For patients experiencing blockages in the nasal passages and sinuses, a surgical procedure may be the best way to alleviate breathing difficulties and address the problem. Some chronic conditions like sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus passages and cavities, can be relieved with sinus surgery as well. Given the delicate, hard to reach nature of the sinuses, endoscopic sinus surgery techniques are best for achieving successful results. If you’re considering a sinus surgery to relieve your own symptoms, here’s what you can expect from your impending procedure.
Who Is a Candidate for Sinus Surgery?
Many everyday sinus and nasal troubles can be managed with medications, treatments, and other therapies with the help of an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Sometimes, though, the problems are unmanageable and surgery may become the only practical option to address them. Good candidates for sinus surgery should be in good overall health aside from their sinus troubles, should not be smokers, and should understand the potential risks and benefits of their procedure.
Some of the common problems experienced by the men, women, and teens who make the best surgical candidates include evidence of a chronic sinusitis despite medical treatments, a fungal infection of the sinuses, nasal and/or sinus polys, any structural abnormalities found in the nose and/or sinuses, a deep sinus infection which has spread to the bone, cancer within the sinuses, and other illnesses. Consult with your ENT specialist and a facial plastic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for your difficulties with breathing and warding off chronic illnesses in this area.
What Does Endoscopic Surgery Involve?
There are several surgeries that can be performed endoscopic, including sinus surgery. Endoscopic procedures utilize and endoscope, a tiny camera that is inserted into the body to give the surgeon a better view of the internal parts. Typically, fine instruments will also be inserted to perform the surgery from outside the body with only the camera to provide a viewpoint. There are many benefits to an endoscopic surgery, which will be discussed in more detail.
How Is Endoscopic Nasal Surgery Performed?
During an endoscopic nasal surgery, the endoscope is inserted through the nostrils to provide the surgeon with an internal view of the patient’s nostrils. Surgical instruments are then inserted and used to remove blockages and improve sinus drainage. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia to guarantee the patient’s health and safety. Accuracy in this area of the body is essential because there are so many delicate areas that could be accidentally harmed. For this reason, you should choose a facial plastic surgeon you trust to perform this difficult surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Nasal Surgery?
Sinus surgery has been proven to relieve the symptoms and difficulties that are associated with nasal polyps, sinusitis, septal deviations, and more. Following surgery, patients are typically able to breathe better, may notice a relief in sinus pressure, and should end a long cycle of chronic sinusitis. The overall goals of sinus surgery include:
- Achieving a reduction in the number of sinus infections and their severity
- Improving the many unpleasant symptoms of sinusitis
- Allowing greater airflow through the nose
- And sometimes, improving the patient’s sense of smell
An endoscopic sinus surgery offers patients many more benefits just by the very nature of the procedure. When you opt for the endoscopic version of this procedure, your whole surgical experience will be different. As your plastic surgeon works away at the task at hand, he’ll be using his endoscopic camera to get a better look. Typically, using an endoscope means fewer incisions for the patient, which in turn means fewer areas to allow to heal. With endoscopic sinus surgery, however, no incisions are required at all since the camera can be inserted through the nostrils. The only surgical changes are made internally, so many patients are able to return home the same day.
Where Can I Learn More About Nasal Surgery?
Get answers to all of your questions about nasal surgery and how it might benefit you by meeting with a facial plastic surgeon who has extensive knowledge, experience, and outstanding qualifications on the matter. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a facial plastic surgeon that can provide the guidance you need. Please contact us either by email or calling 845-562-6673. Dr. Rubinstein’s practice, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, has two locations in New York, one in Newburgh and one in Manhattan.
Dr. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 15 years and specializes in esthetic laser producers, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.