloon sinuplasty procedure?

A balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with few side effects. Every treatment carries certain risks, but severe complications are rare under the hands and expertise of Dr. Cristel. Because balloon sinuplasty does not involve incisions, tissue plication, or invasive surgical techniques, serious complications are rare.

How long will my results from a balloon sinuplasty last?

Balloon sinuplasty results are generally permanent. Because the procedure involves the widening of natural sinus pathways, the structural changes do not wear out.

How long will my balloon sinuplasty recovery last?

Balloon sinuplasty recovery typically lasts one to two weeks, with ongoing improvements continuing over the span of the first month.

Who is an ideal candidate for a balloon sinuplasty?

You may be an ideal candidate for a balloon sinuplasty if you are suffering with chronic sinusitis or a recurring state of sinus infections without seeing any improvements through medications.

How much does a balloon sinuplasty procedure cost?

The total cost of your balloon sinuplasty depends on the severity of your concerns, whether you require or undergo additional procedures, and on your overall goals. Dr. Cristel will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation.

Does insurance cover balloon sinuplasty?

Most major insurance providers, including Medicare, cover balloon sinuplasty. Because individual policies vary, we cannot guarantee coverage for each patient, but we can help you compile the documentation you may need and navigate the coverage process.

References

  1. Kasprzyk A, Franczak-Józefkiewicz E, Mielnik-Niedzielska G, Niedzielski A. Side-Specific Concordance Between Nasal Endoscopy and Computed Tomography Severity in Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland). 2026;16(15):2326. doi:10.3390/diagnostics16152326
  2. Raghunandhan S, Bansal T, Natarajan K, Kameswaran M. Efficacy & Outcomes of Balloon Sinuplasty in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Study. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2012;65(S2):314-319. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0462-9
  3. Levine HL, Sertich AP, Hoisington DR, Weiss RL, Pritikin J, PatiENT Registry Study Group. Multicenter registry of balloon catheter sinusotomy outcomes for 1,036 patients. The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology. 2008;117(4):263-270. doi:10.1177/000348940811700405
  4. Bachert C, Hicks A, Gane S, et al. The interleukin-4/interleukin-13 pathway in type 2 inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Frontiers in Immunology. 2024;15. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356298