What is balloon sinuplasty? Am I a candidate for balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections by opening blocked sinus passages and improving sinus drainage. During the procedure, a small balloon catheter is gently inserted into the sinus opening and inflated to widen the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not remove significant tissue or bone, which often allows for less discomfort, less bleeding, and a faster recovery for appropriate candidates.
Patients with chronic nasal congestion, facial pressure, sinus headaches, postnasal drip, recurrent sinus infections, or difficulty breathing through the nose may benefit from balloon sinuplasty if medical therapy has not provided lasting relief. Many patients in Houston who struggle with chronic sinus symptoms despite antibiotics, nasal sprays, saline rinses, or allergy treatment are surprised to learn that a minimally invasive option may be available. Balloon sinuplasty is commonly performed in-office under local anesthesia, allowing many patients to return to normal activities quickly.
At SCENT Houston, Dr. Madeleine S. Herman evaluates patients for balloon sinuplasty using a detailed ENT examination, nasal endoscopy, and often an in-office CT scan of the sinuses to determine whether blocked sinus drainage pathways are contributing to symptoms. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the severity of sinus disease, anatomy, inflammation, and prior response to medical treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
You may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty if you experience chronic sinusitis symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks, recurrent sinus infections, chronic nasal congestion, facial pressure, postnasal drip, or sinus headaches that do not improve with medications alone. Balloon sinuplasty is often a good option for patients with chronic inflammation or blocked sinus drainage pathways who want a less invasive alternative to traditional sinus surgery.
However, not every patient with sinus symptoms is an ideal candidate for balloon sinuplasty. Some patients may have severe nasal polyps, advanced sinus disease, fungal sinusitis, significant structural abnormalities, or other conditions that are better treated with traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. A comprehensive evaluation by a sinus specialist is important to determine the best treatment approach.
At SCENT Houston, patients undergo a personalized evaluation that may include nasal endoscopy and in-office sinus CT imaging to determine whether balloon sinuplasty is appropriate. The goal is to identify the underlying cause of chronic sinus symptoms and create a treatment plan that improves sinus drainage, nasal breathing, and long-term quality of life.
At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, patients are evaluated by a board-certified ENT with advanced training in sinus and nasal airway surgery. Dr. Madeleine Herman specializes in treating complex sinus conditions, nasal obstruction, and breathing issues using both traditional and minimally invasive techniques—tailored to each patient’s anatomy and symptoms. Dr. Herman is a Houstonia Magazine Top Doctor 2020-2026, a Houston Chronicle "Best of the Best" 2026 nominee, and has multiple publications in advanced sinonasal disease treatments. You can also relax knowing that every evaluation and surgery is performed by her.