Sinus treatments have evolved a great deal from the early origins of surgery. Modern medicine has provided doctors with advances in medicine and important technology, such as the endoscope. This tool promotes minimally invasive treatments with the same benefits of more extensive procedures of the past but with shorter recovery periods and a lower risk of tissue damage and infection. In an effort to better understand procedures that are currently performed, we look back to the recent history of sinus surgery and related procedures.
Caldwell-Luc Sinus Surgery
The maxillary sinus cavities are internally located below each cheekbone. When inflamed, these sinuses and the overlying area of the cheeks may be sensitive to the touch or cause pain in the upper teeth of the mouth. In the past, these sinus cavities were accessed during an invasive surgery known as the Caldwell-Luc procedure. The surgeon would create an incision in the gums to gain access to each maxillary sinus, so the cavity could be cleaned and expanded. This promoted more effective drainage through the nostrils, by way of the nose.
While the procedure remains effective for a limited number of cases with specific issues, there are far less invasive and more efficient treatments available today. Balloon sinuplasty, for instance, will expand the sinus passageways to promoted long term drainage. The second part of the procedure includes a saline flush of the sinuses to clear them of any bacteria, pus, or mucus that remains.
External Ethmoidectomy
The ethmoid sinuses are located on either side of the upper nasal bridge and were once treated exclusively through a surgical cut in this area. When local tissues and bones prevent proper drainage, they can be removed through eternal ethmoidectomy. The partitions that exist between these sinuses are surgically altered to construct larger sinus cavities that more effectively drain mucus.
Nowadays, doctors are able to access these sinuses using an endoscope, and an external incision is typically deemed unnecessary. A small tube fitted with a camera and a light are guided up through each nostril where the doctor can then access the ethmoid sinuses with fine surgical instruments. The endoscopic sinus surgery provides the same benefit of opening the sinuses to promote drainage without causing the external trauma associated with the older version of the ethmoidectomy.
Frontal Sinus Operations
Prior to endoscopic surgical techniques, the frontal sinus was accessed through an incision in the brow or hairline to offer some disguise of the resulting scars rather than disfigurement. Once the doctor had accessed the front of this sinus cavity, a hole was drilled into the bone so each sinus could be irrigated. This specific type of frontal sinus surgery is called trephination.
Doctor Rubinstein can now expand sinus passageways and cleanse a bacterial infection through balloon sinuplasty. Additional treatments options may include an endoscopic procedure, a surgery performed through stereotactic navigation, or the removal of scar tissue or polyps.
Visit Dr. Rubinstein for Sinus Treatments
Doctor Rubinstein has a well-rounded background as a facial plastic surgeon, which has led to exceptional familiarity with facial anatomy. Because of this training and experience coupled with a specialization in sinus disorders, as the doctor is also a practicing ENT, patients benefit tremendously from Dr. Rubinstein’s comprehensive care. The doctor heads two practices in the Hudson Valley, New York Area – Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists and Hudson Valley Sinus Center. While the doctor began his work in facial plastics, he soon realized that many of his patients also required treatment plans to care for these crucial anatomical structures. The doctor specializes in the following sinus treatments:
- Allergy treatment and shots
- Balloon sinus dilation
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
- Stereotactic navigation
- Septoplasty
- Turbinate reduction
- Snoring treatments
More about Dr. Rubinstein
Patients of the Hudson Valley area have benefitted from Dr. Rubinstein’s skills as a facial plastic surgeon for almost sixteen years. Through his extensive knowledge and application of laser procedures, facial plastic surgery, and nasal and sinus treatments, the doctor improves aesthetics as well as functionality of the facial features. The doctor received his board certifications through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The doctor is also a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
Please contact the Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists office through the Patient Consultation Form or by phone at 845-863-1772, or the Hudson Valley Sinus Center at 845-562-6673. Dr. Rubinstein’s practice, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, has two New York locations in Newburgh and Manhattan. The upstate and city locations provide patients with convenient options to meet with the doctor.