Balloon sinuplasty(BSP) represents a paradigm shift in the surgical treatment for Richmond sinusitis patients. It is a minimally invasive method of enlarging the openings into the sinuses, helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of sinusitis. The balloon sinuplasty procedure can make a significant improvement in patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis. Richmond sinus and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Bridges M.D. FACS is a Richmond Balloon Sinuplasty Specialist trained and in and double board certified in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which allows him to confidently perform this breakthrough surgery at his office in Midlothian, VA. 

Balloon sinuplasty involves using an endoscope to thread a light wire through the nose and into the sinuses. Once the wire has been inserted into the sinus, a balloon is passed over the wire into the opening of the sinus. The balloon is inflated for a few seconds, deflated, and then removed. Inflation of the balloon in the opening of the sinus causes microfractures of the thin bone that makes up the opening. This occurs without damage to the overlying mucosal covering. The bone then heals in the new configuration.

Dr. Bridges can perform balloon sinuplasty in an accredited surgical facility with the patient under general anesthesia, or in his clinic using topical anesthesia. In the office, small cotton squares coated with special numbing gel are inserted in the nose.  This technique does not require injections.  Once the patient is comfortable, Dr. Bridges is able to perform the procedure in a few minutes.  If no sedation is used, patients can drive themselves home soon after the procedure. The recovery process is fairly easy since pain is minimal and there is little to no bleeding. Saline rinses should be performed by the patient at home twice per day after the procedure. Minor nasal congestion and soreness usually resolve in about 1 week. Patients can return to work in as soon as 1 – 3 days, depending on their recovery progress.  

The balloon used during the procedure is plastic and does not contain any latex. Patients with latex allergies should still inform Dr. Bridges during the initial consultation so a latex-free environment can be prepared for the procedure.

Some Richmond sinus patients have recurrent sinusitis and require treatment with antibiotics multiple times per year.  They may suffer from symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue, facial pain or headaches, but between episodes, these patients usually do not have significant symptoms. Other patients have chronic sinusitis, which means symptoms appear almost every day.  Both groups of Richmond sinusitis patients may struggle with these symptoms throughout their life and can be helped with balloon sinuplasty.

Studies show long term improvement in sinusitis symptoms as well as persistent enlargement of the dilated sinuses for at least 5 years. The effects are therefore believed to be permanent.

The materials used in the balloon sinuplasty procedure have been approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) since 2005. BSP is a very safe, minimally invasive procedure that has been performed on over 300,000 patients for a significantly improved quality of life.