If you’re suffering from severe and chronic sinus infections or blocked or inflamed sinuses, then balloon sinuplasty may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Over time, blocked or inflamed passages can affect your breathing and cause headaches, jaw aches, or insomnia.

This minimally invasive, highly effective procedure may be an option for patients with sinus problems that do not respond to other treatments — such as nasal decongestant medications and rinses, antibiotics, or corticosteroids. With its high success rate and low risk of complications, balloon sinuplasty has become one of the most common types of sinus surgeries. In addition, many insurance companies now cover this procedure.

If these problems are affecting you — and you want to “Breathe Better Now” — schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuperan to find out if balloon sinuplasty is right for you.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus surgery designed to open blocked sinus passages and restore normal drainage. Instead of cutting or removing tissue, your sinus specialist inserts a small balloon into the nasal passage and gently inflates it to widen the opening. Once the passage is dilated, saline solution helps flush out mucus and infection before the balloon is removed.

Breathe Better – Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

In addition to the advantages of safety and immediate results, balloon sinuplasty also allows for a short recovery time.

Other benefits include:

• Lower risk of bleeding (compared to traditional endoscopic sinus surgeries)
• No intended damage or removal of any sinus tissues, structures, etc.
• Fewer postoperative appointments required
• Less need for operative or postoperative pain medications
• And many others

“Balloon sinuplasty is one of the most effective ways to treat chronic sinus issues, with studies showing more than 90% of patients report long-term symptom relief,” explains award-winning specialist Dr. Arjuna Kuperan. “What I love most is how quickly patients notice the difference—many are breathing better within days.”

An additional advantage of choosing Dr. Kuperan is that he uses sedation to reduce or eliminate pain, whereas many other surgeons do not offer sedation. Most balloon sinuplasty patients report improved symptoms — including more open, clear nasal passages — 3 and 6 months after surgery, without any unanticipated side effects.

The Balloon Sinuplasty Process

Before the Procedure

Dr. Kuperan will review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies to ensure balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment option. You’ll receive preparation instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications or arranging a ride home after the procedure.

Step by Step Process

Dr. Kuperan performs the balloon sinuplasty procedure in his office in less than an hour, with no cutting or loss of nasal tissues or bone. Balloon sinus dilation enables Dr. Kuperan to widen blocked nasal passages and flush out/remove congestion — usually with a saline solution.

Once the patient is sedated so that the treatment can be pain-free, Dr. Kuperan uses an endoscope to look inside the nostrils. This small camera is used to guide the nasal balloon through the sinuses, and then the balloon is gently inflated to dilate the drainage pathways. After these pathways are cleared and drained with saline, the patient should awaken with noticeably improved breathing. 

After the Procedure

After balloon sinuplasty, most people can go home after a few hours and return to most regular activities after 24-48 hours. However, it’s usually advisable to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Many patients recommend sleeping or resting with their head or neck in an elevated position to help with drainage. Dr. Kuperan may advise against blowing your nose for 1-2 days after surgery. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help manage any irritation or discomfort.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Balloon sinuplasty is considered very safe, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some potential risks and temporary side effects. Most are minor and resolve within days. 

These may include:

• Bloody drainage
• Temporary congestion
• Sinus pressure or tenderness
• Grogginess or fatigue from sedation
• Mild numbness

In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, including:

• Injury to surrounding sinus structures
• Changes to the sense of smell
• Changes in the appearance of the nose

Discussing your full health history with Dr. Kuperan helps minimize these risks and ensures the safest outcome.

Recovery After Balloon Sinuplasty

Most patients enjoy a quick recovery, often resuming light daily activities within one to two days. You may notice drainage, congestion, or fatigue during the first week, but these symptoms generally improve quickly. Regular saline rinses, over-the-counter medications, and following your specialist’s instructions will help support the healing process. Many patients notice lasting relief from sinus symptoms within weeks, with continued improvements over several months.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Right for You?

Balloon sinuplasty may be a good option if you:

• Have chronic sinus infections that don’t improve with medication
• Experience ongoing nasal congestion, headaches, or facial pressure
• Want a minimally invasive treatment with shorter downtime than traditional surgery

→ Take our Sinus Quiz to find out if you’re a candidate.

Sinus Quiz

Meet with Our Houston Sinus Specialist for a Consultation

To find out if you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, please make an appointment with Dr. Kuperan. As a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) — and one of a select few fellowship certified rhinologists in Texas — he will assess your symptoms and help you determine the right treatment for you.

If you have chronic or severe sinus infections and would like to talk about a balloon sinuplasty, contact Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus at (281) 645-5280 or click here to request a consultation.